Field NORM Radioactivity Measurement via Centrifugal Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quantifying radioactivity levels in oil waste require laboratory analysis, which is time-consuming and cannot be performed in the field, posing a risk due to the inability to rapidly determine if naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) levels exceed regulatory limits.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus and system that includes a detection module with multiple radiation detectors and a measurement controller capable of estimating the mass and radioactivity level of oil waste solids using nonlinear transfer functions, allowing for field testing and determining NORM exemption status, incorporating a centrifuge for separating oil waste components and communication for remote data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis methods are used to quantitate radioactivity levels in oil waste, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory mechanical/chemical analysis systems with a portable radiation detection system using Geiger-Muller tubes and proportional counters. This substitution enables field-based measurement of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation levels, achieving both speed and acceptable precision without requiring laboratory infrastructure or extended analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centrifuge as an intermediary device that separates oil waste into phases (oil, water, solids) before measurement. This intermediary step concentrates NORM in the solids phase, enabling more accurate and rapid field measurement by isolating the radioactive components from the complex oil waste matrix
2Ease of operation
If radiation survey meters are used to quantify dose, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because they cannot quantitate NORM concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system that combines radiation detection capabilities (alpha, beta, gamma counting) with NORM concentration quantification. The system uses multiple detector types and transfer functions to perform both dose assessment and specific NORM concentration measurement, eliminating the limitation of single-function survey meters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple detector types with different sensitivities to different radiation types. By measuring count rates from Geiger-Muller tubes (beta/gamma) and proportional counters (alpha), and applying transfer functions, the system derives NORM concentration values that single-parameter survey meters cannot provide
3Ease of operation
If field testing apparatus is simplified for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional modules: centrifuge for separation, multiple radiation detectors for different radiation types, and a controller with transfer functions for data processing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system portability and measurement precision through coordinated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the centrifuge to separate and concentrate NORM in the solids phase before measurement. This pre-concentration step improves the signal-to-noise ratio for subsequent radiation detection, enabling accurate field measurements even with portable equipment and short counting times
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid field testing of radioactivity levels in oil waste, facilitating immediate determination of NORM exemption status, thereby ensuring compliance with regulations and reducing health risks by providing timely data on radioactivity levels.
Implementation Method 1
detect and store a count of disintegrations occurring per predetermined unit of time in an oil waste sample
Implementation Method 2
multiple radiation detectors configured to detect and store a count of disintegrations
Implementation Method 3
a centrifuge for separating oil waste solids from other oil waste components
Data Source
AI summary
For determining whether oil waste at a field testing site is exempt from selected naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) waste regulations, a measurement apparatus including a detection module that determine radioactivity counts per minute for an oil waste sample is utilized. The measurement apparatus includes an analysis module that uses a first nonlinear transfer function to determine a mass for the oil waste based on a volume of solids determined via BS&W testing. The analysis module uses a second nonlinear transfer function to determine a maximum radioactivity level for the sample which is then normalized to picoCuries/g. The normalized maximum radioactivity level per gram is compared to a NORM exemption level for a selected region and communicated to entities at the field-testing site and optionally to other entities. A system and a method perform the functions of the measurement apparatus.