Standardization of JRC developed nuclear mass spectrometry methods with ASTM-International : drafting ASTM standard for the "double spike" (DS/TIMS) test method by JRC-G.2/METRO

In 2017 the JRC-G.2/METRO team has contributed to standardization of methods developed at JRC for nuclear mass spectrometry in various ways. Firstly, in early 2017 the revision of the ASTM standard document for the "classical" total evaporation (TE) method, written by K. Mathew (LANL, US-DOE) and S. Richter (JRCG. 2/METRO), was published with designation ASTM C1672-17. The document contains a detailed description of the TE method for U and Pu measurements, which was originally developed at JRC in the late 1980s. S. Richter from JRC-G.2/METRO contributed to the revision of ASTM 1672 in particular to the newly defined requirements for calibration and quality control for TE measurements, as well as by providing new algorithms for uranium and plutonium concentration measurements by IDMS (Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry). Secondly, during the year 2017 a new draft standard document has been written by S. Richter (JRC-G.2/METRO). The document contains a detailed description of the "Double Spike" method (DS/TIMS) for high precision 235U/238U isotope ratio measurements. The first draft has been submitted for the C26-05 sub-committee ballot on 04/09/2017. The double spike method for TIMS was used successfully for the validation program of the Cristallini method for sampling of UF6, to which staff from the unit JRC-G.2 in Geel/Belgium and the SGAS/IAEA contributed successfully. Thirdly, S Richter (JRC-G.2/METRO) revised the draft "New Practice for Sampling and Preparation of UF6 using the ABACC-Cristallini Method", which was drafted by P. Mason (NBL Program Office, US-DOE) and O. Pereira (IPEN, ABACC) and which will include the validation report as an annex. This support from JRC-G.2/METRO takes place within the frame of the new "Action Sheet 43: Collaboration on Certified Reference Material Development and Safeguards Measurements Quality Assurance" signed between JRC and US-DOE in 2017, and the collaboration agreement between ABACC and the JRC signed in 1999.