ASTM C1458-16 - Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Plutonium, Tritium and&#x2009;<sup >241</sup>Am by Calorimetric Assay

1.1 This test method describes the nondestructive assay (NDA) of plutonium, tritium, and ²⁴¹Am using heat flow calorimetry. For plutonium the typical range of applicability, depending on the isotopic composition, corresponds to ~0.1 g to ~5 g quantities while for tritium the typical range extends from ~0.001 g to ~400 g. This test method can be applied to materials in a wide range of container sizes up to 380 L. It has been used routinely to assay items whose thermal power ranges from 0.001 W to 135 W.

1.2 This test method requires knowledge of the relative abundances of the plutonium isotopes and the ²⁴¹Am/Pu mass ratio to determine the total plutonium mass.

1.3 This test method provides a direct measure of tritium content.

1.4 This test method provides a measure of  ²⁴¹Am either as a single isotope or mixed with plutonium.

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

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.