ASTM C1108-12
Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry

Standard No.

ASTM C1108-12

Release Date

2012

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM C1108-17

Latest

ASTM C1108-23

Scope

Factors governing selection of a method for the determination of plutonium include available quantity of sample, sample purity, desired level of reliability, and equipment.

This test method determines 5 to 20 mg of plutonium with prior dissolution using Practice C1168.

This test method calculates plutonium concentration in solutions or mass fraction in solids using an electrical calibration based upon Ohm’s Law and the Faraday Constant.

Chemical standards are used for quality control. When prior chemical separation of plutonium is necessary to remove interferences, the quality control standards should be included with each chemical separation batch (9).

Committee C-26 Safeguards Statement :

The materials (plutonium metal, plutonium oxide or mixed oxide [(U, Pu) O₂] powders and pellets) to which this test method applies are subject to nuclear safeguards regulations governing their possession and use. Materials for use by the commercial nuclear community must also meet compositional specifications.

The analytical method in this test method both meets U. S. Department of Energy guidelines for acceptability of a measurement method for generation of safeguards accountability measurement data and also provides data that may be used to demonstrate specification compliance in buyer-seller interactions.

1.1 This test method describes the determination of dissolved plutonium from unirradiated nuclear-grade (that is, high-purity) materials by controlled-potential coulometry. Controlled-potential coulometry may be performed in a choice of supporting electrolytes, such as 0.9 M HNO₃, 1 M HClO₄, 1 M HCl, 5 M HCl, and 0.5 M H₂SO₄. Limitations on the use of selected supporting electrolytes are discussed in Section 5. Optimum quantities of plutonium for this procedure are 5 to 20 mg.

1.2 Plutonium-bearing materials are radioactive and toxic. Adequate laboratory facilities, such as gloved boxes, fume hoods, controlled ventilation, etc., along with safe techniques must be used in handling specimens containing these materials.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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.

ASTM C1108-12 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 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 C859 Standard Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM C1108-12 history

• 2023 ASTM C1108-23 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• 2022 ASTM C1108-22 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• 2017 ASTM C1108-17 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• 2012 ASTM C1108-12 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• 2006 ASTM C1108-99(2006) Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry
• 1999 ASTM C1108-99 Standard Test Method for Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry