Radiation Safety NORM Presented By: Etech Environmental & Safety Solutions, Inc.

Radiation SafetyRadiation Safety

NORMNORM

Presented By: Etech Environmental & Safety Solutions, Inc.Presented By: Etech Environmental & Safety Solutions, Inc.

RadioactivityRadioactivity

The tendency of The tendency of unstable atoms to unstable atoms to undergo radioactive undergo radioactive decay.decay.

Radioactive atoms Radioactive atoms are called are called radionuclides.radionuclides.

Background RadiationBackground Radiation

Is unavoidableIs unavoidable

Comes from cosmic sources and earth Comes from cosmic sources and earth materialsmaterials

Averages 10 - 20 uR/hr gamma in the Averages 10 - 20 uR/hr gamma in the USAUSA

What is NORM?What is NORM?

““Naturally occurring radioactive material”Naturally occurring radioactive material”

The oil & gas industry is mainly concerned The oil & gas industry is mainly concerned with 3 types of radioactive materials:with 3 types of radioactive materials: Radium – 226Radium – 226 Radium – 228Radium – 228 Radon – 222Radon – 222

A Quick Chemistry Lesson!A Quick Chemistry Lesson!

Uranium 238 and Uranium 238 and Thorium 232 decay Thorium 232 decay and change into many and change into many different radioactive different radioactive materials (daughter materials (daughter minerals), including minerals), including Radium 226 and Radium 226 and Radium 228, finally Radium 228, finally becoming a stable becoming a stable Lead (non-Lead (non-radioactive).radioactive).

Uranium 238Thorium 232

Radium 226 Radium 228

NORMNORM

Naturally Occurring Radioactive MaterialNaturally Occurring Radioactive MaterialPrevalent in scale from produced water Prevalent in scale from produced water

operations in certain oil fieldsoperations in certain oil fields

Most common emitter is Alpha but can also Most common emitter is Alpha but can also contain Gamma & Betacontain Gamma & Beta

Greatest hazards present for most sites are Greatest hazards present for most sites are respiratory and ingestionrespiratory and ingestionSome sites may have time exposure potentialSome sites may have time exposure potential

NORMNORM

Radium will dissolve readily into Radium will dissolve readily into production production waterwater associated with oil & gas production associated with oil & gas production (water rich in chlorides)(water rich in chlorides)

It will not dissolve into the oil itself.It will not dissolve into the oil itself. Example: When water flooding a formation. Example: When water flooding a formation.

(inject water at various areas around a formation (inject water at various areas around a formation to aid in the flow rate to the well.) The mixing of to aid in the flow rate to the well.) The mixing of formation water and injection water can cause formation water and injection water can cause scale to form.scale to form.

NORM - ScaleNORM - Scale

NORM accumulation in scale is typically the NORM accumulation in scale is typically the result of radium precipitating out of the result of radium precipitating out of the produced water along with barium produced water along with barium sulfates.sulfates.

Major Types of RadiationMajor Types of Radiation

SourceSource(Symbol)(Symbol)

FormForm

# of # of ionizations ionizations

per cm of Airper cm of Air

Path Length Path Length in Airin Air

Hazard Hazard Location of Location of

SourceSource

AlphaAlpha

((αα))ParticleParticle 100,000’s100,000’s < 1 inch< 1 inch InternalInternal

BetaBeta

((ββ))ParticleParticle 100’s100’s 1 meter1 meter

InternalInternal

&&

ExternalExternal

GammaGamma

((γγ))

Electro-Electro-magnetic magnetic EnergyEnergy

11

Several Several Meters to Meters to

KilometersKilometers

InternalInternal

&&

ExternalExternal

DefinitionsDefinitions Roentgen – The unit of measure for X or gamma Roentgen – The unit of measure for X or gamma

radiation in air. (R)radiation in air. (R) Roentgen Absorbed Dose (RAD) – The unit of measure Roentgen Absorbed Dose (RAD) – The unit of measure

for radiation energy transferred to an absorbing tissue.for radiation energy transferred to an absorbing tissue. Quality Factor – The factor by which absorbed doses are Quality Factor – The factor by which absorbed doses are

multiplied to obtain a quantity that expresses the risk multiplied to obtain a quantity that expresses the risk associated with the dose.associated with the dose.

Roentgen Equivalent Man (REM) – The unit of measure Roentgen Equivalent Man (REM) – The unit of measure which represents the risk associated with radiation which represents the risk associated with radiation exposure. exposure.

1 R = 1 REM1 R = 1 REM

ExampleExample

RadRad xx QFQF = Rem= Rem

GammaGamma 1 Rad1 Rad xx 11 = 1 Rem= 1 Rem

BetaBeta 1 Rad1 Rad xx (1 to 2.6)(1 to 2.6) = 1 to 2.6 = 1 to 2.6 RemRem

AlphaAlpha 1 Rad1 Rad xx 2020 = 20 REM= 20 REM

Sub-unitsSub-units

Millirems (mRem)Millirems (mRem)1000 mRem = 1 Rem1000 mRem = 1 Rem

Microrems (Microrems (µµRem)Rem)1000 1000 µµ Rem = 1mRem Rem = 1mRem

1,000,000 1,000,000 µµRem = 1 RemRem = 1 Rem

Acute Exposure RiskAcute Exposure Risk

700 Rem 700 Rem = = LDLD100100

600 Rem 600 Rem = = LDLD9999

450 Rem 450 Rem = = LDLD5050

200 Rem 200 Rem = = LDLDLOLO

100 Rem 100 Rem = = TDTDLOLO

25 Rem 25 Rem = = EDEDLOLO

A normal U.S. citizen has a 25% risk of cancer.

1 Rem increases that risk to 25.03%.

100 Rem increases the risk to 28%.

The USEPA action level for personnel safety is 1mr above background

Why be cautious of NORM?Why be cautious of NORM?

Radium is a “bone seeker”Radium is a “bone seeker”

If radium is ingested or inhaled, it will If radium is ingested or inhaled, it will migrate to the bones of the body where it migrate to the bones of the body where it has the ability to remain for a very long has the ability to remain for a very long time.time.

Radium is carcinogenic and is directly Radium is carcinogenic and is directly linked to diseases of the bones such as linked to diseases of the bones such as leukemia and bone cancer. leukemia and bone cancer.

Should I be worried?Should I be worried?

The National Council on Radiation The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Protection and Measurements (NCRP) has stated that while exposure of workers has stated that while exposure of workers and the general public should be kept to and the general public should be kept to the lowest practical level at all times, the the lowest practical level at all times, the presently permitted doses represent a presently permitted doses represent a level of risk that is small compared to other level of risk that is small compared to other risks encountered in everyday life.risks encountered in everyday life.

Exposure Reduction Exposure Reduction MechanismsMechanisms

TimeTimeAmount of time exposed to and away from the Amount of time exposed to and away from the

sourcesource

DistanceDistanceCloser is not always betterCloser is not always better

ShieldingShieldingDependent upon the type of radiationDependent upon the type of radiation

Can include respiratory and skin protectionCan include respiratory and skin protection

ALARAALARAAs Low As Reasonably AchievableAs Low As Reasonably Achievable

Dose LimitsDose Limits

Total Effective Dose Equivalent of 5 Rem per Total Effective Dose Equivalent of 5 Rem per calendar year to the whole body for workers calendar year to the whole body for workers exposed to occupational radiation.exposed to occupational radiation.

For individual members of the public the dose is For individual members of the public the dose is limited to 0.1 Rem per yearlimited to 0.1 Rem per year

A declared pregnant women is limited to a Dose A declared pregnant women is limited to a Dose Equivalent to the Embro/Fetus of 500 mRem Equivalent to the Embro/Fetus of 500 mRem during her pregnancy, delivered at a during her pregnancy, delivered at a recommended rate of approximately 50 mRem recommended rate of approximately 50 mRem per month or less.per month or less.

HazardHazard life expectancy life expectancy loss estimateloss estimate

Smoking (20 cig/day)Smoking (20 cig/day) 6 years6 years

CancerCancer 3.4 years3.4 years

Overweight (15%)Overweight (15%) 2 years2 years

Alcohol (US Avg)Alcohol (US Avg) 1 year1 year

Vehicle accidentsVehicle accidents 360 days360 days

Lightning Lightning 1.1 days1.1 days

Single dose of 1 mRemSingle dose of 1 mRem 2.1 minutes2.1 minutes

Health Risks Health Risks

NORMNORM

Naturally occurring radioactive materials Naturally occurring radioactive materials are present all around us.are present all around us.

They are found in our backyard soil, food They are found in our backyard soil, food drinking water, even in our bodies.drinking water, even in our bodies.

TENORMTENORM

TENORMTENORM is “technologically enhanced” is “technologically enhanced”

Oil & gas production and refining are Oil & gas production and refining are examples of technical processes which examples of technical processes which concentrateconcentrate NORM. NORM.

Where NORM is found in the Where NORM is found in the OilfieldOilfield

Water linesWater linesFlowlinesFlowlinesSeparatorsSeparatorsWater/Production TanksWater/Production TanksPumpsPumpsHeater treatersHeater treaterswellheadswellheads

General Regulatory InformationGeneral Regulatory Information

Department of State Health Services Department of State Health Services (DSHS) regulates the management (DSHS) regulates the management (receipt, possession and storage), (receipt, possession and storage), *transportation and *disposal of NORM.*transportation and *disposal of NORM.

Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) Texas Railroad Commission (TRRC) regulates the requirement for surveying regulates the requirement for surveying tank batteries and the disposal of oil and tank batteries and the disposal of oil and gas NORM waste. gas NORM waste.

General Regulatory General Regulatory Requirements Requirements cont.cont.

All tank batteries must be surveyed by the All tank batteries must be surveyed by the operator and labeled if NORM is present…… operator and labeled if NORM is present…… (TRRC).(TRRC).

Any equipment with a reading of 50uR/hr or Any equipment with a reading of 50uR/hr or greater (including background) is considered greater (including background) is considered NORM contaminated (TRC,DSHS).NORM contaminated (TRC,DSHS).

Soils/BS&W with a reading of 30 pCi/g of Ra Soils/BS&W with a reading of 30 pCi/g of Ra 226, Ra 228, Thorium or Total activity > 120 226, Ra 228, Thorium or Total activity > 120 pCi/g is considered NORM contaminated pCi/g is considered NORM contaminated (DSHS).(DSHS).

General Regulatory General Regulatory Requirements Requirements cont.cont.

All operators engaged in the possession, All operators engaged in the possession, use, transportation or storage of NORM use, transportation or storage of NORM are a general licensee.are a general licensee.

All contractors engaged in the removal, All contractors engaged in the removal, packaging, transportation and/or disposal packaging, transportation and/or disposal of NORM are required to have a specific of NORM are required to have a specific license.license.

Contractor RequirementsContractor Requirements

For each project/job a contractor must address For each project/job a contractor must address the following:the following: Preliminary Assessment Preliminary Assessment (NORM, Physical & Chemical)(NORM, Physical & Chemical)

Public ProtectionPublic Protection Personnel ProtectionPersonnel Protection VisitorsVisitors Air MonitoringAir Monitoring Contamination MinimizationContamination Minimization DecontaminationDecontamination

InstrumentationInstrumentation

Determine risk of Determine risk of exposureexposure

Determine types of Determine types of radiationradiation

InstrumentsInstruments

Consist of two main Consist of two main componentscomponents MeterMeter Probe (reads gamma)Probe (reads gamma)

MetersMeters

Two typesTwo types AnalogAnalog DigitalDigital

Most commonMost common Model 3 (Analog)Model 3 (Analog) Model 2241 (DigitalModel 2241 (Digital

Analog MetersAnalog Meters

Can be simple or Can be simple or complexcomplex

Can be set to read in Can be set to read in specific or multiple specific or multiple unitsunits

May require scale May require scale adjustment and use of adjustment and use of basic math to basic math to determine the correct determine the correct readingreading

Analog Meters - ScalingAnalog Meters - Scaling

Reading is taken based Reading is taken based upon the reading of the upon the reading of the meter multiplied by the meter multiplied by the setting of the scale (Red setting of the scale (Red Arrow)Arrow)

May require resetting May require resetting (Yellow Arrow) every time (Yellow Arrow) every time the scale setting is the scale setting is changed or the changed or the instrument overloads the instrument overloads the current scalecurrent scale

Digital MetersDigital Meters

Most configured to Most configured to self scale, reduces self scale, reduces the potential for error.the potential for error.

Depending upon the Depending upon the instrument instrument configuration, will configuration, will read in either uR/hr, read in either uR/hr, mR/hr or CPM.mR/hr or CPM.

Can automatically Can automatically adjust for the type of adjust for the type of probe used.probe used.

ProbesProbes

Two primary types of Two primary types of probes used:probes used: Gamma ScintillationGamma Scintillation

Reads is uR or mR per Reads is uR or mR per hourhour

Alpha/BetaAlpha/Beta Common Name: Common Name:

Pancake ProbePancake Probe Measures in CPMMeasures in CPM

Other ProbesOther Probes

Probe Care and UseProbe Care and Use

Take care to prevent the probe from falling Take care to prevent the probe from falling or hitting any hard surfaceor hitting any hard surface

The membrane on a “Pancake” probe can The membrane on a “Pancake” probe can be punctured with minimal effortbe punctured with minimal effort

All probe surfaces should be kept clean of All probe surfaces should be kept clean of oil, grease, dirt or significant amounts of oil, grease, dirt or significant amounts of dustdust

Never immerse a probe in water or any Never immerse a probe in water or any other cleaning solutionother cleaning solution

General Instrument Care and UseGeneral Instrument Care and Use

Always perform a battery check before and after Always perform a battery check before and after use.use.

Always check the probe against a known source Always check the probe against a known source before and after use.before and after use.

Always reset the instrument when changing Always reset the instrument when changing scales, probes or if an overload occurs.scales, probes or if an overload occurs.

Always keep the instrument in a secure location Always keep the instrument in a secure location when transporting and remove batteries.when transporting and remove batteries.

Limitations of InstrumentsLimitations of Instruments

Accuracy may vary between userAccuracy may vary between userDistance from sourceDistance from sourceSpeed of monitoring Speed of monitoring

Thickness and type of material Thickness and type of material surrounding the sourcesurrounding the source

Annual calibrationAnnual calibration

NORM meters areNORM meters are

NOTNOT

Intrinsically SafeIntrinsically Safe

Never use a NORM meter in an Never use a NORM meter in an area where explosive vapors area where explosive vapors may be present. The meter may be present. The meter could set off an explosion.could set off an explosion.

Always check for flammable vapors Always check for flammable vapors and Hand H22S with an appropriate S with an appropriate

instrument before taking a NORM instrument before taking a NORM reading – Especially in a confined reading – Especially in a confined space such as a tank or a heater space such as a tank or a heater

treatertreater

Questions ?Questions ?