Decontamination Services
At Phoenix Decom, we specialise in comprehensive NORM decontamination services to ensure your offshore equipment is treated with the highest safety and regulatory standards.
Our advanced techniques, including High Pressure (HP) and Ultra High Pressure (UHP) water jetting, remove hazardous materials such as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) scale with efficiency and precision. We are accredited by leading regulatory bodies, ensuring that every service we provide complies with the most stringent industry standards.
Our NORM Decontamination Services
High-Pressure Water Jetting (HP):
Phoenix Decom’s High-Pressure (HP) water jetting safely removes moderate contamination from equipment and surfaces with precision, making it ideal for sensitive components. Commonly used in decontamination, maintenance, and surface preparation, this chemical-free method ensures fast, efficient cleaning while minimising environmental impact and meeting strict safety regulations.
Our HP jetting services are available on-site via mobile units or at our fully enclosed facilities in Dyce, Lerwick, Peterhead, and Aberdeen. This flexibility allows us to deliver effective, compliant cleaning solutions tailored to your offshore or decommissioning project, without compromising on safety, quality, or environmental responsibility.
Ultra High-Pressure Water Jetting (UHP):
Our Ultra High-Pressure (UHP) water jetting is suitable for the most demanding decontamination tasks.
Operating at over 25,000 psi, this method removes hardened scale, coatings, rust, and other tough contaminants that conventional cleaning can’t address. Ideal for heavy equipment, pipelines, and critical surfaces, UHP jetting delivers a deep, thorough clean without abrasive tools or harsh chemicals, preserving equipment integrity.
By reducing chemical use, we lower environmental impact while supporting safer, more sustainable operations across high-risk decommissioning and maintenance projects.
NORM Waste Management:
At Phoenix Decom, NORM waste is safely managed from capture to certified disposal.
Following decontamination, waste is securely packaged in UN-rated drums or IBCs, labelled per dangerous goods regulations, and transported by registered carriers to a licensed high-temperature incinerator.
Effluent is analysed before disposal, and all movements are electronically tracked under our SEPA-approved permit. We provide full traceability and issue Certificates of Destruction to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.
Our process guarantees safe, efficient, and sustainable handling of radioactive waste in line with the highest industry standards.
Benefits of our Decontamination Services
Enhanced Safety
Peace of Mind
Minimised Environmental Impact
Regulatory Compliance Assurance
Project Efficiency
Improved Equipment Longevity
Our NORM Decontamination Process
- Assessment: We carry out a full itemised equipment inventory upon receipt of your equipment.
- Monitoring: One of our experienced Radiation Protection Supervisors checks the equipment using a calibrated radiation monitor
- Decontamination: We use UHP water jetting to remove NORM scale.
- Post-decontamination monitoring: Quality control checks to ensure that all NORM has been removed
- Waste Capture and Packaging: Collect all NORM waste in secure containers.
- Disposal: Transport waste to a permitted high-temperature incinerator.
- Final Audit: Ensure all work meets regulatory and client standards.
Industries We Serve
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NORM, and why is it important to remove it?
NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) can be found in the environment and as a result of mineral extraction, can accumulate in a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas systems where fluids are transported under high temperature and pressure. This results in the concentration of NORM isotopes in the form of scale build up. Found in equipment, pipelines, and other systems, it poses health and environmental risks due to its ionising radioactive properties. Proper management of NORM including transport, removal, storage and disposal ensures the safety of workers, compliance with industry regulations, and minimal environmental impact during operations or decommissioning projects.
How does Phoenix Decom perform decontamination?
We use Ultra High-Pressure (UHP) water jetting techniques to remove hazardous contaminants, including NORM, oil, and other materials, from offshore equipment. These methods ensure thorough cleaning while protecting the integrity of the equipment.
Why choose UHP water jetting for decontamination?
UHP water jetting is efficient and environmentally friendly methods for cleaning. They use high-pressure water streams to safely remove contaminants without harsh chemicals, minimising the environmental footprint while effectively meeting industry safety standards.
How do you handle the waste produced during decontamination?
After decontamination, we securely package and dispose of NORM and other hazardous waste in UN rated drums and IBCs in compliance with all relevant environmental and dangerous goods regulations. We ensure the waste is transported to a permitted disposal facility for high-temperature incineration.
Is Phoenix Decom’s decontamination process compliant with industry standards?
Yes, all our decontamination services are Best Practicable Means and adhere to strict industry regulations, ensuring compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards. We keep up-to-date with the latest guidelines to guarantee that every decommissioning project meets regulatory requirements.
How long does the decontamination process take?
The duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the equipment being cleaned. However, we work efficiently to minimise downtime while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Our team will provide a tailored timeline based on your specific project needs.
What is a fully enclosed decontamination unit, and why is it important?
A fully enclosed decontamination unit is a specialized, controlled environment designed to safely prevent emissions to the air and water environments. The enclosed design ensures that hazardous contaminants such as NORM are contained and managed effectively, reducing the risk of exposure to workers and the surrounding environment. At Phoenix Decom, we offer fully enclosed decontamination facilities to provide the highest levels of safety, compliance, and environmental protection during offshore decommissioning and decontamination projects.
How do I get started with your decontamination services?
Getting started is easy. Simply contact our team by phone or email to discuss your project. We’ll assess your equipment and provide a customised decontamination plan, including timelines, costs, and safety protocols to ensure the project runs smoothly and meets regulatory standards.
Do you clean contaminants other than NORM?
Yes. In addition to NORM, we remove hydrocarbons, wax, and marine growth using the same high-performance equipment and strict disposal protocols. This ensures your offshore equipment is thoroughly cleaned and compliant, no matter the type of contaminant.
How do you ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations?
We strictly follow all relevant regulations, including The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 and the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Every decontamination project is conducted using Best Practicable Means (BPM) and audited for full compliance—ensuring safe, legal, and environmentally responsible operations.
Talk to Our Team of Decommissioning Experts
Whether you’re beginning a subsea decommissioning and decontamination project or need expert advice, Phoenix Decom is here to help. Contact our team today for a tailored consultation. We’ll assess your needs, provide a comprehensive plan, and ensure your equipment meets the highest safety and regulatory standards.
Let’s make your decommissioning project seamless and compliant.