MANAGEMENT OF NORM IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY Akpojevwa Tega Naomi, october 2016 | Page 19

FIG. 1.4 Transport of 232Th progeny in oil and gas production
1.2.3.2
Radium:
The partitioning of Radium (228Ra, 226Ra, and 224Ra) is special as they are
formed by α-decay from their immediate parent and may be injected from
rock/fluid interface into well fluids by α-recoil. In addition, Radium prefers the
aqueous phase, leading to somewhat naturally enhanced concentrations.
Therefore upon production the Radium will follow the aqueous produced water
stream. Radium is chemically similar to barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), calcium
(Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and becomes incorporated in group II sulphate or
carbonate deposits and scale. Once deposited inside installations or produced at
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