Work Item
ASTM WK82474
New Test Method for Determination of Uranium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
1. Scope
This test method applies to the nondestructive determination of the isotopic abundances of uranium, typically 234U, 235U, 236U, and 238U, in isotopically homogeneous uranium-bearing materials using gamma spectrometry. The material is commonly inside a container and is measured without specimen preparation.
This test method is applicable to items containing sub-gram quantities of uranium to the maximum uranium mass allowed by criticality considerations.
Measurable gamma ray emissions from uranium cover the energy range from below 80 keV to above 1000 keV. K-X-ray emissions from the isotopes of uranium and their daughters are found in the energy region around 100 keV. This test method has been applied to all portions of this energy range. The isotopic abundance of 236U is usually not directly determined because its low-energy gamma rays are too weak (1)2 to be detected under normal measurement conditions. Isotopic correlation techniques have been used to estimate its relative abundance. (2)
Keywords
gamma-ray spectrometry; isotopics; nondestructive assay; special nuclear material; uranium; enrichment; peak ratio
Rationale
This test is need to help determine Uranium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 06-27-2022
Technical Contact: Ramkumar Venkataraman
Item: 001
Ballot: C26.10 (22-01)
Status: Item Going To Next Ballot Level