ASTM C1662-24 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of the Dissolution Rate of Nuclear Waste Forms Using the Single-Pass Flow-Through Test Method

1.1 This test method describes a single-pass flow-through (SPFT) test method that can be used to measure the dissolution rate of nuclear waste forms (simulated or actual), including, but not limited to, homogenous or heterogeneous glass or glass ceramics, in various test solutions at temperatures less than 100 °C. Tests may be conducted under conditions in which the effects from dissolved species on the dissolution rate are minimized to measure the forward dissolution rate at specific values of temperature and pH, or to measure the dependence of the dissolution rate on the concentrations of various solute species.

1.2 Tests are conducted by pumping solutions in either a continuous or pulsed flow mode through a reaction cell that contains the test specimen. It is recommended that tests are conducted at several solution flow rates to evaluate the effect of the flow rate on the waste form dissolution rate.

1.3 This test method excludes static test methods in which flow is simulated by manually removing solution from the reaction cell and replacing it with fresh solution.

1.4 Tests may be conducted with demineralized water, chemical solutions (such as pH buffer solutions, simulated groundwater solutions, and brines), or actual groundwater.

1.5 Tests may be conducted with crushed waste form of a known size fraction or monolithic specimens having known geometric surface area. The reacted solids may be examined to provide additional information regarding the behavior of the waste form in the test and the reaction mechanism.

1.6 Tests may be conducted with waste forms containing radionuclides. However, this test method does not address safety issues for radioactive samples.

1.7 Data from these tests can be used to determine the values of kinetic model parameters needed to calculate the waste form corrosion behavior in a disposal system over long periods (for example, see Practice C1174).

1.8 This test method must be performed in accordance with all quality assurance requirements for acceptance of the data.

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

1.10 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.

1.11 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.