ASTM C1207-10R18 - Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Plutonium in Scrap and Waste by Passive Neutron Coincidence Counting

1.1 This test method describes the nondestructive assay of scrap or waste for plutonium content using passive thermal-neutron coincidence counting. This test method provides rapid results and can be applied to a variety of carefully sorted materials in containers as large as several thousand liters in volume. The test method applies to measurements of ²³⁸Pu,  ²⁴⁰Pu, and ²⁴²Pu and has been used to assay items whose total plutonium content ranges from 10 mg to 6 kg (1) .2

1.2 This test method requires knowledge of the relative abundances of the Pu isotopes to determine the total Pu mass (Test Method C1030).

1.3 This test method may not be applicable to the assay of scrap or waste containing other spontaneously fissioning nuclides.

1.4 This test method assumes the use of shift-register-based coincidence technology (4).

1.5 Several other techniques that are often encountered in association with passive neutron coincidence counting exist. These include neutron multiplicity counting (5, 6, Test Method C1500), add-a-source analysis for matrix correction (7), flux probes also for matrix compensation, cosmic-ray rejection (8) to improve precision close to the detection limit, and alternative data collection electronics such as list mode data acquisition. Passive neutron coincidence counting may also be combined with certain active interrogation schemes as in Test Methods C1316 and C1493. Discussions of these established techniques are not included in this method.

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.