ASTM C1128-15
Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials

Standard No.
ASTM C1128-15
Release Date
2015
Published By
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Status
Replace By
ASTM C1128-18
Latest
ASTM C1128-23
Scope

5.1 Certified reference materials (CRMs) prepared from nuclear materials are generally of high purity, possessing chemical stability or reproducible stoichiometry. Usually they are certified using the most unbiased and precise measurement methods available, often with more than one laboratory being involved in making certification measurements. CRMs are generally used on a national or international level, and they are at the top of the metrological hierarchy of reference materials. A graphical representation of a national nuclear measurement system is shown in Fig. 3.

5.2 Working reference materials (WRMs) need to have quality characteristics that are similar to CRMs, although the rigor used to achieve those characteristics is not usually as stringent as for CRMs. Similarly, producers of WRMs should comply with applicable requirements of ISO Guide 34, which are less stringent for WRMs than the requirements for producers of CRMs. Where possible, CRMs are often used to calibrate the methods used for establishing the concentration values (reference values) assigned to WRMs, thus providing traceability to CRMs as required by ISO/IEC 17025. A WRM is normally prepared for a specific application.

5.3 Because of the importance of having highly reliable measurement data from nuclear materials, particularly for control and accountability purposes, CRMs are sometimes used for calibration when available. However, CRMs prepared from nuclear materials are not always available for specific applications. Thus, there may be a need for a laboratory to prepare WRMs from nuclear materials. Also, CRMs are often too expensive, or their supply is too limited for use in the quantities needed for long-term, routine use. When properly prepared, WRMs will serve equally well as CRMs for most applications, and using WRMs will preserve supplies of CRMs.

5.4 Difficulties may be encountered in the preparation of RMs from nuclear materials because of the chemical and physical properties of the materials. Chemical instabilities, problems in ensuring stoichiometry, and radioactivity are factors involved, with all three factors being involved with some materials. Those preparing WRMs from nuclear materials must be aware of how these factors affect preparation, as well as being aware of the other criteria governing the preparation of reliable WRMs.

1.1 This guide covers the preparation and characterization of working reference materials (WRM) that are produced by a laboratory for its own use in the analysis of nuclear fuel cycle materials. Guidance is provided for establishing traceability of WRMs to certified reference materials by a defined characterization process. The guidance provided is generic; it is not specific for a given material.

1.2 The information provided by this guide is found in the following sections:

ASTM C1128-15 Referenced Document

  • ASTM C1009 Standard Guide for Establishing a Quality Assurance Program for Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Within the Nuclear Industry
  • ASTM C1068 Standard Guide for Qualification of Measurement Methods by a Laboratory Within the Nuclear Industry
  • ASTM C1215 Standard Guide for Preparing and Interpreting Precision and Bias Statements in Test Method Standards Used in the Nuclear Industry
  • ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
  • ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories [Standard in French]

ASTM C1128-15 history

  • 2023 ASTM C1128-23 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
  • 2018 ASTM C1128-18 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
  • 2015 ASTM C1128-15 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
  • 2001 ASTM C1128-01(2008) Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
  • 2001 ASTM C1128-01 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
  • 1995 ASTM C1128-95e1 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials


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