ASTM E523-16
Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper

Standard No.

ASTM E523-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E523-21

Latest

ASTM E523-21e1

Scope

1.1 This test method covers procedures for measuring reaction rates by the activation reaction 63 Cu(n,α)60 Co. The cross section for 60 Co produced in this reaction increases rapidly with neutrons having energies greater than about 4.5 MeV. 60 Co decays with a half-life of 1925.27 days (60.29 days)(1)2 and emits two gamma rays having energies of 1.1732278 and 1.332492 MeV(1). The isotopic content of natural copper is 69.17 % 63 Cu and 30.83 % 65 Cu(2). The neutron reaction, 63 Cu(n,γ)64 Cu, produces a radioactive product that emits gamma rays (1.34577 MeV (E1005)) which might interfere with the counting of the 60 Co gamma rays. 1.2 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluence rates above 109 cm−2 ·s−1 can be determined. The 63 Cu(n,α)60 Co reaction can be used to determine fast-neutron fluences for irradiation times up to about 15 years, provided that the analysis methods described in Practice E261 are followed. If dosimeters are analyzed after irradiation periods longer than 15 years, the information inferred about the fluence during irradiation periods more than 15 years before the end of the irradiation should not be relied upon without supporting data from dosimeters withdrawn earlier. 1.3 Detailed procedures for other fast-neutron detectors are referenced in Practice E261. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM E523-16 Referenced Document

• 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 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 E523-16 history

• 2021 ASTM E523-21e1 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2021 ASTM E523-21 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2016 ASTM E523-16 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2011 ASTM E523-11 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2007 ASTM E523-07 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2002 ASTM E523-02 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 2001 ASTM E523-01 Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper
• 1992 ASTM E523-92(1996) Standard Test Method for Measuring Fast-Neutron Reaction Rates by Radioactivation of Copper