ASTM C1165-12
Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H2SO4 at a Platinum Working Electrode

Standard No.

ASTM C1165-12

Release Date

2012

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM C1165-17

Latest

ASTM C1165-23

Scope

This test method is to be used to ascertain whether or not materials meet specifications for plutonium content or plutonium assay, or both.

A chemical calibration of the coulometer is necessary for accurate results.

FIG. 1 Example of a Cell Design Used at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of milligram quantities of plutonium in unirradiated uranium-plutonium mixed oxide having a U/Pu ratio range of 0.1 to 10. This test method is also applicable to plutonium metal, plutonium oxide, uranium-plutonium mixed carbide, various plutonium compounds including fluoride and chloride salts, and plutonium solutions.

1.2 The recommended amount of plutonium for each aliquant in the coulometric analysis is 5 to 10 mg. Precision worsens for lower amounts of plutonium, and elapsed time of electrolysis becomes impractical for higher amounts of plutonium.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.

ASTM C1165-12 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 C1108 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• ASTM C1128 Standard Guide for Preparation of Working Reference Materials for Use in the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• ASTM C1156 Standard Guide for Establishing Calibration for a Measurement Method Used to Analyze Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• ASTM C1168 Standard Practice for Preparation and Dissolution of Plutonium Materials for Analysis
• ASTM C1210 Standard Guide for Establishing a Measurement System Quality Control Program for Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Within the Nuclear Industry
• ASTM C1297 Standard Guide for Qualification of Laboratory Analysts for the Analysis of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Materials
• ASTM C757 Standard Specification for Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Dioxide Powder, Sinterable
• ASTM C758 Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Metal
• ASTM C759 Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Nitrate Solutions
• ASTM C833 Standard Specification for Sintered (Uranium-Plutonium) Dioxide Pellets
• ASTM C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials

ASTM C1165-12 history

• 2023 ASTM C1165-23 Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H2SO4 at a Platinum Working Electrode
• 2022 ASTM C1165-22 Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H2SO4 at a Platinum Working Electrode
• 2017 ASTM C1165-17 Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H2SO4 at a Platinum Working Electrode
• 2012 ASTM C1165-12 Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H2SO4 at a Platinum Working Electrode
• 1990 ASTM C1165-90(2005) Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H₂SO₄ at a Platinum Working Electrode
• 1990 ASTM C1165-90(2000)e1 Standard Test Method for Determining Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry in H₂SO₄ at a Platinum Working Electrode