Standardization News

Boron loaded materials are an essential component in the safe transportation or storage of both spent and new nuclear fuel. ASTM International addresses important aspects of such boron use in a new standard, E2971, Test Method for Determination of Effective Boron-10 Areal Density in Aluminum Neutron Absorbers Using Neutron Attenuation Measurements.

"To ensure these control absorbers contain the boron uniformly throughout the materials, a direct neutron attenuation measurement is used," says ASTM member Josh Vanderstelt, development officer, Nray Services Inc. Vanderstelt notes that E2971 will provide users, fabricators and regulators with a uniform approach for attenuation measurement. Nuclear regulators, boron neutron absorber manufacturers and inspection facilities will be the primary users of E2971.

"Inspection facilities will need to follow the testing approach presented in E2971, while manufacturers can refer to it in purchasing agreements and review inspection procedures," says Vanderstelt. "Regulatory bodies now have a standard to compare the unique approaches used by various producers to ensure they are compliant with standard industry practices."

E2971 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E07.05 on Radiology (Neutron) Method, part of ASTM International Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing. All interested parties are invited to take part in the standards developing activities of E07.05.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Josh Vanderstelt, Nray Services Inc. • Dundas, Ontario, Canada • Phone: 905-627-1302, ext. 15 | ASTM Staff: Kate McClung • Phone: 610-832-9717 | Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 25-29, 2015 • Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.