5.1 This test method is designed to determine whether a given material meets the purchaser's specification for plutonium content. This method may also be used, with sufficient qualification, for process control or accountability measurements associated with nuclear materials processing.

1.1 This test method describes the determination of total plutonium as plutonium(III) in nitrate and chloride solutions. The technique is applicable to solutions resulting from plutonium dioxide powders and pellets (Test Methods C697), nuclear grade mixed oxides (Test Methods C698), plutonium metal (Test Methods C758), and plutonium nitrate solutions (Test Methods C759). Solid samples are dissolved using the appropriate dissolution techniques described in Practice C1168. The use of this technique for other plutonium-bearing materials has been reported (1-6),2 but final determination of applicability must be made by the user. The applicable concentration range for plutonium sample solutions is 10 to 200 g Pu/L.

Note 1: As directly measured in the spectrophotometer, concentrations will be approximately 0.8 to 4.0 g Pu/L. Sample solutions are diluted to reach this target range. For solid samples, select the sample size and dissolved solution weight to yield sample solutions in the 10 to 30 g Pu/L range. With special preparation and spectral analysis techniques, the method has been applied to nitrate solutions in the 0.1 to 10 g Pu/L range.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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.

1.4 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.