ASTM C1165-90(2005) - 1.6.2005
 
Significance and Use

This test method is to be used to ascertain whether or not materials meet specifications for plutonium content or plutonium assay, or both.

A chemical calibration of the coulometer is necessary for accurate results.


FIG. 1 Example of a Cell Design Used at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of milligram quantities of plutonium in unirradiated uranium-plutonium mixed oxide having a U/Pu ratio range of 0.1 to 10. This test method is also applicable to plutonium metal, plutonium oxide, uranium-plutonium mixed carbide, various plutonium compounds including fluoride and chloride salts, and plutonium solutions.

1.2 The recommended amount of plutonium for each aliquant in the coulometric analysis is 5 to 10 mg. Precision worsens for lower amounts of plutonium, and elapsed time of electrolysis becomes impractical for higher amounts of plutonium.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concens, 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C1156-26

Standard Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials

C1168-23

Standard Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium Materials for Analysis

C1210-21

Standard Guide for Establishing a Measurement System Quality Control Program for Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Within Nuclear Industry

C1297-18

Standard Guide for Qualification of Laboratory Analysts for the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials

C758-18

Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Metal

C1128-23

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

C1108-23

Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry

C1068-21

Standard Guide for Qualification of Measurement Methods by a Laboratory Within the Nuclear Industry

C1009-21

Standard Guide for Establishing and Maintaining a Quality Assurance Program for Analytical Laboratories Within the Nuclear Industry

C859-26

Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials

C833-23

Standard Specification for Sintered (Uranium-Plutonium) Dioxide Pellets for Light Water Reactors

C759-18

Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Nitrate Solutions

C757-16(2021)

Standard Specification for Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Dioxide Powder for Light Water Reactors