ASTM-ISO/ASTM51538:2009 Edition

ASTM ISO/ASTM51538

Scope

1.1 This practice covers the preparation, handling, testing, and procedure for using the ethanol-chlorobenzene dosimetry system to measure absorbed dose in materials irradiated by photons and electrons in terms of absorbed dose in water. The system consists of a dosimeter and appropriate analytical instrumentation. For simplicity, the system will be referred to as the ECB system. It is classified as a reference-standard dosimeter and is also used as a routine dosimetry system (see ISO/ASTM Guide 51261).

1.2 This practice describes the titration analysis as a standard readout procedure for the ECB dosimeter. Other applicable readout methods (spectrophotometric, oscillometric) are described in Annex A1 and Annex A2.

1.3 This practice applies only to gamma rays, X rays, and high-energy electrons.

1.4 This practice applies provided the following are satisfied:

1.4.1 The absorbed dose range shall be from 10 Gy to 2 MGy (1).

1.4.2 The absorbed dose rate does not exceed 10 ⁶ Gy s¹ (2).

1.4.3 For radionuclide gamma-ray sources, the initial photon energy shall be greater than 0.6 MeV. For bremsstrahlung photons, the initial energy of the electrons used to produce the bremsstrahlung photons shall be equal to or greater than 2 MeV. For electron beams, the initial electron energy shall be equal to or greater than 4 MeV (3) (see ICRU Reports 34 and 35).

Note 1—The lower limits of electromagnetic radiation energy given are appropriate for a cylindrical dosimeter ampoule of 12-mm diameter. Corrections for dose gradients across an ampoule of that diameter or less are not required. The ECB system may be used at energies of incident electrons lower than 4 MeV by employing thinner (in the beam direction) dosimeter containers (see ICRU Report 35). The ECB system may also be used at X-ray energies as low as 120 kVp (4). In this range of photon energies the effect caused by the wall is considerable.

1.4.4 The irradiation temperature of the dosimeter should be within the range from 40°C to 80°C.

Note 2—The temperature dependence of dosimeter response is known only in this range. For use outside this range, the dosimetry system should be calibrated for the required range of irradiation temperatures.

1.4.5 The effects of size and shape of the irradiation vessel on the response of the dosimeter can adequately be taken into account by performing the appropriate calculations using cavity theory (5).

1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Keywords

absorbed dose; dose; dose measurement; dosimeter; dosimetry system; ECB; electron beam; ethanol-chlorobenzene dosimeter; gamma radiation; ionizing radiation; irradiation; photons; radiation; radiation processing; reference-standard dosimeter; X rays; ICS

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 17.240 (Radiation measurements)

DOI: 10.1520/ISOASTM51538-09