A common encounter during cleaning campaigns is the presence of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) within process systems and tanks. Whether onshore or offshore, we have the experienced personnel, equipment, processes and procedures and methodologies to safely decontaminate, segregate and disposal of the hazardous waste streams. All in compliance with UK legislation and site-based client permits. Overseas, we work to UK standards as a minimum.
Offshore NORM Decontamination (UKCS)
Treatment of oily, NORM contaminated solids and equipment offshore offers a number of operational, environmental and financial benefits that is now a widely adopted practice in the UKCS. Waste volumes from vessels and slop tanks are often substantial posing the following issues:
- Deck space taken up by large quantities of skips.
- Substantial cost per skip for disposal ranging between £5000-7000, adding in many instances over £200k to project costs.
- Regular logistical planning to coordinate the movement of skips onshore and offshore, often requiring additional supply vessels or contingencies onshore.
- Operational delays to cleaning progress where adverse weather delays crane movements.
- Large volumes of NORM contaminated waste being transferred ashore exposing a number of stakeholders in the process.
The alternative is a simple one and requires no additional equipment other than a gold banded, cefas templated chemical. Utilising a small pool of permanently stationed skips on-board and typically during a nightshift, a 3 man team are able to successful clean and discharge 2-3 skips per shift of treated oily/NORM contaminated solids.
Key benefits include:
- Substantial reduction in direct waste disposal costs versus onshore alternatives (limited additional time offshore to achieve the same results).
- Reduced demand on deck crew resource throughout the cleaning operation.
- Reduction in supply chain management and needs.
- Reduced risk of spills and exposure to internal and external stakeholders by treating all waste streams offshore.
- Reduced equipment transportation costs (4-6 skips versus 20+ if adopting an onshore approach, in many scenarios).
Service Highlights
- Dramatically reduces downtime, shipping and waste costs
- Proven savings of up to 65% compared to traditional onshore treatment methods
- Improved environmental performance and waste efficiency
- Avoids shipping reusable equipment onshore for treatment
- Enhanced safety performance within some of the most hazardous environments
- Minimal desk space required
Key Equipment
NORM Decontamination Unit:
- Macerator 2” Skid Mounted
- Mini 900 Radiation Monitor
- T-407 sa49 Probe Radiation Monitor
- T-202 Radiation Monitor
- T-407 Scintillation Probe Radiation Monitor
- Deluge Shower
- Personal Gas Detectors
- HP Jetting Unit Package
- Air Supply Equipment
- Vessel Entry Equipment
- Pumps & Hoses