These practices cover three standard technique for dissolving glass samples containing radioactive, nuclear, and mixed wastes. These techniques used together or independently will produce solutions that can be analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), radiochemical methods and wet chemical techniques for major components, minor components and radionuclides. The practices for dissolving silicate matrix samples each require the sample to be initially dried and ground to a fine powder. The first practice involves the mixing and fusion of the sample with sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₄) in a muffle for a given amount of time and temperature. The sample is then cooled, dissolved in hydrochloric acid, and diluted to appropriate volume for analyses. The second practice, on the other hand, involves the fusion of the sample with potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) using an electric bunsen burner, dissolving the fused sample in water and dilute HCl, and making to volume for analyses. Finally, the third practice involves the dissolution of the sample using a microwave oven. The ground sample is digested in a microwave oven using a mixture of hydrofluoric (HF) and nitric (HNO₃) acids. Boric acid is added to the resulting solution to complex excess fluoride ions.

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1. Scope

1.1 These practices cover techniques suitable for dissolving glass samples that may contain nuclear wastes. These techniques used together or independently will produce solutions that can be analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), radiochemical methods and wet chemical techniques for major components, minor components and radionuclides.

1.2 One of the fusion practices and the microwave practice can be used in hot cells and shielded hoods after modification to meet local operational requirements.

1.3 The user of these practices must follow radiation protection guidelines in place for their specific laboratories.

1.4 Additional information relating to safety is included in the text.

1.5 The dissolution techniques described in these practices can be used for quality control of the feed materials and the product of plants vitrifying nuclear waste materials in glass.

1.6 These practices are introduced to provide the user with an alternative means to Test Methods C 169 for dissolution of waste containing glass in shielded facilities. Test Methods C 169 is not practical for use in such facilities and with radioactive materials.

1.7 The ICP-AES methods in Test Methods C 1109 and C 1111 can be used to analyze the dissolved sample with additional sample preparation as necessary and with matrix effect considerations. Additional information as to other analytical methods can be found in Test Method C 169.

1.8 Solutions from this practice may be suitable for analysis using ICP-MS after establishing laboratory performance criteria.

1.9 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 18.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

Keywords

alkaline fusion; borosilicate glass; dissolving glass; ICP-AES; ICP-MS; microwave digestion; nuclear waste in glass;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.030.30 (Special wastes)

Citing ASTM Standards

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