NORM

1
NORM
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE NORM RADIATION

• MOHAMMED AL-KAABI
• Kerbala University- College of Science
• Physics Dep.

AHMAD UMER ABDULLAH Research and Development
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Why NORM Occurs
April 30, 2012

• Reservoir rock contains small amounts of natural
  uranium and thorium and their radioactive
  daughters. One daughter, radium, is water
  soluble- dissolves in the reservoir
  water.
• Radium can precipitates with the barium and
  calcium ions to make any scales slightly
  radioactive (NORM).
• Clay and fine particles can absorb the radium
  from the formation water.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
3
Why NORM Occurs
April 30, 2012
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
4
Hazards of NORM Scale
April 30, 2012

• Because NORM scale generally contains so little
  activity, the external radiation field is
  generally low. However some old tubular,
  separators or pumps may give measurable radiation
  fields.
• Because of the high alpha content, NORM scale is
  a significant internal hazard.
• Therefore priority is to stop NORM scale
  particles being inhaled or ingested.
• This alpha toxicity also makes safe disposal
  important.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
5
Where it Appears
April 30, 2012

• NORM scale appears within the well fluid handling
  system
• Tubing string (especially tailpipe)
• Subsurface safety valves
• Wellheads
• Manifolds
• Separators
• Oil coolers
• Produced water pipework.

• It can also appear in the service water system,
  in pig wax in storage cells etc.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Miscellaneous Valves
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Pipework
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Oil Cooler Plates
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Oil Separators
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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How it Gets There
April 30, 2012

• Incompatible waters mix as they pass through
  perforations - this starts scale depositing in
  the tailpipe and tubing, then throughout the
  plant.
• Deposition is heaviest in areas of turbulence
  beyond bends, valves, restrictions.
• Also where temperature or pressure changes occur
  such tubular, chokes, separators, coolers.
• Separator deposits - clays may absorb
  radionuclides directly from water.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
11
What Scales Look Like
April 30, 2012

• Pure barium sulphate is hard dense white solid.
  Pure NORM scale can be like that (especially in
  tubular).
• More usually thin, eggshell-like, light or dark
  brown.
• Can be stratified, like rings in a tree trunk.
• Separator sludge are granular suspensions.
• Sometimes deep in the surface matrix, so not
  visible.
• Pig waxes are black tarry materials, often with
  chunks of rust and scale mixed in.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
12
What Scales Look Like
April 30, 2012
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
13
NORM in Gas Wells
April 30, 2012

• NORM can also be found in gas wells where no
  fluids are present.
• Here it is due to radioactive lead-210 plating
  out on surfaces from the gas.
• The gas is radioactive because of the
  radioactive radon gas in the formation
  accumulating in it.
• This radon then decays to the lead-210.
• This layer is thin and cannot always be seen.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
14
Worker Protection

• Protection from External Exposure
• Protection from Internal Exposure

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
15
Protection from External Exposure Protection from
Internal Exposure
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
16
Protection from External Exposure
Three Effective Strategies-Time-

• Minimize the time , you will minimize the dose.
• Pre-plan the experiment/procedure to minimize
  exposure time.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Three Effective Strategies-Distance-
Protection from External Exposure

• Doubling the distance from the NORM source can
  reduce your exposure intensity by 25.
• Use forceps, tongs, and trays to increase your
  distance from the NORM source.
• Move the item being worked on away from the
  radiation area if possible.
• Know the NORM intensity where you perform most
  of your work, and move to lower dose areas during
  work delays.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Three Effective Strategies -Shielding-
Protection from External Exposure

• Position shielding between yourself and the NORM
  source at all permissible times. Take advantage
  of permanent shielding (i.e. equipment or
  existing structures).
• Select appropriate shielding material during the
  planning stages of the experiment.
• Plexiglas, plywood and lead are effective in
  shielding radiation exposure.

Exposure risk will increase when vessels are
opened for maintenance.
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
19
Protection from External Exposure
Plexiglas
Lead
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
20
Protection from internal Exposure
The Three Internal Exposure Pathways for a Worker
in the Petroleum Industry are

• Inhalation of NORM-contaminated dust or radon.
• Ingestion of NORM-contaminated particulates or
  liquids.
• Absorption of NORM-contaminated particulates or
  liquids through the skin.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
21
Protection from internal Exposure
The risks from maintenance activities include

• Improper safety procedures for entering pressure
  vessels due to the build-up of radon gas.
• Sanding, grinding or polishing activities on
  equipment containing NORM scales that produce
  airborne NORM particulates.
• Handling of filters that are heavily
  contaminated with radon progeny, without wearing
  protective gloves.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
22
Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)

• Respiratory protection, including air purifying
  respirators (half face, with goggles, or full
  face), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  

• Protective clothing, including coveralls
• gloves and footwear (i.e. CSA-approved
• safety boots, shoe covers, etc.)

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
23
Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)

• Radiation monitoring equipment, including a
  radiation survey instrument, personal dosimeter
  or alarming dosimeter.

• All PPE to be cleaned after job and monitored as
  free from contamination.
• Contaminated PPE should not be put into drums.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
25
Radiation Badges
Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)

• In any work associated with radiation that could
  result in exposure above 10 of the limit, users
  should wear a radiation badge.
• Badges are designed to be worn to measure an
  individuals exposure on a one or two-month
  cycle.
• If lead aprons are worn, badges should be clipped
  to the shirt collar.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
26
Use of NORM Warning Signs and Barricades

• Signs and barricades restrict access of
  unauthorized workers or members of the public to
  certain process areas.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)
Pre-Use inspections for PPE

• Visual inspection of the integrity of the
  equipment.
• Pre-use review of maintenance records for
  previously-used PPE, including confirmation of no
  contamination, general maintenance schedules and
  operational checks of proper PPE function, as
  required.

Correct Use
NORM workers must received appropriate training
in the correct use of PPE, prior to its issuance.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Personal ProtectiveEquipment(PPE)
Post-Use inspections for PPE -prior to restocking
for future use -

• Conduct a visual check of equipment integrity .
• Conduct function tests of correct PPE operation,
  as applicable.
• Record results of function tests.

Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq
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Thank you for your attention!
Kerbala University-Science College-Physics Dep.
www.uokerbala.edu.iq