NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL (NORM): DETECTION PROTECTION IN THE PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY

摘要

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is very prevalent in all aspects of oil and gas production. Depending on geological formations, the rate of contamination from the rate of production also varies. Radon progeny contamination of natural gas production facilities contribute to possible exposure to long lived isotopes plating out on internal surfaces of equipment. NORM contamination is fairly common with facilities that remove ethane and propane from natural gas. This paper will discuss the instrumentation needed to effectively monitor for NORM, overview of when decontamination will be needed, the government regulations and the NORM training requirements for personnel working in a facility containing NORM. Having a NORM plan in place during turnaround activities will dramatically reduce cost, as well as downtime, and also help avoid unnecessary delays.