ASTM E265-07e1
Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32

Standard No.

ASTM E265-07e1

Release Date

2007

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E265-07(2013)

Latest

ASTM E265-15(2020)

Scope

Refer to Guides E 720 and E 844 for the selection, irradiation, and quality control of neutron dosimeters.

Refer to Practice E 261 for a general discussion of the determination of fast-neutron fluence and fluence rate with threshold detectors.

The activation reaction produces ³²P, which decays by the emission of a single beta particle in 100 % of the decays, and which emits no gamma rays. The half life of ³²P is 14.262 (14) days (1) and the maximum beta energy is 1710 keV(2).

Elemental sulfur is readily available in pure form and any trace contaminants present do not produce significant amounts of radioactivity. Natural sulfur, however, is composed of ³²S (95.02 % (9)), ³⁴S (4.21 % (8)) (1), and trace amounts of other sulfur isotopes. The presence of these other isotopes leads to several competing reactions that can interfere with the counting of the 1710-keV beta particle. This interference can usually be eliminated by the use of appropriate techniques, as discussed in Section 8.

1.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring reaction rates and fast-neutron fluences by the activation reaction ³²S(n,p)³²P.

1.2 This activation reaction is useful for measuring neutrons with energies above approximately 3 MeV.

1.3 With suitable techniques, fission-neutron fluences from about 5 × 10⁸ to 10¹⁶ n/cm² can be measured.

1.4 Detailed procedures for other fast-neutron detectors are described in Practice E 261.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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 E265-07e1 Referenced Document

• 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 E720 Standard Guide for Selection and Use of Neutron-Activation Foils for Determining Neutron Spectra Employed in Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
• ASTM E721 Standard Guide for Determining Neutron Energy Spectra from Neutron Sensors for Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronics
• 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 E265-07e1 history

• 2020 ASTM E265-15(2020) Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 2015 ASTM E265-15 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 2007 ASTM E265-07(2013) Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 2007 ASTM E265-07e1 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 2007 ASTM E265-07 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 1998 ASTM E265-98(2002) Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32
• 1998 ASTM E265-98 Standard Test Method for Measuring Reaction Rates and Fast-Neutron Fluences by Radioactivation of Sulfur-32