ASTM E265-15

Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Refer to Guides E720 and E844 for the selection, irradiation, and quality control of neutron dosimeters.  
5.2 Refer to Practice E261 for a general discussion of the determination of fast-neutron fluence and fluence rate with threshold detectors.  
5.3 The activation reaction produces  32P, which decays by the emission of a single beta particle in 100 % of the decays, and which emits no gamma rays. The half life of  32P is 14.284 (36)3 days (1)  4 and the maximum beta energy is 1710.66 (21) keV (1).  
5.4 Elemental sulfur is readily available in pure form and any trace contaminants present do not produce significant amounts of radioactivity. Natural sulfur, however, is composed of  32S (94.99 % (26)),  34S (4.25 % (24)) (2), and trace amounts of other sulfur isotopes. The presence of these other isotopes leads to several competing reactions that can interfere with the counting of the 1710-keV beta particle. This interference can usually be eliminated by the use of appropriate techniques, as discussed in Section 8.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring reaction rates and fast-neutron fluences by the activation reaction  32S(n,p)32P.  
1.2 This activation reaction is useful for measuring neutrons with energies above approximately 3 MeV.  
1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluences from about 5 × 108 to 1016 n/cm 2 can be measured.  
1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast-neutron detectors are described in Practice E261.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2015
• ICS: 17.240 - Radiation measurements
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: E10 - Nuclear Technology and Applications
• Drafting Committee: E10.07 - Radiation Dosimetry for Radiation Effects on Materials and Devices

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E265-07(2013) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Replaced By: ASTM E265-15(2020) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Referred By: ASTM E496-14(2022) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Neutron Fluence and Average Energy from <sup >3</sup>H(d,n)⁴He Neutron Generators by Radioactivation Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E722-19 - Standard Practice for Characterizing Neutron Fluence Spectra in Terms of an Equivalent Monoenergetic Neutron Fluence for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1855-20 - Standard Test Method for Use of 2N2222A Silicon Bipolar Transistors as Neutron Spectrum Sensors and Displacement Damage Monitors
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM F980-16 - Standard Guide for Measurement of Rapid Annealing of Neutron-Induced Displacement Damage in Silicon Semiconductor Devices
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E720-23 - Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Neutron Sensors for Determining Neutron Spectra Employed in Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2005-21 - Standard Guide for Benchmark Testing of Reactor Dosimetry in Standard and Reference Neutron Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E944-19 - Standard Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjustment Methods in Reactor Surveillance
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM F1190-18 - Standard Guide for Neutron Irradiation of Unbiased Electronic Components
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E261-16(2021) - Standard Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1854-19 - Standard Practice for Ensuring Test Consistency in Neutron-Induced Displacement Damage of Electronic Parts
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E798-16 - Standard Practice for Conducting Irradiations at Accelerator-Based Neutron Sources
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E721-22 - Standard Guide for Determining Neutron Energy Spectra from Neutron Sensors for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E1005-21 - Standard Test Method for Application and Analysis of Radiometric Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E265 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by
1
Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E265; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope E844Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for
Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIC)
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring
E944Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjust-
reaction rates and fast-neutron fluences by the activation
32 32 ment Methods in Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIA)
reaction S(n,p) P.
E1018Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross
1.2 Thisactivationreactionisusefulformeasuringneutrons
Section Data File, Matrix E706 (IIB)
with energies above approximately 3 MeV.
3. Terminology
1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluences from
8 16 2
about 5×10 to 10 n/cm can be measured.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology E170.
1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast-neutron detectors are
described in Practice E261.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Elemental sulfur or a sulfur-bearing compound is irra-
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
32
diatedinaneutronfield,producingradioactive Pbymeansof
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
32 32
the S(n,p) P activation reaction.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.2 The beta particles emitted by the radioactive decay of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
32
ParecountedbytechniquesdescribedinMethodsE181and
2. Referenced Documents
thereactionrate,asdefinedinPracticeE261,iscalculatedfrom
2
the decay rate and irradiation conditions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E170Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and
4.3 The neutron fluence above 3 MeV can then be calcu-
Dosimetry
lated from the spectral-averaged neutron activation cross
E181Test Methods for Detector Calibration andAnalysis of
section, σ¯, as defined in Practice E261.
Radionuclides
E261Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence 5. Significance and Use
Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
5.1 Refer to Guides E720 and E844 for the selection,
E720Guide for Selection and Use of Neutron Sensors for
irradiation, and quality control of neutron dosimeters.
Determining Neutron Spectra Employed in Radiation-
5.2 Refer to Practice E261 for a general discussion of the
Hardness Testing of Electronics
determination of fast-neutron fluence and fluence rate with
E721Guide for Determining Neutron Energy Spectra from
threshold detectors.
Neutron Sensors for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Elec-
32
tronics 5.3 The activation reaction produces P, which decays by
the emission of a single beta particle in 100% of the decays,
32
and which emits no gamma rays. The half life of Pis 14.284
1
3 4
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE10onNuclear
(36) days (1) and the maximum beta energy is 1710.66 (21)
Technology and Applicationsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
keV (1).
E10.07 on Radiation Dosimetry for Radiation Effects on Materials and Devices.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published August 2015. Originally
approvedin1970.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2013asE265–07(2013).DOI:
3
10.1520/E0265-15. The non-boldface number in parentheses after the nuclear data indicates the
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or uncertainty in the last significant digit of the preceding number. For example, 8.1 s
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM (5) means 8.1 6 0.5 seconds.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
the ASTM website. this test method.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E265 − 15
5.4 Elemental sulfur is readily available in pure form and since high temperatures are usually associated with a high-
any trace contaminants present do not produce significant neutron fluence rate. The sulfur content by weight of
amounts of radioactivity. Natural sulfur, however, is composed (NH ) SO is 24%, of Li SO is 29.2%, and of MgSO is
4 2 4 2 4 4
32 34
of S(94.99%(26)), S(4.25%(24)) (2),andtraceamounts 26.6%.
of other sulfur isotopes. The presence of these other isotopes 32
7.3 Th
...

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: E265 − 07 (Reapproved 2013) E265 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by
1
Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E265; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring reaction rates and fast-neutron fluences by the activation reaction
32 32
S(n,p) P.
1.2 This activation reaction is useful for measuring neutrons with energies above approximately 3 MeV.
8 16 2
1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluences from about 5 × 10 to 10 n/cm can be measured.
1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast-neutron detectors are described in Practice E261.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry
E181 Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides
E261 Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
E720 Guide for Selection and Use of Neutron Sensors for Determining Neutron Spectra Employed in Radiation-Hardness
Testing of Electronics
E721 Guide for Determining Neutron Energy Spectra from Neutron Sensors for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
E844 Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIC)
E944 Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjustment Methods in Reactor Surveillance, E 706 (IIA)
E1018 Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross Section Data File, Matrix E706 (IIB)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology E170.
4. Summary of Test Method
32
4.1 Elemental sulfur or a sulfur-bearing compound is irradiated in a neutron field, producing radioactiveradioactive P by
32 32
means of the S(n,p) P activation reaction.
32
4.2 The beta particles emitted by the radioactive decay of P are counted by techniques described in Methods E181 and the
reaction rate, as defined in Practice E261, is calculated from the decay rate and irradiation conditions.
4.3 The neutron fluence above 3 MeV can then be calculated from the spectral-averaged neutron activation cross section, σ¯,
as defined in Practice E261.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear Technology and Applicationsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E10.07 on
Radiation Dosimetry for Radiation Effects on Materials and Devices.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013June 1, 2015. Published January 2013August 2015. Originally approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
ε1
E265 – 07 .(2013). DOI: 10.1520/E0265-07R13.10.1520/E0265-15.
2
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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E265 − 15
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Refer to Guides E720 and E844 for the selection, irradiation, and quality control of neutron dosimeters.
5.2 Refer to Practice E261 for a general discussion of the determination of fast-neutron fluence and fluence rate with threshold
detectors.
32
5.3 The activation reaction produces P, which decays by the emission of a single beta particle in 100 % of the decays, and
32 3 4
which emits no gamma rays. The half life of P is 14.262 (14)14.284 (36) days (1) and the maximum beta energy is 1710
1710.66 (21) keV (21).
5.4 Elemental sulfur is readily available in pure form and any trace contaminants present do not produce significant amounts
32 34
of radioactivity. Natural sulfur, however, is composed of S (95.02 % (9)),(94.99 % (26)), S (4.21 % (8))(4.25 % (24)) (12), and
trace amounts of other sulfur isotopes. The presence of these
...