lsa scale meaning in oil and gas

Low Specific Activity

The LSA part refers to a radioactive scale that is most often found in process equipment. Typically formed of radioactive elements Strontium and Barium that are produced from oil wells and end up being deposited as a scale (sulphate) on the inside of pipework and production equipment. Can cause severe restriction within pipework to the extent that it is choked. The scale that is formed is very hard and difficult to remove except by mechnical means. It is radioactive and therefore appropriate precautions have to be taken when cleaning it out and most importantly when disposing of it. Bascially if you have it, it is bad news from a loss of production and getting rid of it point of view.