Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2018
Document Type
Problem/Project Report
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering
Committee Chair
Steven Guffey
Committee Co-Chair
Gary Winn
Committee Member
Joshua Simmons
Abstract
Marcellus Gas Company (MGC) is a midstream energy company operating natural gas gathering and processing assets in the Marcellus Shale region, primarily in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. At the time of the study, MGC was interested in surveying for naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) at their primary fractionation facility in the region, the Ohio River Fractionation Plant. A NORM survey, consisting of over 300 measurements, was conducted at the site to evaluate the need to implement the company's written NORM program and to assess for additional controls to protect employees against ionizing radiation exposure. Additionally, a qualitative exposure assessment was performed to identify similar exposure groups and tasks with NORM exposure risk at the facility. The site NORM survey identified several pieces of equipment with NORM readings over the company's internal limit, requiring implementation of additional controls for NORM. Following a review of the applicable regulations concerning NORM, as well as industry best practices, additional recommendations were made to MGC to protect employees from potential exposure to ionizing radiation. These recommendations include additional training, monitoring, and written program updates.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Brittany Diane, "Survey for naturally occurring radioactive materials at a gas fractionation plant" (2018). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 4000.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/4000