Distribution of scales containing NORM in different oilfields equipment.

Abstract

Evaluation has been made of the distribution of hard scales containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in a range of oilfield equipment in Syrian oilfields. One hundred and fifty-two scale samples from oilfield equipment were collected and analysed for radioactivity, elemental and mineralogical compositions. The average 226Ra, 228Ra and 224Ra concentrations in scales were found to be 174, 91 and 67 Bqg(-1), respectively; the highest value of 226Ra was found to be 1520 Bqg(-1). A gradual increase in 226Ra specific activity from down-hole tubulars to surface parts of the installations was observed. The 228Ra/226Ra mean activity ratio was observed to be 0.76, indicating a Th/U mass ratio of about 2.3. This value can be considered a fingerprint for the Th/U mass ratio of the geological formation of the reservoir. Radium isotopic data were also used to estimate the age of the deposited scales using the 224Ra/228Ra activity ratio; the highest average age (5.3 years) was found to be in scales collected from valves. Multiple regressions of the data have shown that 226Ra is more highly correlated with Ba and Sr content in scales (R2=0.92) than Ca. Around 77% of 226Ra was found to be incorporated with anhydrate barium strontium sulphate (R2=0.93), solubility in water being very low to negligible; lower levels of radium isotopes were found in calcite.