Low specific-activity scales consisting of alkaline earth metal carbonates and sulfates are often present in some gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon plants. These scales contain a certain concentration of radium, uranium, and thorium which can cause a risk of gamma irradiation and internal radiocontamination when they must be mechanically removed. The gamma dose rates and the 238U, 232Th, 226Ra concentrations were determined in sludges, scales, and waters of some gas and oil hydrocarbon plants located in Italy, Congo, and Tunisia. 238U and 232Th concentrations were very low. The isotopes 238U and 234U resulted in radioactive equilibrium, while 232Th and 228Th were not always in equilibrium. A rough correlation was found between the gamma dose rate and the 226Ra concentration. Some considerations and conclusions about radiation protection problems are pointed out.
Radiation protection and radioactive scales in oil and gas production
DESIDERI, DONATELLA;MELI, MARIA ASSUNTA;ROSELLI, CARLA;
1994
Abstract
Low specific-activity scales consisting of alkaline earth metal carbonates and sulfates are often present in some gaseous and liquid hydrocarbon plants. These scales contain a certain concentration of radium, uranium, and thorium which can cause a risk of gamma irradiation and internal radiocontamination when they must be mechanically removed. The gamma dose rates and the 238U, 232Th, 226Ra concentrations were determined in sludges, scales, and waters of some gas and oil hydrocarbon plants located in Italy, Congo, and Tunisia. 238U and 232Th concentrations were very low. The isotopes 238U and 234U resulted in radioactive equilibrium, while 232Th and 228Th were not always in equilibrium. A rough correlation was found between the gamma dose rate and the 226Ra concentration. Some considerations and conclusions about radiation protection problems are pointed out.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
