ASTM C1493-19
Standard Test Method for Non-Destructive Assay of Nuclear Material in Waste by Passive and Active Neutron Counting Using a Differential Die-Away System

Standard No.

ASTM C1493-19

Release Date

2019

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM C1493-19

Scope

1.1 This test method covers a system that performs nondestructive assay (NDA) of uranium or plutonium, or both, using the active, differential die-away technique (DDT), and passive neutron coincidence counting. Results from the active and passive measurements are combined to determine the total amount of fissile and spontaneously-fissioning material in drums of scrap or waste. Corrections are made to the measurements for the effects of neutron moderation and absorption, assuming that the effects are averaged over the volume of the drum and that no significant lumps of nuclear material are present. These systems are most widely used to assay low-level and transuranic waste, but may also be used for the measurement of scrap materials. The examples given within this test method are specific to the second-generation Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) passive-active neutron assay system. 1.1.1 In the active mode, the system measures fissile isotopes such as 235 U and 239 Pu. The neutrons from a pulsed, 14-MeV neutron generator are thermalized to induce fission in the assay item. Between generator pulses, the system detects prompt-fission neutrons emitted from the fissile material. The number of detected neutrons between pulses is proportional to the mass of fissile material. This method is called the differential die-away technique. 1.1.2 In the passive mode, the system detects timecoincident neutrons emitted from spontaneously fissioning isotopes. The primary isotopes measured are 238 Pu, 240 Pu, and 242 Pu; however, the system may be adapted for use on other spontaneously-fissioning isotopes as well, such as kilogram quantities of 238 U. The number of coincident neutrons detected is proportional to the mass of spontaneouslyfissioning material. 1.2 The active mode is used to assay fissile material in the following ranges. 1.2.1 For uranium-only bearing items, the DDT can measure the 235 U content in the range from about 0.02 to over 100 g. Small mass uranium-bearing items are typically measured using the active mode and only large mass items are measured in passive mode. 1.2.2 For plutonium-only bearing items, the DDT method measures the 239 Pu content in the range between about 0.01 and 20 g. 1.3 The passive mode is capable of assaying spontaneouslyfissioning nuclei, over a nominal range from 0.05 to 15 g 240 Pu equivalent. 1.4 This test method requires knowledge of the relative abundances of the plutonium or uranium isotopes to determine the total plutonium or uranium mass. 1.5 This test method will give biased results when the waste form does not meet the calibration specifications and the measurement assumptions presented in this test method regarding the requirements for a homogeneous matrix, uniform source distribution, and the absence of nuclear material lumps, to the extent that they effect the measurement. 1.6 The complete active and passive assay of a 208 L drum is nominally 10 min or less but either mode can be extended to meet data quality objectives. 1.7 Some improvements to this test method have been reported (1, 2, 3, 4).2 Discussions of these improvements are not included in this test method although improvements continue to occur. 1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.9 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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 1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.10 on Non Destructive Assay. Current edition approved March 15, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as C1493 – 09, which was withdrawn January 2018 and reinstated in March 2019. DOI: 10.1520/C1493-19. 2 The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of the text. Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States 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. 1 establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8. 1.10 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 C1493-19 Referenced Document

• ASTM C1030 Standard Test Method for Determination of Plutonium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
• ASTM C1207 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Plutonium in Scrap and Waste by Passive Neutron Coincidence Counting
• ASTM C1215 Standard Guide for Preparing and Interpreting Precision and Bias Statements in Test Method Standards Used in the Nuclear Industry
• ASTM C1490 Standard Guide for the Selection, Training and Qualification of Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Personnel*， 2023-01-01 Update
• ASTM C1592 Standard Guide for Nondestructive Assay Measurements*， 2024-04-21 Update
• ASTM C1673 Standard Terminology of C26.10 Nondestructive Assay Methods*， 2024-04-21 Update

ASTM C1493-19 history

• 2019 ASTM C1493-19 Standard Test Method for Non-Destructive Assay of Nuclear Material in Waste by Passive and Active Neutron Counting Using a Differential Die-Away System
• 2009 ASTM C1493-09 Standard Test Method for Non-Destructive Assay of Nuclear Material in Waste by Passive and Active Neutron Counting Using a Differential Die-Away System
• 2001 ASTM C1493-01 Standard Test Method for Non-Destructive Assay of Nuclear Material in Waste by Passive and Active Neutron Counting Using a Differential Die-Away System