ASTM C1128-23

Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Certified reference materials (CRMs) prepared from nuclear materials are well characterized, traceable, and sufficiently homogenous and stable for their intended use. Usually they are certified using the most unbiased and precise measurement methods available, often with more than one laboratory being used on a national or international level. CRMs are at the top of the metrological hierarchy of reference materials. A graphical representation of a typical national nuclear measurement system is shown in Fig. 3.
FIG. 3 Typical National Nuclear Measurement System  
5.2 Working reference materials (WRMs) need to have quality characteristics that are similar to CRMs, although the rigor used to achieve those characteristics is not usually as stringent as for CRMs. Similarly, production of WRMs should be in accordance with applicable requirements of ISO 17034. Where possible, CRMs are typically used to calibrate the methods used for establishing reference values assigned to WRMs, thus providing traceability to CRMs as required by ISO/IEC 17025. A WRM is normally prepared for a specific application.  
5.3 Because of the importance of having highly reliable measurement data from nuclear material analysis, particularly for material control and accountability purposes, CRMs are used for calibration when available. However, CRMs prepared from nuclear materials are not always available for specific applications. Thus, there may be a need for a laboratory to prepare nuclear material WRMs to meet specific needs; for example, to match the matrix in process samples. In such cases, a WRM can be tailored to meet specific needs of a process or laboratory. Also, CRM supply may be too limited for use in the quantities needed for long-term, routine use. When properly prepared, WRMs will serve equally well as CRMs for most applications, and using WRMs will help preserve supplies of CRMs.  
5.4 Difficulties may be encountered in the preparation of RMs from nuclear materials becaus...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers the preparation and characterization of working reference materials (WRM) that are produced by a laboratory for its own use in the analysis of nuclear fuel cycle materials. Guidance is provided for proper planning, preparation, packaging, and storage; requirements for characterization; homogeneity and stability considerations; and value assignment. When traceability to SI is desired for a WRM, it will be achieved by a defined, statistically sound characterization process that is traceable to a certified value on a certified reference materials. While the guidance provided is generic for nuclear fuel cycle materials, detailed examples for some materials are provided in the appendixes.  
1.2 This guide does not apply to the production and characterization of certified reference materials (CRM). Refer to ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35 for guidance on reference material production, characterization, certification, sale, and distribution requirements.  
1.3 The information provided by this guide is found in the following sections:    
Section  
Perform WRM Planning  
6  
Prepare and Process Materials  
7  
Packaging and Storage of Materials  
8  
Perform Homogeneity Study  
9  
Perform Stability Studies  
10  
Characterize Materials  
11  
Perform Uncertainty Analysis  
12  
Produce Documentation  
13  
Carry Out WRM Utilization and Monitoring  
14  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The non-SI units of molar, M, and normal, N, are also regarded as standard. Any non-SI units of measurement shown in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2022
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.08 - Quality Assurance, Statistical Applications, and Reference Materials

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: C1128 − 23
Standard Guide for
Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in
1
Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1128; 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 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This guide covers the preparation and characterization
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of working reference materials (WRM) that are produced by a
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
laboratory for its own use in the analysis of nuclear fuel cycle
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
materials. Guidance is provided for proper planning,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
preparation, packaging, and storage; requirements for charac-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
terization; homogeneity and stability considerations; and value
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
assignment. When traceability to SI is desired for a WRM, it
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
will be achieved by a defined, statistically sound characteriza-
tion process that is traceable to a certified value on a certified
2. Referenced Documents
reference materials. While the guidance provided is generic for
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nuclear fuel cycle materials, detailed examples for some
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
materials are provided in the appendixes.
C1009 Guide for Establishing and Maintaining a Quality
1.2 This guide does not apply to the production and char-
Assurance Program for Analytical Laboratories Within the
acterization of certified reference materials (CRM). Refer to
Nuclear Industry
ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35 for guidance on reference
C1068 Guide for Qualification of Measurement Methods by
material production, characterization, certification, sale, and
a Laboratory Within the Nuclear Industry
distribution requirements.
C1108 Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential
1.3 The information provided by this guide is found in the Coulometry
following sections:
C1165 Test Method for Determining Plutonium by
Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H SO at a Platinum
Section
2 4
Perform WRM Planning 6
Working Electrode
Prepare and Process Materials 7
C1168 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium
Packaging and Storage of Materials 8
Materials for Analysis
Perform Homogeneity Study 9
Perform Stability Studies 10
C1210 Guide for Establishing a Measurement System Qual-
Characterize Materials 11
ity Control Program for Analytical Chemistry Laborato-
Perform Uncertainty Analysis 12
ries Within Nuclear Industry
Produce Documentation 13
Carry Out WRM Utilization and 14
C1267 Test Method for Uranium by Iron (II) Reduction in
Monitoring
Phosphoric Acid Followed by Chromium (VI) Titration in
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
the Presence of Vanadium
standard. The non-SI units of molar, M, and normal, N, are also
C1297 Guide for Qualification of Laboratory Analysts for
regarded as standard. Any non-SI units of measurement shown
the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
in parentheses are for information only.
C1347 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Uranium
Materials for Analysis
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the C1625 Test Method for Uranium and Plutonium Concentra-
tions and Isotopic Abundances by Thermal Ionization
Mass Spectrometry
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel
Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.08 on Quality
2
Assurance, Statistical Applications, and Reference Materials. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C1128 – 18. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1128-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

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...

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: C1128 − 18 C1128 − 23
Standard Guide for
Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in
1
Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1128; 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 guide covers the preparation and characterization of working reference materials (WRM) that are produced by a
laboratory for its own use in the analysis of nuclear fuel cycle materials. Guidance is provided for proper planning, preparation,
packaging, and storage; requirements for characterization; homogeneity and stability considerations; and establishing traceability
of WRMs to certified reference materials value assignment. When traceability to SI is desired for a WRM, it will be achieved by
a defined, statistically sound characterization process. process that is traceable to a certified value on a certified reference materials.
While the guidance provided is generic for nuclear fuel cycle materials, detailed examples for some materials are provided in the
appendixes.
1.2 This guide does not apply to the preparationproduction and characterization of certified reference materials (CRM). Refer to
ISO 17034 and ISO Guide 35 for those guidance on reference material production, characterization, certification, sale, and
distribution requirements.
1.3 The information provided by this guide is found in the following sections:
Section
Perform WRM Planning 6
Select, Collect, Prepare, and Process 7
Materials
Prepare and Process Materials 7
Packaging and Store Materials 8
Packaging and Storage of Materials 8
Perform Homogeneity Study 9
Perform Stability Studies 10
Characterize Materials 11
Perform Uncertainty Analysis 12
Produce Documentation 13
Carry Out WRM Utilization and 14
Monitoring
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The non-SI units of molar, M, and normal, N, are also regarded
as standard. Any non-SI units of measurement shown in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.08 on Quality Assurance,
Statistical Applications, and Reference Materials.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2018February 2023. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20152018 as
C1128 – 15.C1128 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/C1128-18.10.1520/C1128-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1128 − 23
1.6 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C1009 Guide for Establishing and Maintaining a Quality Assurance Program for Analytical Laboratories Within the Nuclear
Industry
C1068 Guide for Qualification of Measurement Methods by a Laboratory Within the Nuclear Industry
C1108 Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
C1165 Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H SO at a Platinum Working Electrode
2 4
C1168 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium Materials for Analysis
C1210 Guide for Establishing a Measurement System Quality Control Program for Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Within
Nuclear Industry
C1267 Test Method for Uranium by Iron (II) Reduction in Phosphoric Acid Followed by Chromium (VI) Titration in the
Presence of Vanadium
C1297 Guide for Qualification of Laboratory Analysts for the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
C1347 Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Uranium Materials for Analysis
C1625 Test M
...