Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Aluminum

SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes procedures measuring reaction rates by the activation reaction  27 Al(n,[alpha]) 24 Na.
1.2 This activation reaction is useful for measuring neutrons with energies above approximately 6.5 MeV and for irradiation times up to about 2 days (for longer irradiations, see Test Method E261).
1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluence rates above 10 [dot]cm -2 [dot]s -1  can be determined.
1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast neutron detectors are referenced in Test Method 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.

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Historical
Publication Date
31-Dec-1995
Current Stage
Ref Project

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ASTM E266-92(1996) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Aluminum
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Designation: E 266 – 92 (Reapproved 1996)
Standard Test Method for
Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation
of Aluminum
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 266; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers procedures measuring reaction 4.1 High-purity aluminum is irradiated in a neutron field,
7 24 24 27 24
rates by the activation reaction Al(n,a) Na. thereby producing radioactive Na from the Al(n,a) Na
1.2 This activation reaction is useful for measuring neutrons activation reaction.
with energies above approximately 6.5 MeV and for irradiation 4.2 The gamma rays emitted by the radioactive decay of
times up to about 2 days (for longer irradiations, see Practice Na are counted (see Test Methods E 181) and the reaction
E 261). rate, as defined by Practice E 261, is calculated from the decay
1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluence rates rate and irradiation conditions.
6 −2 −1
above 10 ·cm ·s can be determined. 4.3 The neutron fluence rate above about 6.5 MeV can then
1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast neutron detectors are be calculated from the spectral-weighted neutron activation
referenced in Practice E 261. cross section as defined by Practice E 261.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5.1 Refer to Guide E 844 for the selection, irradiation, and
quality control of neutron dosimeters.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.2 Refer to Practice E 261 for a general discussion of the
determination of fast-neutron fluence rate with threshold de-
2. Referenced Documents
tectors.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 5.3 Pure aluminum in the form of foil or wire is readily
E 170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements available and easily handled.
2 24
and Dosimetry 5.4 Na has a half-life of 15.0 h and emits gamma rays with
E 181 Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis energies of 1.369 and 2.754 MeV.
of Radionuclides 5.5 Fig. 1 shows a plot of cross section versus neutron
27 24
E 261 Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence Rate, Flu- energy for the fast-neutron reaction Al(n,a) Na. This figure
ence, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques is for illustrative purposes only to indicate the range of
E 844 Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for response of the Al(n,a) reaction. Refer to Guide E 1018 for
Reactor Surveillance, E 706(IIC) descriptions of recommended tabulated dosimetry cross sec-
E 944 Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjust- tions.
2 28 27
ment Methods in Reactor Surveillance, (IIA) 5.6 Two competing activities, Al and Mg, are formed in
27 28 27 27
E 1005 Test Method for Application and Analysis of Radio- the reactions Al(n,g) Al and Al(n,p) Mg, respectively,
metric Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, but these can be eliminated by waiting 2 h before counting.
E706(IIIA)
6. Apparatus
E 1018 Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross
Section Data File, Matrix E 706(IIB) 6.1 NaI(T1) or High Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer.
Because of its high resolution, the germanium detector is
3. Terminology
useful when contaminant activities are present (see Test Meth-
3.1 Definitions: ods E 181 and E 1005).
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology E 170. 6.2 Precision Balance, able to achieve the required accu-
racy.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-10 on Nuclear
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E10.05 on Nuclear Radiation Metrology. Kocher, D. C., “Radioactive Decay Data Tables” DOE/TIC-11026, April 1981.
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 1992. Published May 1993. Originally “International Reactor Dosimetry File (IRDF–90),” assembled by N.P.
published as E 266 – 65 T. Last previous edition E 266 – 87. Kocherov, et al., International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Data Section,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02. IAEA-NDS-141, Rev. 0, August 1990.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 266
27 24
FIG. 1 Al(n,a) Na Cross Section
6.3 Digital Computer, useful for data analysis (optional). 8.5 After irradiation, the sample should be thoroughly
rinsed in warm water. This will remove any Na surface
7. Materials
contamination produced during irradiation.
7.1 The purity of the aluminum is important. No impurities 8.6 Check the sample for activity from cross-contamination
should be present that produce long-lived gamma-ray-emitting
by other irradiated materials. Clean, if necessary, and reweigh.
radionuclides
...

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