This test method is to be used to ascertain whether or not materials meet specifications for plutonium content or plutonium assay, or both.

A chemical calibration of the coulometer is necessary for accurate results.

FIG. 1 Example of a Cell Design Used at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of milligram quantities of plutonium in unirradiated uranium-plutonium mixed oxide having a U/Pu ratio range of 0.1 to 10. This test method is also applicable to plutonium metal, plutonium oxide, uranium-plutonium mixed carbide, various plutonium compounds including fluoride and chloride salts, and plutonium solutions.

1.2 The recommended amount of plutonium for each aliquant in the coulometric analysis is 5 to 10 mg. Precision worsens for lower amounts of plutonium, and elapsed time of electrolysis becomes impractical for higher amounts of plutonium.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concens, 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 8.