Research Article Open Access

TRACE CHARACTERISTICS OF IONIZED RADIATION IN CORROSION INDUCED OIL AND GAS PIPELINES

Abstract

Tracer elements used in the oil and gas industry exhibit characteristic radioactive reactions with quantized ionized radiations. The physico-chemical behavior, half life, specific gravity, type and energy of radiation are some of the main parameters that characterize ionized radiations as monitored with automatic high spectrum gamma monitor of type UK-1.5m. On the other hand, steel structures, pipeline wall thickness, machine parts and other metallic equipment are governed largely by the operating conditions of pressure and temperature that is further influenced by the intensity of the radiation corrosivity. In this research, characteristics of ionized radiation in metallic structures and pipelines have been investigated using the guided direct measurement with Electron Microprobe Analyzer for measurement and weight loss determination respectively. The results obtained indicated that ionized radiation intensity varies according to operating conditions of temperature and pressure and rapidly influence corrosion activities at stress points, rapid Oil spills and Gas leaks with increased pollution in the inland basins and offshore Niger Delta. Corrosion tolerant limit values (0.064, 0.072 and 0.078mpy) tend to increase more when the pipelines are shut down and abandoned. This research is useful for real time surveillance, planning and good decision making for a sustainable Oil and Gas industry.

JACOB B. NEEKA, FARIDA MUSA AND ABDULRAHEEM A. BOLAJI

To read the full article Download Full Article | Visit Full Article