1.1 This specification defines criteria for boron-based neutron absorbing material systems used in racks in a pool environment for storage of nuclear light water reactor (LWR) spent-fuel assemblies or disassembled components to maintain sub-criticality in the storage rack system.
1.2 Boron-based neutron absorbing material systems normally consist of metallic boron or a chemical compound containing boron (for example, boron carbide, B4C) supported by a matrix of aluminum, steel, or other materials.
1.3 In a boron-based absorber, neutron absorption occurs primarily by the boron-10 isotope that is present in natural boron to the extent of 18.3 6
0.2 % by weight (depending upon the geological origin of the boron). Boron enriched in boron-10 could also be used.
1.4 The materials systems described herein shall be functional (that is, always be capable to maintain a boron-10 areal density such that subcriticality is maintained depending on the design specification for the service life in the operating environment of a nuclear spent fuel pool).
1.5 Observance of this specification does not relieve the user of the obligation to conform to all applicable international, national, and local regulations.
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 C1187 Standard Guide for Establishing Surveillance Test Program for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks
ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
ASTM E105 Standard Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials*, 2024-04-21 Update
ASTM E2971 Standard Test Method for Determination of Effective Boron-10 Areal Density in Aluminum Neutron Absorbers using Neutron Attenuation Measurements*, 2020-12-01 Update
ASTM C992-20a history
2020ASTM C992-20a Standard Specification for Boron-based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in Pool Environment
2020ASTM C992-20 Standard Specification for Boron-based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in Pool Environment
2016ASTM C992-16 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in a Pool Environment
2011ASTM C992-11 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks
2006ASTM C992-06 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks
1989ASTM C992-89(1997) Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks