ASTM C1284-18

Standard Practice for Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The determination of actinide elements by alpha spectrometry measurement is an essential part of many environmental research, bioassay, and monitoring programs. Alpha spectrometry measurements identify and quantify the alpha-emitting actinide elements. A variety of separation methods will typically precede the electrodeposition of a sample for alpha spectrometry measurements. In addition to the electrodeposition procedure presented in this practice, the scientific literature contains other procedures for actinide electrodeposition.
Note 1: An alternate method for mounting actinides for alpha spectrometry measurements by coprecipitation with neodymium fluoride is described in Practice C1163.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of separated actinide fractions for alpha spectrometry measurement.2 It is applicable to any of the actinides that can be dissolved in dilute ammonium sulfate solution. Examples of applicable actinide fractions would be an elution from an ion exchange / extraction chromatography separation or the final strip from a solvent extraction separation.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2018
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1284-10 - Standard Practice for Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM C859-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C859-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C859-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM C859-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM C859-10b - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-10a - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM C859-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM C859-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM C1163-08 - Standard Practice for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM C1163-03 - Standard Practice for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM C1284-18: Standard Practice for Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry outlines the recommended procedures for preparing actinide fractions for analysis by alpha spectrometry using electrodeposition. Issued by ASTM International, this standard practice is essential for laboratories conducting environmental research, bioassay, nuclear fuel cycle monitoring, and related programs where precise identification and quantification of alpha-emitting actinide elements are required.

By providing clear guidance on electrodeposition of actinides onto metal discs, ASTM C1284-18 supports improved detection and measurement of actinides such as uranium, plutonium, and americium. These methods are widely recognized for their accuracy and reproducibility in the field of nuclear science and radiochemistry.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Covers procedures for electrodepositing actinides dissolved in dilute ammonium sulfate solution.
  • Applicable to actinide fractions obtained from ion exchange, extraction chromatography, or solvent extraction processes.

• Electrodeposition Procedure

  • Involves cathodic deposition from an acidic ammonium salt medium onto a polished metal disc (usually stainless steel or platinum).
  • Ensures the actinide sample is suitable for high-resolution alpha spectrometry.

• Interference and Purity Considerations

  • Addresses potential issues from co-deposition of interfering elements (e.g., polonium, rare earths).
  • Emphasizes the importance of reagent grade chemicals and careful sample preparation to avoid thick deposits that reduce measurement quality.

• Safety and Good Laboratory Practices

  • Stresses the need for controlled ventilation, fume hoods, and appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • Notes user responsibility for compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Applications

ASTM C1284-18 is utilized in several critical areas:

• Environmental Monitoring

  • Determination of trace alpha-emitting actinides in air, water, soil, and biological samples as part of environmental assessment and remediation studies.

• Bioassay Programs

  • Measurement of actinide levels in biological samples for occupational health and radiation exposure monitoring.

• Nuclear Fuel Cycle Monitoring

  • Quality control and safeguards verification in nuclear fuel processing, waste management, and research laboratories.

• Radioanalytical Laboratories

  • Standard practice for preparing samples requiring accurate isotope identification and quantification by alpha spectrometry.

The precise and standardized approach provided by ASTM C1284-18 helps laboratories consistently achieve reliable, reproducible results in detecting low-level actinides, supporting both regulatory compliance and scientific research.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to actinide measurement and alpha spectrometry, consider these associated ASTM standards:

• ASTM C859: Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
  Defines key terms used in nuclear materials analysis and documentation.

• ASTM C1163: Practice for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride
  Describes an alternative coprecipitation method for mounting actinides.

• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
  Specifies quality requirements for water used in analytical laboratory procedures.

These related documents enable laboratories to create an integrated quality system for radioactive isotope analysis, ensuring harmonization across various preparatory and analytical techniques.

Keywords: ASTM C1284-18, actinide electrodeposition, alpha spectrometry, radiochemistry, environmental monitoring, nuclear fuel cycle, actinide analysis, laboratory standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1284 − 18
Standard Practice for
Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Guidance is provided for the electrodeposition of sepa-
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of separated ac-
rated actinide fractions onto metal discs.This practice is based
tinide fractions for alpha spectrometry measurement. It is
applicabletoanyoftheactinidesthatcanbedissolvedindilute on cathodic deposition of the hydrated oxides of the actinides
from an acidic medium containing an ammonium salt. The
ammonium sulfate solution. Examples of applicable actinide
fractionswouldbeanelutionfromanionexchange/extraction resultant electrodeposited samples are suitable for alpha spec-
trometry measurements.
chromatography separation or the final strip from a solvent
extraction separation.
5. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
5.1 The determination of actinide elements by alpha spec-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
trometry measurement is an essential part of many environ-
standard.
mental research, bioassay, and monitoring programs. Alpha
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
spectrometry measurements identify and quantify the alpha-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
emitting actinide elements. A variety of separation methods
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
will typically precede the electrodeposition of a sample for
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
alphaspectrometrymeasurements.Inadditiontotheelectrode-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
position procedure presented in this practice, the scientific
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
literature contains other procedures for actinide electrodeposi-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tion.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 1—An alternate method for mounting actinides for alpha spec-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
trometry measurements by coprecipitation with neodymium fluoride is
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
described in Practice C1163.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6. Interferences
2. Referenced Documents
6.1 Any element present in the separated fraction which is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
capable of cathodic electrodeposition will be present on the
C859Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials metal disc. In particular Po (5.30 MeV) deposited on the
C1163PracticeforMountingActinidesforAlphaSpectrom-
discwouldinterferewiththeyielddeterminationof U(5.32
etry Using Neodymium Fluoride
MeV) or Am (5.28 MeV) tracers used in the determination
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
of isotopic uranium and Am (5.15 MeV), respectively.
6.2 Incomplete separation of rare earth elements or incom-
3. Terminology
plete wet ashing for the removal of organic material will
3.1 Except as otherwise defined herein, definitions of terms
decrease the efficiency of the electrodeposition and may result
are as given in Terminology C859.
in a thick deposit unsuitable for alpha spectrometry measure-
ment.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
−2
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of 6.3 The quantity of actinide should be such that <5 µg cm
Test.
are electrodeposited on the metal disc. Thicker deposits are
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2018.PublishedJuly2018.Originallyapproved
typically unsuitable for measurement by alpha spectrometry
in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C1284–10. DOI: 10.1520/
due to the resulting attenuation and decrease in energy resolu-
C1284-18.
Based on Talvitie, N. A., “Electrodeposition of Actinides for Alpha Spectro-
tion.
metric Determination,” Analytical Chemistry, Vol 44, 1972, pp. 280–283.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.1 Electrodeposition Power Supply—Constant current, ad-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. justable from 0 to 2 A with indicating meter.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1284 − 18
7.2 Electrodeposition Cell—Disposable cells are recom- 8.9 Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate (0.36 M in1MH SO )—
2 4
mended.The cells should have a minimum volume capacity of Dissolve 10 g of NaHSO ·H O in 88 mLof water and add 112
4 2
25 mL. mL of 1.8 M H SO .
2 4
7.3 Metal Discs—Stainless steel disc, or other metal disc 8.10 Sulfuric Acid (1.8 M)—Mix 100 mL of concentrated
such as platinum, polished to
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1284 − 10 C1284 − 18
Standard Practice for
Electrodeposition of the Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1284; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the preparation of separated actinide fractions for alpha spectrometry measurement. It is applicable to
any of the actinides that can be dissolved in dilute ammonium sulfate solution. Examples of applicable actinide fractions would
be the final an elution from an ion exchange / extraction chromatography separation or the final strip from a solvent extraction
separation.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C1163 Practice for Mounting Actinides for Alpha Spectrometry Using Neodymium Fluoride
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
3. Terminology
3.1 Except as otherwise defined herein, definitions of terms are as given in Terminology C859.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 Guidance is provided for the electrodeposition of separated actinide fractions onto metal discs. This practice is based on
cathodic deposition of the hydrated oxides of the actinides from an acidic medium containing an ammonium salt. The resultant
electrodeposited samples are suitable for alpha spectrometry measurements.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The determination of actinide elements by alpha spectrometry measurement is an essential part of many environmental
research, bioassay, and monitoring programs. Alpha spectrometry measurements identify and quantify the alpha-emitting actinide
elements. A variety of separation methods will typically precede the electrodeposition of a sample for alpha spectrometry
measurements. In addition to the electrodeposition procedure presented in this practice, the scientific literature contains other
procedures for actinide electrodeposition.
NOTE 1—An alternate method for mounting actinides for alpha spectrometry measurements by coprecipitation with neodymium fluoride is described
in Practice C1163.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved June 1, 2010June 1, 2018. Published July 2010July 2018. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as C1284 - 00
(2005).C1284 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/C1284-10.10.1520/C1284-18.
Based on Talvitie, N. A., “Electrodeposition of Actinides for Alpha Spectrometric Determination,” Analytical Chemistry, Vol 44, 1972, pp. 280–283.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1284 − 18
6. Interferences
6.1 Any element present in the separated fraction which is capable of cathodic electrodeposition will be present on the metal
210 232
disc. In particular Po (5.30 MeV) deposited on the disc would interfere with the yield determination of U (5.32 MeV) or
243 241
Am (5.28 MeV) tracers used in the determination of isotopic uranium and Am (5.15 MeV), respectively.
6.2 Incomplete separation of rare earth elements or incomplete wet ashing for the removal of organic material will decrease the
efficiency of the electrodeposition and may result in a thick deposit unsuitable for alpha spectrometry measurement.
−2
6.3 The quantity of actinide should be such that <5 μg cm are electrodeposited on the metal disc. Thicker deposits are typically
unsuitable for measurement by alpha spectrometry due to the resulting attenuation and decrease in energy resolution.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Electrodeposition Power Supply—Constant current, adjustable from 0 to 2 A with indicating meter.
7.2 Electrodeposition Cell—Disposable cells are recommended. The cells should have a minimum volume capacity of 25 mL.
7.3 Metal Discs—Stainless steel disc, or other metal disc such as platinum, polished to a mirror finish on one side. The diameter
−2
of the disc is determined by diameter of the electrodeposition cell. The
...