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Published on: August 22, 2014
Measurement of 222Rn flux, 222Rn emanation, and 226,228Ra concentration from injection well pipe scale
A S Rood1, G J White, D T Kendrick
1Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Idaho Falls 83415, USA.
Health Physics
|July 31, 1998
Summary
Radon flux from oil field pipes contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) was measured. Emanation fractions for radon from barite scale were significantly lower than those found in uranium mill tailings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiochemistry
- Geoscience
Background:
- Produced water injection tubing can accumulate scale contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM).
- NORM scale contains radionuclides such as Radium-226 (226Ra) and Radium-228 (228Ra), which decay to produce Radon-222 (222Rn).
- Understanding radon flux and emanation is crucial for assessing potential radiological risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure the 222Rn flux from NORM-contaminated barite scale in produced water injection tubing.
- To determine the 222Rn emanation fractions of these scales.
- To compare the emanation properties of NORM scales with those of uranium mill tailings and natural soils.
Main Methods:
- 222Rn flux was measured by purging pipes with nitrogen and collecting outflow on charcoal columns.
- Radon emanation fractions were determined from pipe scale samples.
- Radium-226 and Radium-228 concentrations in scale samples were measured using gamma spectrometry.
- Gross mineral content, with an emphasis on barite, was analyzed.
Main Results:
- 222Rn flux ranged from 0.017 to 0.10 Bq s(-1).
- 222Rn emanation fractions ranged from 0.020 to 0.063.
- 226Ra concentrations ranged from 15.7 to 102 Bq g(-1).
- Barite was the predominant mineral in most scale samples.
Conclusions:
- NORM scales from produced water tubing exhibit significantly lower 222Rn emanation fractions compared to uranium mill tailings and natural soils.
- The lower emanation fractions suggest reduced radon migration potential from these specific NORM scales.
- Further research may be needed to fully understand the radiological implications of NORM scale in oilfield operations.
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