Abstract
Radiation-induced advanced oxidation processes have been proposed for the treatment of various types of wastes. However, electron beam technologies for the removal of recalcitrant compounds in petroleum wastes are still poorly understood. This work aims at evaluating the effects on the degradation of organic matter from oil sludge by electron beam irradiation. Characterization methods were employed to identify the chemical elements present in the waste. Radiometric analysis was performed to identify radionuclides and measure dose rates. Preliminary immobilization of the untreated waste with cement indicated resistance values very close to the minimum established in national regulation. To treat the waste, an electron beam accelerator, model Dynamitron II, with variable current up to 25 mA was employed and the irradiation doses ranged from 20 to 200 kGy. Solutions were prepared with an initial H2O2 concentration of 1.34 mol·L-1. The effects on the removal of total organic carbon are discussed.
Highlights
Petroleum extraction activities produce oil sludge wastes that are frequently classified as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) since they contain radioactive daughters from thorium and uranium decay chains
Oil sludge is composed of extracted sediments, water, and hydrocarbons that accumulate in tanks, pipes, and other structures in oil production rigs
Article Seven of Federal Law No 10,308 of 2001 prohibits disposal of radioactive waste in the sea or seafloor, prohibiting reinjection of NORM waste generated in oil platforms into abandoned wells [4]
Summary
Petroleum extraction activities produce oil sludge wastes that are frequently classified as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) since they contain radioactive daughters from thorium and uranium decay chains. In addition to containing radionuclides in radiologically significant concentrations, the sludge produced in Brazilian offshore platforms has high concentrations of sulfur [1, 2] that represents a problem for the storage of such waste. The interest in developing methods for the treatment of this type of waste is increasing, since its accumulation in large quantities and with significant levels of activity in the onshore storage facilities poses a growing health risk to workers and the local population. Current regulations allow the disposal of oil sludge in landfills only for wastes containing radionuclides at concentrations below unrestricted clearance levels. Oil sludges with activity below clearance levels are treated by encapsulation with oleophilic bentonite and disposed of in industrial landfills [5]
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