MANAGEMENT OF NORM IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY Akpojevwa Tega Naomi, october 2016 | Page 44

3.4.1 Sand Blasting Technology requires only power for its operation and the sand medium . It can be operated in both fixed and mobile modes ; in either mode the volume of the waste is less than 10 % of the waste generated by the UPH Technology . In the fixed mode , the wastes are not moved out of the sites of generation until they have been immobilized , which is easy and less expensive because of their small volume ( about 5 % of the volume generated using the UPH Technology ), thus enhancing the “ from cradle to grave ” principle of radioactive waste management . The SBT thus , reduces the risk of transporting NORM contaminates equipment , machines and parts on the very crowded roads of the Niger delta . Furthermore , environmental impact of the NORM generated waste is much reduced by greatly reducing the liquid and solid waste streams ; as the blast medium ( sand ) is recycled . In addition , the SBT increases well productivity by dramatically reducing downtime . Finally , worker exposure to radiation is minimized during the decontamination process , although this technology has the disadvantage of radioactive dust which can be eliminated by the use of HEPA filter technology and appropriate Protective Personnel Equipment ( PPE ). 3.4.2 High Pressure Water Technology ( HPW ) It requires both power and water for its operation . This may not be convenient in the mobile mode as the source of water must be available . In mobile mode can lead to widespread contamination of the environment and disposal sites ; the
high-pressure water blasting method results in high amounts of contaminated 33