ASTM E321-20

Standard Test Method for Atom Percent Fission in Uranium and Plutonium Fuel (Neodymium-148 Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The burnup of an irradiated nuclear fuel can be determined from the amount of a fission product formed during irradiation. Among the fission products,  148Nd has the following properties to recommend it as an ideal burnup indicator:  
5.1.1 It is not volatile, does not migrate in solid fuels below their recrystallization temperature, and has no volatile precursors.  
5.1.2 It is nonradioactive and requires no decay corrections.  
5.1.3 It has a low destruction cross section and formation from adjacent mass chains can be corrected for.  
5.1.4 It has good emission characteristics for mass analysis.  
5.1.5 Its fission yield is nearly the same for  235U and  239Pu and is essentially independent of neutron energy (6).  
5.1.6 It has a shielded isotope,  142Nd, which can be used for correcting natural Nd contamination.  
5.1.7 It is not a normal constituent of unirradiated fuel.  
5.2 The analysis of  148Nd in irradiated fuel does not depend on the availability of preirradiation sample data or irradiation history. Atom percent fission is directly proportional to the  148Nd-to-fuel ratio in irradiated fuel. However, the production of  148Nd from  147Nd by neutron capture will introduce a systematic error whose contribution must be corrected for. In power reactor fuels, this correction is relatively small. In test reactor irradiations where fluxes can be very high, this correction can be substantial (see Table 1). (A) Assuming continuous reactor operation and a 274 ± 91 barn  1 47Nd effective neutron absorption cross section for a thermal neutron power reactor. This cross section was obtained by adjusting the 440 ± 150 barn  147Nd cross section (7) measured at 20 °C to a Maxwellian spectrum at a neutron temperature of 300 °C.  
5.3 The test method can be applied directly to U fuel containing less than 0.5 % initial Pu with 1 to 100 GW days/metric ton burnup. For fuel containing 5 to 50 % initial Pu, increase the Pu content by a factor of 10 to 100, respecti...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of stable fission product  148Nd in irradiated uranium (U) fuel (with initial plutonium (Pu) content from 0 to 50 %) as a measure of fuel burnup (1-3).2  
1.2 It is possible to obtain additional information about the uranium and plutonium concentrations and isotopic abundances on the same sample taken for burnup analysis. If this additional information is desired, it can be obtained by precisely measuring the spike and sample volumes and following the instructions in Test Method E267.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 30-Nov-2020
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C1411-20 - Standard Practice for The Ion Exchange Separation of Uranium and Plutonium Prior to Isotopic Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020

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: E321 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Atom Percent Fission in Uranium and Plutonium Fuel
1
(Neodymium-148 Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E321; 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 Materials for Analysis
C1267 Test Method for Uranium by Iron (II) Reduction in
1.1 This test method covers the determination of stable
148 PhosphoricAcid Followed by Chromium (VI) Titration in
fission product Nd in irradiated uranium (U) fuel (with
the Presence of Vanadium
initial plutonium (Pu) content from 0 to 50 %) as a measure of
2 C1347 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Uranium
fuel burnup (1-3).
Materials for Analysis
1.2 It is possible to obtain additional information about the
C1411 Practice for The Ion Exchange Separation of Ura-
uranium and plutonium concentrations and isotopic abun-
nium and Plutonium Prior to Isotopic Analysis
dances on the same sample taken for burnup analysis. If this 238
C1415 Test Method for Pu Isotopic Abundance By Alpha
additional information is desired, it can be obtained by pre-
Spectrometry
cisely measuring the spike and sample volumes and following
C1625 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium Concentra-
the instructions in Test Method E267.
tions and Isotopic Abundances by Thermal Ionization
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
Mass Spectrometry
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this C1672 Test Method for Determination of Uranium or Pluto-
standard.
nium Isotopic Composition or Concentration by the Total
Evaporation Method Using a Thermal Ionization Mass
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Spectrometer
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C1832 Test Method for Determination of Uranium Isotopic
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Composition by the Modified Total Evaporation (MTE)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Method Using a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
C1845 Practice for The Separation of Lanthanide Elements
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
from Uranium Matrices Using High Pressure Ion Chro-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
matography (HPIC) for Isotopic Analyses by Inductively
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Spe-
4
2. Referenced Documents cialty Chemicals (Withdrawn 2009)
3
E244 Test Method forAtom Percent Fission in Uranium and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Plutonium Fuel (Mass Spectrometric Method) (With-
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
4
drawn 2001)
C1168 PracticeforPreparationandDissolutionofPlutonium
E267 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium Concentra-
tions and Isotopic Abundances
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
3. Terminology
Test.
3.1 Definitions:
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published January 2021. Originally
approved in 1967. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E321 – 96 (2012).
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method but
DOI: 10.1520/E0321-20.
not defined herein, refer to Terminology C859.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this test method.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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E321 − 20
148 147 A
TABLE 1 K Factors to Correct Nd for Nd Thermal Neutron Capture
2
Total Neutron Exposure, φI (neutrons/cm )
Total Neutron Flux,
2
20 20 21 21 21
φ (neutrons/cm /s)
1×10 3×10
...

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: E321 − 96 (Reapproved 2012) E321 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Atom Percent Fission in Uranium and Plutonium Fuel
1
(Neodymium-148 Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E321; 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
148
1.1 This test method covers the determination of stable fission product Nd in irradiated uranium (U) fuel (with initial plutonium
2
(Pu) content from 0 to 50 %) as a measure of fuel burnup (1-3).
1.2 It is possible to obtain additional information about the uranium and plutonium concentrations and isotopic abundances on the
same sample taken for burnup analysis. If this additional information is desired, it can be obtained by precisely measuring the spike
and sample volumes and following the instructions in Test Method E267.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 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.
1.5 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
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C1168 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium Materials for Analysis
C1267 Test Method for Uranium by Iron (II) Reduction in Phosphoric Acid Followed by Chromium (VI) Titration in the
Presence of Vanadium
C1347 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Uranium Materials for Analysis
C1411 Practice for The Ion Exchange Separation of Uranium and Plutonium Prior to Isotopic Analysis
238
C1415 Test Method for Pu Isotopic Abundance By Alpha Spectrometry
C1625 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium Concentrations and Isotopic Abundances by Thermal Ionization Mass
Spectrometry
C1672 Test Method for Determination of Uranium or Plutonium Isotopic Composition or Concentration by the Total
Evaporation Method Using a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer
1
This test method 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, 2012Dec. 1, 2020. Published June 2012January 2021. Originally approved in 1967 .1967. Last previous edition approved in 20052012
as E321 – 96 (2012).(2005). DOI: 10.1520/E0321-96R12.10.1520/E0321-20.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references appended to at the end of this test method.
3
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 ----------------------
E321 − 20
C1832 Test Method for Determination of Uranium Isotopic Composition by the Modified Total Evaporation (MTE) Method
Using a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer
C1845 Practice for The Separation of Lanthanide Elements from Uranium Matrices Using High Pressure Ion Chromatography
(HPIC) for Isotopic Analyses by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
E180 Practice for Determining the Precision of ASTM Methods for Analysis and Testing of Industrial and Specialty Chemicals
4
(Withdrawn 2009)
4
E244 Test Method for Atom Percent Fission in Uranium and Plutonium Fuel (Mass Spectrometric Method) (Withdrawn 2001)
E267 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium Concentrations and Isotopic Abundances
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method but not defined herein, refer to Terminology C859.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Fission product neodymium
...