New articles published in 12(3A)

Development and implementation of a measurement system for PTW water phantom in the determination of absorbed dose to water

Abstract: At Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) in Venezuela is the only one in the country that performs calibrations of dosimetry systems with an IAEA water phantom. However, SSDL has a PTW water phantom, for which there is no procedure for the calibration of dosimetry systems. Therefore, a methodology was developed for its validation using a cobalt-60 equipment, a secondary standard, an IAEA water phantom and a PTW phantom. The adapter for ionization chamber type NE 2561 was studied and designed to protect it from water. The methodology consisted of calculate of absorbed dose rate to water in IAEA water phantom and PTW water phantom. Subsequently, the absorbed dose rates to water were compared between both phantoms and finally, the validation of the new procedures and their respective uncertainties was performed. The adapter of ionization chamber was built with PMMA material. Comparisons between absorbed dose rates to water showed that there is no difference between the two phantoms. The absorbed dose rate to water was calculated with the procedure updates along with their associated uncertainties, obtaining =0.13482 ± 0.00292 Gy/min. Finally, the validation obtained a value of less than 0.7%, which means that the implementation of the new procedures for the calibration of dosimetry systems is valid and applied at the SSDL-Venezuela. Read full article

NORM Management in the Oil and Gas Industry: From Production to Decommissioning

Abstract: The accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) during oil and gas production is a well-known phenomenon in mature markets with established legislation and disposal methods. In Brazil, MTE Regulatory Standard No. 37, issued in 2018, established the first labor regulation addressing NORM as an occupational hazard. Since then, oil companies have focused on managing waste disposal, with particular emphasis on NORM management. As Brazil anticipates an increase in decommissioning and dismantling activities, advancing methods, regulatory limits, and solutions for NORM management is critical. This article presents the specific regulations and the practical experience for radiological protection of workers and proper radioactive waste management within oil and gas installations. Through technical visits, dose rate monitoring, and legislative analysis, the study contextualizes the operational environment of exploration and production units, detailing health risks, waste characteristics, and storage requirements. The article also underscores the sector's complexity, emphasizing the variability in NORM accumulation across different installations and the necessity for targeted protective measures due to the potential exposure of employees during cleaning and inspection activities.Read full article