ASTM C992-16
Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in a Pool Environment

Standard No.

ASTM C992-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM C992-20

Latest

ASTM C992-20a

Scope

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 ± 0.28201;% 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM C992-16 Referenced Document

• ASME NQA-1 Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Facility Applications
• 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
• ASTM E2971 Standard Test Method for Determination of Effective Boron-10 Areal Density in Aluminum Neutron Absorbers using Neutron Attenuation Measurements

ASTM C992-16 history

• 2020 ASTM C992-20a Standard Specification for Boron-based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in Pool Environment
• 2020 ASTM C992-20 Standard Specification for Boron-based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in Pool Environment
• 2016 ASTM C992-16 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Fuel Storage Racks in a Pool Environment
• 2011 ASTM C992-11 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks
• 2006 ASTM C992-06 Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks
• 1989 ASTM C992-89(1997) Standard Specification for Boron-Based Neutron Absorbing Material Systems for Use in Nuclear Spent Fuel Storage Racks