DEALING WITH NORM AT SHELL CANADA LIMITED'S JUMPING POUND GAS PLANT

摘要

Shell Canada Limited's Jumping Pound Gas Plant has two propane molecular sieve treaters to remove sulphur species from the propane product. In 2007, the molecular sieve had reached the end of its useful life and needed to be replaced. The last molecular sieve replacement was done in 1989.rnIn 2005 and 2006, a NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) screening survey was conducted at Jumping Pound. The survey revealed that NORM were present within the propane treaters. In a gas processing plant, the area of the plant where propane is processed is more susceptible to NORM contamination since radon has a similar boiling point to propane. NORM poses long-term health risks when inhaled or ingested. The long-term effects of excessive exposure to NORM include cancer.rnThis paper is focused on sharing Jumping Pound's experiences with the removal of NORM-contaminated molecular sieve from the propane treaters. The results of the NORM survey significantly impacted the site's historical molecular sieve replacement plan. A method was developed to minimize personnel exposure to dust particles from the treaters during removal of the molecular sieve and ensure appropriate disposal as the treaters were suspected to contain NORM.