By RAS – Advanced Industrial & Environmental Solutions
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is an unavoidable byproduct of oil and gas operations. From drilling and production to storage and transportation, radioactive scale and sludge can accumulate inside equipment such as tanks, pipelines, ESP pumps, and confined spaces. If not managed correctly, NORM poses serious risks to personnel safety, the environment, and long-term operational sustainability.
At RAS, we believe that responsible industrial operations must go hand in hand with environmental protection. This is why modern, low-waste decontamination strategies are becoming essential for the future of the energy sector.
Understanding the Challenge of NORM Waste
Traditional NORM decontamination methods—such as abrasive blasting and high-pressure water jetting—have long been used across the industry. While effective in reducing radiation levels, these methods often generate large volumes of secondary radioactive waste, including contaminated abrasives and wastewater. Managing, transporting, and disposing of this waste increases operational cost, regulatory burden, and environmental risk.
Recent industry studies highlight that conventional techniques can account for up to 40–60% of total waste generated during decontamination, making waste minimization a critical priority
The Shift Toward Low-Waste Decontamination
The oil and gas sector is now shifting toward alternative decontamination techniques that focus on:
- Minimizing radioactive waste generation
- Reducing worker exposure
- Lowering environmental impact
- Improving operational efficiency
One such approach is precision mechanical surface preparation, which removes contamination at the source without excessive material removal or water usage.
Why Waste Reduction Matters
Reducing NORM waste is not just a compliance requirement—it is a sustainability imperative. Lower waste volumes mean:
- Less radioactive material requiring storage and disposal
- Reduced risk of soil, groundwater, and air contamination
- Safer working conditions for personnel
- Lower long-term environmental liabilities
Studies have shown that advanced low-waste techniques can reduce radioactive waste generation to as little as 2% compared to conventional methods, while still achieving acceptable radiation levels for equipment reuse 2025.10.08 PetroleumandCoal Art….
RAS Approach to NORM Decontamination
At RAS, our NORM management solutions are designed around efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Our approach emphasizes:
- Targeted decontamination to avoid unnecessary material removal
- Controlled waste handling and secure containment
- Compliance with international radiation safety standards
- Reduced manpower and faster turnaround times
By adopting smarter technologies and refined operational procedures, RAS helps clients maintain regulatory compliance while supporting long-term environmental responsibility.
Supporting a Cleaner, Safer Energy Industry
As environmental regulations tighten and sustainability expectations rise, the future of oil and gas operations depends on innovative waste control strategies. Advanced NORM decontamination is no longer optional—it is essential for protecting people, assets, and the environment.
RAS remains committed to delivering next-generation industrial cleaning and environmental remediation solutions that balance operational performance with ecological stewardship.
Get in Touch with RAS
If your facility requires safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible NORM decontamination, our experts are ready to support you.
👉 Contact RAS today to learn how we can help you reduce risk, waste, and operational downtime—while meeting the highest industry standards.