ISO 15555:1998

INTERNATIONAL IS0
STANDARD 15555
First edition
1998-12-15
Practice for use of a ceric-cerous sulfate
dosimetry system
Pratique de I’utilisation d ’un systkme dosimktrique de mesure au sulfate
(ckrique-ckreux)
Reference number
IS0 15555: 1998(E)

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
IS0 15555: 1998(E)
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(IS0 member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through IS0 technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. IS0 collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting.
Publication as an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
International Standard IS0 15555 was prepared by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Subcommittee E1O.O1 (as E 1205-93) and was adopted, under a special “fast-track procedure ”, by Technical
Committee ISO/TC 85, Nuclear energy, in parallel with its approval by the IS0 member bodies.
A new lSO/TC 85 Working Group WG 3, High-level dosimetry for radiation processing, was formed to review the
voting comments from the IS0 “Fast-track procedure” and to maintain these standards. The USA holds the
convenership of this working group.
International Standard IS0 15555 is one of 20 standards developed and published by ASTM. The 20 fast-tracked
standards and their associated ASTM desianations are listed below:
ASTM Designation Title
IS0 Designation
15554 E 1204-93 Practice for dosimetry in gamma irradiation facilities for food
processing
15555 E 1205-93 Practice for use of a ceric-cerous sulfate dosimetry system
E 1261-94
15556 Guide for selection and calibration of dosimetry systems for
radiation processing
15557 E 1275-93
Practice for use of a radiochromic film dosimetry system
15558 E 1276-96 Practice for use of a polymethy/methacrylate dosimetry system
E 131094
15559 Practice for use of a radiochromic optical waveguide dosimetry
system
E 1400-95a
15560 Practice for characterization and performance of a high-dose
radiation dosimetry calibration laboratory
E 1401-96
15561 Practice for use of a dichromate dosimetry system
0 IS0 1998
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 l CH-1211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Internet iso@? iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
ii

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IS0 15555:1998(E)
@ IS0
E1431-91 Practice for dosimetry in electron and bremsstrahlung irradiation
15562
facilities for food processing
15563 E "l538-93 Practice for use of the ethanol-chlorobenzene dosimetry system
E 1539-93 Guide for use of radja tl ’on-sensitive indicators
15564
Practice for use of a radiochromic liquid dosimetry system
15565 E 1540-93
E 1607-94 Practice for use of the alanine-EPR dosimetry system
15566
Practice for dosimetry in an X-ray (bremsstrahlung) facility for
15567 E 1608-94
radiation processing
15568 E163l-96 Practice for use of calorimetric dosimetry systems for electron
beam dose measurements and dosimeter calibrations
E 1649-94 Practice for dosimetry in an electron-beam facility for radiation
15569
processing at energies between 380 keV and 25 MeV
E 1650-94 Practice for use of cellulose acetate dosimetry system
15570
Practice for dosimetry in a gamma irradiation facility for radiation
15571 E 1702-95
processing
15572 El707-95 Guide for estimating uncertainties in dosimetry for radiation
processing
Practice for dosimetry in an electron-beam facility for radiation
15573 E 1818-96
processing at energies between 80 keV and 300 keV

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
IS0 15555:1998(E)
0 IS0
Designation: E 1205 - 93 AMtiRlCAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
1916 Race St. Philadelphia, Pa 19103
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
If not listed in the current combined index, will appear in the next edition.
Standard Practice for
Use of a Ceric-Cerous Sulfate Dosimetry System’
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1205; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (E) indicates an editorial change since the last revision CT reapproval.
NOTE-Sections 8 and 10, with regard to low range dosimeters, are currently being reballoted by the subcommittee.
1. Scope C 9 12 Practice for Designing a Process for Cleaning
Technical Glasses3
1.1 This practice covers the preparation, testing, and
D 941 Test Method for Density and Relative Density
procedure for using the ceric-cerous sulfate dosimetry system
(Specific Gravity) of Liquids by Lipkin Bicapillary
to measure absorbed dose in water when exposed to ionizing
PycnometeP
radiation. For simplicity, the system will be referred to as the
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Waters
ceric-cerous system. It is classified as a reference standard
E 170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements
dosimetry system (see Guide E 126 1).
and Dosimetry6
1.2 This practice describes both the spectrophotometric
178 Practice for Dealing with Outlying Observations’
and the potentiometric readout procedures for the ceric-
275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance
cerous systems.
of Ultraviolet, Visible, and Near
Infrared
1.3 This practice applies only to y rays, X-rays, and high
Spectrophotometers*
energy electrons.
666 Practice for Calculating Absorbed Dose from
1.4 This practice applies provided the following are satis-
Gamma or X Radiation6
fied
668 Practice for Application of Thermoluminescence-
1.;. 1 The absorbed-dose range shall be between 5 X lo2
Dosimetry (TLD) Systems for Determining Absorbed
and 5 x 10” Gy (1).2
Dose in Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronic
1.4.2 The absorbed-dose rate shall be less than lo6 Gy/s
Devices6
(1)
925 Practice for the Periodic Calibration of Narrow
1.4.3 For radionuclide gamma-ray sources, the initial
Band-Pass Spectrophotometers*
photon energy shall be greater than 0.6 MeV. For
958 Practice for Measuring Practice Spectral Bandwidth
bremsstrahlung photons, the initial energy of the electrons
of Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometers*
used to produce the bremsstrahlung photons shall be equal to
1026 Practice for Using the Fricke Reference Standard
or greater than 2 MeV. For electron beams, the initial
Dosimetry System6
electron energy shall be greater than 8 MeV.
126 1 Guide for Selection and Application of Dosimetry
Systems for Radiation Processing of Food6
NOTE l-The lower energy limits are appropriate for a cylindrical
dosimeter ampoule of 12.mm diameter. Corrections for dose gradients 1400 Practice for Characterization and Performance of a
across an ampoule of that diameter or less are not required. The
High-Dose Gamma Radiation Dosimetry Calibration
ceric-cerous system may be used at lower energies by employing thinner
Laboratory6
(in the beam direction) dosimeter containers (see ICRU Report 35).
140 1 -Practice for Use of a Dichromate Dosimetry
System6
1.4.4 The irradiation temperature of the dosimeter should
2.2 International Commission on Radiation Units and
be between 0 and 62OC.
Measurements ( ‘CR U) Reports:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address aN of the
ICRU Report 1 Ob-Physical Aspects of Irradiation9
safety problems, ty any, associated with its use. It is the
ICRU Report 14-Radiation Dosimetry: X-Rays and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Gamma Rays with Maximum Photon Energies Between
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
0.6 and 60 MeVg
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ICRU Report 33-Radiation Quantities and Units9
ICRU Report 34-The Dosimetry of Pulsed Radiation9
ICRU Report 35-Radiation Dosimetry: Electrons with
2. Referenced Documents
Initial Energies Between 1 and 50 MeVg
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.02.
r This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-10 on Nuclear 4 Annual
Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.0 1.
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 5 Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Vol 11 .O 1 m
E10,Ol on Dosimetty for Radiation Processing.
6 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
Current edition approved April 15, 1993. Published June 1993. Originally 7 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
published as E 1205 - 88. Last previous edition E 1205 - 88.
a Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.0 1.
2 The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references appended
9 Available from International Commission on Radiation Units and Measure-
to this test method.
ments, 79 10 Woodmont Ave., Suite 800, Bethesda,
MD 208 14.
1

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
IS0 15555: 1998(E)
e& E 1205
= mean amount of substance of a specified entity, x,
3. Terminology n(x)
produced, destroyed, or changed by the mean en=
3.1 Definitions:
ergy imparted, Z, to matter (see ICRU Reports 14
3.1.1 absorbed dose, D-the quotient of dP by dm, where
and 34).
dV is the mean energy imparted by ionizing radiation to the
Unit: mol l J-l
matter of mass dm (see ICRU Report 33).
DISCUSSION-This quantity is often referred to zs G value. The former
de’
special unit was ( 100 eV)-I.
=-
D
dm
3.1.8 reference standard dosimetry system-combination
absorbed dose is the gray
The special name of the unit for
of a dosimeter and appropriate analytical instrumentation of
.
.
high-metrological quahty that is traceable to national stan-
GY)
dards.
1 Gy = 1 J-kg-’
3.1.9 traceabilitpthe ability to show that a measurement
unit for absorbed dose was the
DI~us%oN-Formerly, the special is consistent with appropriate national standards through an
IXd:
unbroken chain of comparisons.
3.2 For other relevant terms, see Terminology E 170.
1 rad = 1O-2 Jekg-’ = lo-* Gy
3.1.2 calibration ficifity-combination of an ionizing ra- 4. Significance and Use
diation source and its associated instrumentation that pro-
4.1 The ceric-cerous system provides a reliable means for
vides traceable, uniform, and reproducible absorbed dose
measuring absorbed dose in water. It is based on a process of
rates at specific locations and in a specific material. It may be
reduction of ceric ions to cerous ions in acidic aqueous
used to calibrate the response of routine or other types of
solution by ionizing radiation (1, 2).
dosimeters as a function of absorbed dose.
4.2 The dosimeter is a solution of ceric sulfate and cerous
3.1.3 electropotential-difference in potential, A& be-
sulfate in sulphuric acid in an appropriate container such as
tween irradiated and unirradiated solutions in an electro-
a flame-sealed glass ampoule. The solution indicates a level
chemical cell measured in millivolts.
of absorbed dose by a change (decrease) in optical
3.1.4 measurement quality assurance plan-a docu-
absorbance at *a specified wavelength in the ultraviolet
region, or a change (increase) in electropotential. A cali-
mented program for the measurement process that quantifies
the total uncertainty of the measurements (both random and brated spectrophotometer is used to determine the change in
absorbance and a potentiometer, with a specially designed
systematic error components). This plan shall demonstrate
cell, is used to determine the change in potential in milli-
traceability to national standards, and shall show that the
volts*
total uncertainty meets the requirements of the specific
4.3 The dosimeter response has a temperature depen-
, application.
dence during irradiation of -0.2 % per degree Celsius be-
3.1.5 molar linear absorption coeflcient, c-quotient
tween 0 and 62 ’@,
given by the relation from Beer ’s law as follows:
4.4 For calibration with photons, the ceric-cerous dosim-
A
eter shall be irradiated under conditions that approximate
f=--=--
electron equilibrium.
Md
4.5 The absorbed dose in other materials irradiated under
where:
equivalent conditions may be calculated from the absorbed
= absorbance at a specified wavelength,
A
dose measurement of a ceric-cerous dosimeter. Procedures
M = molar concentration of the ions ofinterest (that is, ceric
for making such calculations are given in Practices E 666 and
or cerous), and
E 668 and Guide E 126 1.
d = optical path length within the solution measured by the
spectrophotometer.
5. Interferences
Units: m* l mole1
5.1 The ceric-cerous dosimetric solution response is sensi-
tive to impurities, particularly organic impurities. Even in
DIscuwoN-This quantity is often referred to in the literature as
molar extinction coeficient.
trace quantities, impurities can cause a detectable change in
the observed response (3). For high-accuracy results, organic
3.1.6 net absorbance, M-the difference between the
materials shall not be used for any component in contact
optical absorbance of an unirradiated dosimetric solution,
with the solution. The effect of trace impurities is minimized
A,, and the optical absorbance of an irradiated dosimetric
by the addition of cerous ions to the solution (4, 5).
solution, Ai:
5.2 Undesirable chemical changes in the dosimetric solu-
tion can occur if care is not taken during flame-sealing of the
AA = A, L A,
ampoules (see 8.4).
3.1.7 radiation chemical yield, G(x)-quotient of n(x) by
i?. 6. Apparatus
6.1 Spectrophotometric Method-For the analysis of the
n(x)
r-
dosimetric solution, use a high-precision spectrophotometer
GO
P
capable of measuring absorbance values up to 2 with an
where: uncertainty of no more than =t! % in the region from 254 to
2
2

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
@ IS0
IS0 15555:1998(E)
from about 0.5 to 10 kGy (low-range dosimeter), the
320 nm. Use matched quartz cuvettes (for dual-beam
IO-mm path length for spectro- recommended concentrations are 0.003-M ceric sulfate and
instruments) with
photometric measurements of absorbance of the solution. 0.00344 cerous sulfate
6.2 Potentiometric Method-Use an electrochemical cell, 8.2 The dosimeters specified in 8.1 may be formulated
similar to that in Appendix Xl (see Fig. X 1.1). Measure the from the following nominal stock solutions: (Q) 0.4-M and
electropotential across the cell with a high-precision potenti- 4-M sulfuric acid (H,SO,), (b) 0.1-M ceric sulfate
and (c) 0.1-M cerous sulfate
ometer, preferably digital, that is capable of measuring d-c
PW,), l 4H201,
[Ce2(SO& Q 8HzO]. Procedures for preparing these solutions
potentials in the range from 1 to 100 mV within an
are given in Appendix X 1.
uncertainty of *l %.
8.3 Use the following equations to determine the volume
NOTE 2-The electrochemical cell has two compartments separated
in millilitres of each stock solution necessary to prepare 1 L
by a glass frit. The inner compartment is filled with unirradiated
of dosimetric solution:
solution. The lower compartment is filled with solution transferred from
the irradiated ampoule. The potential difference, AE, generated between
0.015
VI
the platinum electrodes in the two compartments is measured by a
-=-
(1)
digital potentiometer or multimeter. .
1000 M,
6.3 Glassware-Use borosilicate glass or equivalent
0.015
vz
chemically resistant glass to store the reagents and the -=-
(2)
1000 M2
prepared dosimetric solution. Clean all glassware, except
ampoules, using chromic acid solution or an equivalent
0.4
V3
cleaning agent. Rinse at least three times with double-
(3)
1000-V,= M3
distilled water (see Practice C 9 12). Dry thoroughly and store
in a dust-free environment.
Vh = lOoo- vr - vz- v3
(4
6.4 Ghs Ampoule-If required, clean glass ampoules in
where:
boiling double-distilled water. Rinse twice with double-
= volume of nominal 0.1-M ceric-sulfate stock solution,
5
distilled water and oven dry,
= volume of nominal 0.1-M cerous-sulfate stock solu-
v2
NOTE 3-The dosimetric ampoule normally used has a capacity of
tion,
approximately 2 mL. Quick-break, glass ampoules, or “‘Type 1 glass”
= volume of nominal 4-M sulfuric-acid stock solution,
v3
colorbreak ampoules or equivalent containers, are commonly used.
= volume of distilled water,
v4
Commercially available ampoules have been found to give reproducible
iv = actual molarity of the ceric-sulfate stock solution,
results without requiring additional cleaning.
= actual molarity of the cerous-sulfate stock solution,
4
and
7. Reagents
iv
= actual molarity of the nominal 4-M sulfuric-acid stock
3
7.1 Analytical reagent grade (or better) chemicals shall be
solution.
used for preparing all solutions. lo
NOTE 5-If the nominal molarities of M, = M2 = 0.1, and it& = 4
7.2 Use of double-distilled water from coupled all-glass
are assumed, then V, = Vz = 150 mL and VJ = 85 mL. If the molarities
and silica stills is recommended. Water purity is very
of the various stock solutions are significantly dinerent from the
important since it is the major component of the dosimetric
nominal values, then use Eqs 1, 2, and 3 to determine the exact
solutions, and therefore may be the prime source of contam-
volumes. To prepare a volume of the dosimetric solution other than
ination. Use of deionized water is not recommended. Type
1000 mL, the result of these equations should be multiplied by the ratio
III reagent water as specified in Specification D 1193 is
of the desired volume in millilitres to KKXI mL.
considered to be of sufficient quality for use in preparing all
8.4 Determine all of the volumes given in 8.3 using a
solutions.
calibrated graduated cylinder that can be read to within kO.5
NOTE 4-Double-distilled water distilled from an alkaline potassium
mL.
permanganate (KMnQ,) solution (2 g KMnO, plus 5 g sodium
8.5 Transfer the volume of each component of the
hydroxide (NaOH) pellets in 2 L of distilled water) has been found to be
dosimetric solution into a 1-L or larger glass storage con-
adequate for routine preparation of the dosimetric solution. High-purity
tainer. Rinse the graduated cylinder used for measuring V,,
water is commercially available from some suppliers. Such water labeled
V2, and V3 by using some portion of the distilled water of V ”.
HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatographic) grade is usually sufi-
ciently free from organics to be used in this practice. Stopper the container and shake well. Before use, allow the
dosimetric solution to stand for at least five days in the dark.
7.3 Do not store purified water used in this practice in
plastic containers or in containers with plastic caps or plastic
9. Spectrophotometer Calibration
cap liners.
9.1 Check the wavelength scale of the spectrophotometer
and establish its accuracy, The emission spectrum from a
8. Preparation of the Dosimetric Solution
Pow-pressure mercury arc lamp can be used for this purpose.
8.1 The recommended concentrations for the ceric-cerous
Such lamps may be obtained from the spectrophotometer
dosimeter to measure absorbed doses from about 5 to 50
manufacturer or other scientific laboratory instrument sup-
kGy (high-range dosimeter) are 0.0 1 S-A4 ceric sulfate and
pliers. Another appropriate wavelength standard is a
0.0 15-M cerous sulfate. For measurement of absorbed doses
holmium-oxide solution sealed in a non-fluorescent fused-
silica cuvette. Other wavelength standards also may be
appropriate for this purpose. For more details, see Practice
lo Reagent specifications are available from the American Chemical Society,
1115 16th St., Northwest, Washington, DC 20036, E 275.
3
3

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
IS0 15555: 1998(E) @ IS0
NOTE 6-Holmium-oxide solutions in sealed cuvettes are am.ikbIe 10.3.4 Transfer an appropriate amount into a quartz
as certified wavelength standards for use in the ultratiolet r+on from
spectrophotometer cuvette.
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as SRM
10.3.5 Read the absorbance, A, in. the spectrophotometee
2034 (7).
at 254 nm using O.biW HzS04 in the reference cell
9.2 Check the accuracy of the photometric (absorbance)
...