5.1 Factors governing selection of a method for the determination of plutonium include available quantity of sample, sample purity, desired level of reliability, and equipment.

5.1.1 This test method determines 5 mg to 20 mg of plutonium with prior dissolution using Practice C1168.

5.1.2 This test method calculates plutonium mass fraction in solutions and solids using an electrical calibration based upon Ohm’s Law and the Faraday Constant.

5.1.3 Chemical standards are used for quality control. When prior chemical separation of plutonium is necessary to remove interferences, the quality control standards should be included with each chemical separation batch (9).

5.2 Fitness for Purpose of Safeguards and Nuclear Safety Application—Methods intended for use in safeguards and nuclear safety applications shall meet the requirements specified by Guide C1068 for use in such applications.

1.1 This test method describes the determination of dissolved plutonium from unirradiated nuclear-grade (that is, high-purity) materials by controlled-potential coulometry. Controlled-potential coulometry may be performed in a choice of supporting electrolytes, such as 0.9 mol/L (0.9 M) HNO₃, 1 mol/L (1 M) HClO₄, 1 mol/L (1 M) HCl, 5 mol/L (5 M) HCl, and 0.5 mol/L (0.5 M) H₂SO₄. Limitations on the use of selected supporting electrolytes are discussed in Section 6. Optimum quantities of plutonium for this procedure are 5 mg to 20 mg.

1.2 Plutonium-bearing materials are radioactive and toxic. Adequate laboratory facilities, such as gloved boxes, fume hoods, controlled ventilation, etc., along with safe techniques must be used in handling specimens containing these materials.

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

1.4 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.

1.5 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.