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Radiological assessment of petroleum pipe scale from pipe-rattling operations
I S Hamilton1, M G Arno, J C Rock
1Department of Nuclear Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3133, USA. ian@trinity.tamu.edu
Health Physics
|September 11, 2004
Summary
Petroleum pipe scale containing radium poses radiation risks to oil field workers during pipe cleaning. Dust inhalation and external exposure from dispersed scale are the primary concerns, with annual doses varying by role and exposure pathway.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health
- Radiological Protection
Background:
- Petroleum pipe scale, rich in barium sulfate, can contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), primarily radium compounds.
- Pipe scale removal and cleaning for reuse present potential radiation exposure risks to oil field workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radiological and aerodynamic characteristics of scale release during pipe cleaning.
- To assess worker radiation exposure through various pathways during petroleum pipe scale removal.
Main Methods:
- A pipe-cleaning machine was used outdoors under varied weather conditions to simulate scale removal.
- Sampling and measurement protocols assessed dust dispersion, scale radioactivity (Ra specific activity), and worker exposure rates.
- Four exposure pathways were investigated: inhalation, incidental ingestion, and external exposure from pipes and dispersed scale.
Main Results:
- Radium specific activity in pipe scale ranged from 33.6 to 65.5 Bq/g.
- Median dust loading in the operator's breathing zone was 0.13 mg/m³, with a respirable fraction of 42-46%.
- Annual committed effective doses ranged from 0.11 to 0.45 mSv for inhalation and 19 to 97 µSv for ingestion. External doses from dispersed scale were estimated at 2.8 mSv (operator) and 4.1 mSv (helper).
Conclusions:
- External exposure from dispersed pipe scale significantly contributes to worker dose, potentially dominating annual estimates.
- Effective management of dust and scale deposition is crucial for mitigating radiation risks in oil field operations.
- Understanding these radiological characteristics is vital for implementing appropriate safety protocols for handling NORM-contaminated petroleum infrastructure.
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