ASTM C1030-95

Standard Test Method for Determination of Plutonium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

SCOPE
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of isotopic abundances in isotopically homogeneous Pu-bearing materials. This test method may be applicable to other plutonium-bearing materials, some of which may require modifications to the described test method.
1.2 The procedure is applicable to sample sizes ranging from a few tenths of a gram up to the maximum sample weight allowed by criticality limits.
1.3 Because  242 Pu has no useful gamma-ray signature, its isotopic abundance is not determined. Isotopic correlation techniques may be used to estimate its relative abundance (Refs 1, 2).
1.4 This test method has been demonstrated in routine use for isotopic abundances ranging from 94 to 70%  239 Pu. This test method has also been employed for isotopic abundances outside this range.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6  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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Sep-1995
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.10 - Non Destructive Assay

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM C1030-95(2001) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Plutonium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1995

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or
withdrawn.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: C 1030 – 95
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Plutonium Isotopic Composition by
1
Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1030; 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.
4
1. Scope sis of Radionuclides
E 267 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of
4
Concentrations and Isotopic Abundances
isotopic abundances in isotopically homogeneous Pu-bearing
2.2 ANSI Standards:
materials. This test method may be applicable to other
plutonium-bearing materials, some of which may require ANSI N15.22 Plutonium-Bearing Solids—Calibration
5
modifications to the described test method. Techniques for Calorimetric Assay
1.2 The procedure is applicable to sample sizes ranging
ANSI N15.35 Guide to Preparing Calibration Material for
from a few tenths of a gram up to the maximum sample weight
Nondestructive Assay Systems that Count Passive Gamma
5
allowed by criticality limits.
Rays
242
1.3 Because Pu has no useful gamma-ray signature, its
isotopic abundance is not determined. Isotopic correlation
3. Summary of Test Method
techniques may be used to estimate its relative abundance
3.1 Relative intensities of gamma-rays from a plutonium
2
(Refs 1, 2).
sample are determined from a gamma-ray spectrum obtained
1.4 This test method has been demonstrated in routine use
with a high-resolution Ge detector.
239
for isotopic abundances ranging from 94 to 70 % Pu. This
3.2 The atom ratio, N /N , for isotopes i and j is related to the
i j
test method has also been employed for isotopic abundances
relative counting intensities, I and I , for the gamma-rays of
i j
outside this range.
energy D and E by:
i j
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
N I e
standard.
i i j
5 C · (1)
ij
N e I
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
j i j
1/2
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
T B
i j
C 5 · (2)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- ij 1/2
B
T i
j
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. where:
e5 relative detection efficiency for a gamma-ray at
2. Referenced Documents
energy E,
1/2
2.1 ASTM Standards: T 5 half-life, and
B 5 gamma-ray branching intensity (usually expressed
C 697 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and
as the gamma-ray emission probability per
Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium
3
disintegration).
Dioxide Powders and Pellets
C 698 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and
3.3 The conversion factors, C , are computed from known
ij
Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Mixed Oxides half-lives and gamma-ray branching intensities.
3
((U, Pu)O )
2 3.4 The relative detection efficiency, e, is a function of
C 982 Guide for Selecting Components for Energy-
gamma-ray energy and results from the combined effects of
3
Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems
detector response, attenuation due to absorbers and container
E 181 General Methods for Detector Calibration and Analy-
walls, and self-absorption within the sample for gamma-rays of
differing energies. The relative detection efficiencies are
determined for each sample from the observed gamma
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-26 on Nuclear
spectrum.
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.10 on Nondestruc-
tive Assay.
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1995. Published November 1995. Originally
published as C 1030 – 84. Last previous edition C 1030 – 89.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
this standard.
5
Available from the American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.01.
Floor, New York, NY 10036.
1

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C 1030
TABLE 1 Gamma-Ray Interferences Due to Uranium in (Pu, U)O
4. Significance and Use
2
Materials
4.1 The determination of isotopic composition by gamma-
Branching
ray spectrometry is a nondestructive technique and when used
Energy Intensity
Isotope
with other nondestructive techniques, such as calorimetry or (keV) (%g/disinte-
gration)
neutron coincidence counting, can provide a totally destructive
235
143.77 10.7 U
plutonium assay necessary for material accountan
...