ASTM E3283-21

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 5.1 This practice provides a protocol to compare different decontamination technologies with a standard contamination mechanism and analysis of subsequent decontamination factors/efficiencies. ; 5.2 The use of this practice provides for the preparation of test coupons with a known amount of loose radiological or surrogate contaminant on the surface. ; 5.3 A standard test coupon is described and a list of potential equipment, contaminants, and contaminating solutions is provided within the procedure. ; 5.4 This practice describes a contamination simulation process that meets the requirements of testing performed (previously) by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the removal of loose contamination.; SCOPE; 1.1 This practice is intended to provide a basis for simulating radioactive contamination consistent with processes used to evaluate decontamination. The methods described provide a “loose-type” radiological or surrogate contamination on nonporous surfaces; these methods provide a surface contamination that may be easily removed by brushing or flushing with water. ; 1.2 This practice is intended for nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel, aluminum, glass, laminates, and epoxy painted surfaces. Preparation of porous substrates is not addressed, although similar methodologies may be used. A different practice is employed using Practice E3190, to produce “fixed” contamination. ; 1.3 The chemical simulants shall not include nor generate toxic byproducts as defined by U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) during preparation, application, or removal under normal conditions. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) shall be provided so that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can be selected. ; 1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. ; 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 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.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2021
• ICS: 17.040.20 - Properties of surfaces
• Technical Committee: E10 - Nuclear Technology and Applications
• Drafting Committee: E10.03 - Radiological Protection for Decontamination and Decommissioning of Nuclear Facilities and Components

• Refers: ASTM E3190-19 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Fixed Radiological/Surrogate Contamination on Porous Test Coupon Surfaces for Evaluation of Decontamination Techniques
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM E3283-21, developed by ASTM International, establishes a standard practice for preparing loose radiological or surrogate contamination on nonporous test coupon surfaces. This protocol is designed to support the evaluation of decontamination techniques by enabling consistent simulation of radioactive or surrogate contamination that can be easily removed by brushing or flushing with water. The practice is vital for comparing the efficiency and effectiveness of various decontamination technologies, particularly in nuclear facilities and environmental cleanup scenarios.

The standard covers the preparation of test coupons with controlled contamination levels using reproducible methods. It addresses nonporous materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, glass, laminates, and epoxy-coated surfaces. The procedure specifically excludes preparation of porous substrates, which require different methodologies. ASTM E3283-21 prioritizes safety by mandating that all chemical simulants used do not produce toxic byproducts as defined by OSHA, and includes protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Topics

• Standardized Contamination Simulation: Provides detailed methods to create "loose-type" contamination on nonporous surfaces, closely mimicking real-world deposition and removal conditions.
• Protocol for Decontamination Testing: Includes explicit steps for preparing, contaminating, drying, handling, and analyzing test coupons to yield reliable and comparable decontamination factor results.
• Material Guidance: Lists suitable nonporous surface types and offers flexibility in contaminant selection, accommodating both radiological isotopes and non-radioactive surrogate materials.
• Safety Considerations: Emphasizes the use of non-toxic simulants, documentation through Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and proper PPE selection and use.
• Consistency and Reproducibility: Ensures that test results are valid and repeatable, forming a solid basis for technology comparison and regulatory compliance.

Applications

ASTM E3283-21 is used in multiple contexts where the assessment of decontamination processes is critical:

• Nuclear Facility Operations and Decommissioning: Enables the standardized evaluation of decontamination methods for nonporous surfaces in reactors, laboratories, and support facilities.
• Environmental Remediation: Serves as the basis for field and laboratory simulations of radioactive or surrogate contamination incidents, supporting the choice of cleanup technology for rapid response scenarios.
• Product and Technology Development: Manufacturers and developers of decontamination products use this standard to benchmark the performance and efficiency of their solutions under controlled, reproducible contamination setups.
• Training and Proficiency Testing: Provides a controlled and safe means to train personnel in contamination monitoring, decontamination strategies, and post-cleanup verification practices.
• Quality Assurance, Research, and Regulatory Auditing: Supports high-quality, documented data collection for regulatory submission, contract verification, and research on decontamination mechanisms.

Related Standards

• ASTM E3190: Standard Practice for Preparation of Fixed Radiological/Surrogate Contamination on Porous Test Coupon Surfaces - complements E3283 by addressing contamination simulation for porous surfaces.
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water - referenced for preparation of contamination solutions and cleaning of coupons.
• U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Guidelines: Determines acceptability of chemical simulants and safety procedures.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) TBT Principles: ASTM E3283-21 aligns with international best practices for standardization, ensuring global applicability.

By following ASTM E3283-21, organizations can confidently simulate contamination, evaluate decontamination techniques, and support regulatory and safety objectives in the management of radiological and chemical contamination on nonporous surfaces.

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: E3283 − 21
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Loose Radiological/Surrogate Contamination
on Nonporous Test Coupon Surfaces for Evaluation of
Decontamination Techniques
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3283; 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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This practice is intended to provide a basis for simulat-
ingradioactivecontaminationconsistentwithprocessesusedto
2. Referenced Documents
evaluate decontamination. The methods described provide a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
“loose-type” radiological or surrogate contamination on non-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
porous surfaces; these methods provide a surface contamina-
E3190 Practice for Preparation of Fixed Radiological/
tion that may be easily removed by brushing or flushing with
Surrogate Contamination on PorousTest Coupon Surfaces
water.
for Evaluation of Decontamination Techniques
1.2 This practice is intended for nonporous surfaces such as
stainless steel, aluminum, glass, laminates, and epoxy painted
3. Terminology
surfaces. Preparation of porous substrates is not addressed,
3.1 Definitions:
although similar methodologies may be used. A different
3.1.1 contamination, n—radioactive material in an un-
practice is employed using Practice E3190, to produce “fixed”
wanted location.
contamination.
3.1.2 fixed contamination, n—contamination that is not
1.3 The chemical simulants shall not include nor generate
removable by brushing or flushing it away with water at
toxic byproducts as defined by U.S. Occupational Safety and
pressures below 0.689 MPa.
Health Administration (OSHA) during preparation,
3.1.3 loose contamination, n—contamination that is remov-
application,orremovalundernormalconditions.ASafetyData
able by brushing or flushing it away with water at pressures
Sheet (SDS) shall be provided so that appropriate personal
below 0.689 MPa (100 psi).
protective equipment (PPE) can be selected.
3.1.4 deminimus sample result, n—result below which no
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
further effort of quantification is required, typically about 2 %
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
of the original contamination value.
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—For fixed contamination calculations,
the2%oftheoriginalcontaminationvalueisadequatebecause
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of the difficulty in achieving such results and the essential
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
nature of the precision of the method.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.5 non-radiological surrogate, n—material used in place
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of a radioactive material to evaluate a proscribed method
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
without necessitating the use of actual radioactive material.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.5.1 Discussion—For use of surrogates, the user shall
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ensure adequate chemical, mechanical, and general mimicry of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the proposed radiological material the surrogate is replacing.
3.1.6 personal protective equipment, PPE, n—refers to the
protective clothing, head protection, eye protection, and or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E10.03 on Radiological Protection for Decontamination and Decommissioning of For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Nuclear Facilities and Components. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 15, 2021. Published August 2021. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E3283-21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3283 − 21
other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s 5.4 This practice describes a contamination simulation pro-
body from injury or contamination. cess that meets the requirements of testing performed (previ-
3.1.6.1 Discussion—The hazards addressed by PPE may ously) by the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environ-
include physical, electrical, heat, chemical, and radiological mental Protection Agency for the removal of loose
hazards. contamination.
3.1.7 radiological work permit, RWP, n—written work au-
6. Reagents
thorization prepared by the facility radiological control orga-
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
nization that describes the potential radiation dose, work
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
conditions, and contamination control measures to be used
all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the commit-
when performing radiological work.
tee onAnalytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Society,
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The specific facilities in which this
where such specifications are available. Other grades may be
work will be performed will define whether an RWP or
used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of
equivalent document will be required for performance. Given
sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the
theconcentrationsofradionuclidesusedinthispracticeandthe
accuracy of the determination.
potential for whole-body and extremity radiation dose, the
facility radiological control organization may require as low as
6.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
reasonably achievable (ALARA) work activity planning.
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
by Type I of Specification D1193.
3.1.8 simulation, n—consistent, reproducible means for pre-
paring test coupons (even those with radioactive contamina-
6.3 A concentrated radionuclide standard shall be procured
tion).
for use if radiological tests are being performed (recommended
3.1.9 stippling, n—method of placing drops of solution use). It is intended that a single contaminant be applied to a
(which may be measured by an adjustable pipette) onto the coupon and not introduce multiple sources. When using
Cs-137, a standard (stock solution) with a concentration of
surface of a coupon to provide a uniform distribution of
contaminant on the surface. about 7.4E5 Bq/mL (2E-5 Ci/mL) will provide a good,
long-lasting standard. Lesser concentrations can be used. The
4. Summary of Practice recommended Cs-137 working solution will be about 1.48E4
Bq/mL (4E-7 Ci/mL). This solution typically has a radiation
4.1 For all methods described herein, a contaminant is
reading of about 3 mSv/h (300 mrem/h) gamma on contact and
applied to a pre-cleaned test coupon under ambient conditions.
18 mSv/h (1800 mrem/h) beta/gamma on contact. The body
The amount of contaminant necessary to be applied to the test
field at 30 cm is typically below 0.5 mSv/h (50 mrem/h).
coupon shall be determined in advance of preparing coupons.
Coupons prepared using these solutions exhibit a dose rate of
4.2 Two methods of applying contamination to the coupon
about 0.2 mSv/h (20 mrem/h). When using Sr-85 and Co-60,
are discussed:
similar activity concentrations may be suitable, but for Am-
4.2.1 Method A—Stippling the contaminant solution onto
243, an activity concentration of 1.48E2 Bq/mL (4E-9 Ci/mL)
the desired surface, and
is possible given it is an alpha emitter. These solutions are
4.2.2 Method B—Distributing a powder via a “salt-shaker”-
slightly acidic, unbuffered.
type container.
6.4 Nonradioactive contaminant solutions of cesium chlo-
4.3 The protocol for determining the decontamination
ride and zirconium chloride have been used at a concentration
factor/efficiency is provided when the coupons are used to test
of about 1 mg/mL.
a decontamination method. The detection method [for
example, gamma analysis, visual, photographic or X-ray fluo- 7. Procedure
rescence (XRF)] provides data for this evaluation. The use of
7.1 Prepare coupons for contamination.
gamma-emitting radionuclides and a specific geometry high-
7.1.1 Wash coupons with high-resistivity water (ASTM
purity germanium detector measurement process is recom-
Type I as outlined in Specification D1193) or brush them
mended.
lightly to remove dust. Some coupons may not require addi-
tional preparation beyond brushing and the application of a
5. Significance and Use
label.
5.1 This practice provides a protocol to compare different 7.1.2 Label coupons with unique identifiers.
decontamination technologies with a standard contamination 7.1.3 Coat coupon sides with polyester resin to provide a
mechanism and analysis of subsequent decontamination surface that can be more easily decontaminated (if necessary).
factors/efficiencies.
7.2 Prepare Working Solution:
5.2 The use of this practice provides for the preparation of
test coupons with a known amount of loose radio
...