New process designed to solubilize NORM waste
Researchers at the University of Mississippi, in collaboration with an independent researcher now with the Mississippi Office of Geology, have a patent pending on a process for solubilizing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) scale and sludge wastes from oil and gas production.
This process, which requires no expensive chemicals, can be mobilized with all of the necessary equipment skid mounted for land and-or offshore based applications. The processed NORM can be dissolved in produced waters to generate stable solutions that can then be disposed of via existing saltwater disposal or other injection wells.
Features include 1) solid NORM wastes can be processed and disposed of at sites near their production, eliminating the need to transport them over long distances; 2) injection returns the material into geologic reservoirs, thus the potential for creating on site (including the production facility) environmental and other liabilities is eliminated; and 3) relative to other disposal options this process is significantly less expensive, the specialists say.
Source: Department of Pharmacology, University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy, University, MS 38677; Dr. John C. Matthews, Phone (662) 915-5153, Fax (662) 915-5148, E-mail: [email protected]
New pipeline repair manual
A new, updated pipeline repair manual from Pipeline Research Council International (PRCI) provides an overview of currently used pipeline repair technologies with a standard template and detailed information for pipeline operators to extend the safe life of pipelines through proper assessment of defects and guidelines for the appropriate selection of pipeline repair techniques and methods.
The manual is intended to help operators avoid unexpected operational costs and provide guidance for operator qualification for repair of in-service pipelines. The manual has been used by PRCI member companies to generate company standards and procedures related to in-service repairs of pipeline and related surface facilities. It also provides guidance to pipeline operators and service vendors as they:
- Choose appropriate repair techniques for specific defects in pipelines.
- Develop or enhance their own procedures and-or manuals for pipeline repairs.
- Train or qualify maintenance personnel.
The manual outlines and describes known and commonly accepted techniques for pipeline repairs, with major emphasis on methods that can be applied to in-service pipelines repairs.
It includes pipeline repair methods used in Europe and discusses the various types of pipeline defects that lend themselves to being repaired in-service.
Source: Technical Toolboxes Inc., Box 980550, Houston, TX 77098.
