ASTM E393-19
Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters

Standard No.

ASTM E393-19

Release Date

2019

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM E393-19

Scope

1.1 This test method describes two procedures for the measurement of reaction rates by determining the amount of the fission product 140 Ba produced by the non-threshold reactions 235 U(n,f), 241 Am(n,f), and 239 Pu(n,f), and by the threshold reactions 238 U(n,f), 237 Np(n,f), and 232 Th(n,f). 1.2 These reactions produce many fission products, among which is 140 Ba, having a half-life of 12.752 days. 140 Ba emits gamma rays of several energies; however, these are not easily detected in the presence of other fission products. Competing activity from other fission products requires that a chemical separation be employed or that the 140 Ba activity be determined indirectly by counting its daughter product 140 La. This test method describes both procedure (a), the nondestructive determination of 140 Ba by the direct counting of 140 La several days after irradiation, and procedure (b), the chemical separation of 140 Ba and the subsequent counting of 140 Ba or its daughter 140 La. 1.3 With suitable techniques, fission neutron fluence rates can be measured in the range from 107 n (neutrons) · cm−2 · s−1 to approximately 1015 n · cm−2 · s−1 . 1.4 The measurement of time-integrated reaction rates with fission dosimeters by 140 Ba analysis is limited by the half-life of 140 Ba to irradiation times up to about six weeks. 1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.

ASTM E393-19 Referenced Document

• ASTM C697 Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Dioxide Powders and Pellets
• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM E1005 Standard Test Method for Application and Analysis of Radiometric Monitors for Reactor Vessel Surveillance, E 706(IIIA)
• ASTM E1018 Standard Guide for Application of ASTM Evaluated Cross Section Data File, Matrix E 706 (IIB)
• ASTM E170 Standard Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements and Dosimetry
• ASTM E181 Standard Test Methods for Detector Calibration and Analysis of Radionuclides
• ASTM E261 Standard Practice for Determining Neutron Fluence, Fluence Rate, and Spectra by Radioactivation Techniques
• ASTM E704 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Uranium-238
• ASTM E705 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Neptunium-237
• ASTM E844 Standard Guide for Sensor Set Design and Irradiation for Reactor Surveillance, E 706(IIC)
• ASTM E944 Standard Guide for Application of Neutron Spectrum Adjustment Methods in Reactor Surveillance, (IIA)

ASTM E393-19 history

• 2019 ASTM E393-19 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters
• 2013 ASTM E393-13 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters
• 2008 ASTM E393-08 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters
• 1996 ASTM E393-96(2002) Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters
• 1996 ASTM E393-96 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates by Analysis of Barium-140 From Fission Dosimeters