ASTM Int'l Issues Total Evaporation Standard for Uranium, Plutonium Composition - ASTM C 1672

February 20, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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ASTM International Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle developed a standard for using the total evaporation method to determine uranium or plutonium composition.

ASTM C 1672 - Test Method for Determination of Uranium or Plutonium Isotopic Composition or Concentration by the Total Evaporation Method Using a Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of Test.

Thermal ionization mass spectrometers are used in the nuclear arena to determine the isotopic composition and elemental concentration of nuclear fuel components, which are primarily uranium and plutonium, said ASTM International.

Compared to conventional methods, the total evaporation method offers increased sample throughput, reduced sample sizes, improved precision, potentially improved accuracy and is generally freer from interferences, according to ASTM International.

"Due to its improved utilization of sample during the analyses, the total evaporation method is well suited with a properly equipped mass spectrometer for analyzing very small samples," said Peter Mason, C26.05 member and reference materials program coordinator, New Brunswick Laboratory.

"Therefore, the test method will find application with uranium enrichment facilities, nuclear fuel producers and fuel reprocessing facilities."

In addition, Mason said that ASTM C 1672 will be used for waste handling/disposition, establishing inventory values as part of a safeguards system including plant systems and governmental/intergovernmental oversight and for environmental analysis, nuclear forensics and bioassay applications.

Mason said that Subcommittee C26.05 plans to expand ASTM C 1672 to include more detail on smaller sample sizes and different detector types.

Also, with the advent of next-generation mass spectrometers, additional test methods covering the scope and breadth of the new instrument capabilities will need to be developed and promulgated, said ASTM International.

The subcommittee welcomes participation from fuel producers and regulatory agencies.

Source: ASTM International.