ISO/ASTM 51540:2004

INTERNATIONAL ISO/ASTM
STANDARD 51540
Second edition
2004-06-15
Practice for use of a radiochromic liquid
dosimetry system
Pratique de l’utilisation d’un système dosimétrique
radiochromique liquide
Reference number
ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
© ISO/ASTM International 2004

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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
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ii © ISO/ASTM International 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
Contents Page
1 Scope . 1
2 Referenced documents . 1
3 Terminology . 1
4 Significance and use . 2
5 Apparatus . 3
6 Performance check of instrumentation . 3
7 Preparation of dosimeters . 3
8 Calibration of the dosimetry system . 4
9 Measurement and analysis . 4
10 Use of dosimetry systems . 5
11 Minimum documentation requirements . 5
12 Measurement uncertainty . 5
13 Keywords . 5
Bibliography . 6
Figure 1 Calibration curve of a typical radiochromic liquid dosimeter . 4
Table 1 Three available radiochromic leuco dyes, their molecular structures, molecular weights,
and values of e and color index numbers of the parent dyes . 2
m
Table 2 Selected radiochromic solution formulations and the radiation chemical yields of dye
cations in solution . 3
© ISO/ASTM International 2004 – All rights reserved iii

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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
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. ISO 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.
ASTM International is one of the world’s largest voluntary standards development organizations with global
participation from affected stakeholders. ASTM technical committees follow rigorous due process balloting
procedures.
A pilot project between ISO and ASTM International has been formed to develop and maintain a group of
ISO/ASTM radiation processing dosimetry standards. Under this pilot project, ASTM Subcommittee E10.01,
Dosimetry for Radiation Processing, is responsible for the development and maintenance of these dosimetry
standards with unrestricted participation and input from appropriate ISO member bodies.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. Neither ISO nor ASTM International shall be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
International Standard ISO/ASTM 51540 was developed by ASTM Committee E10, Nuclear Technology and
Applications, through Subcommittee E10.01, and by Technical Committee ISO/TC 85, Nuclear Energy.
iv © ISO/ASTM International 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
Standard Practice for
1
Use of a Radiochromic Liquid Dosimetry System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation ISO/ASTM 51540; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.
1. Scope E 170 Terminology Relating to Radiation Measurements
and Dosimetry
1.1 This practice covers the procedures for preparation,
E 275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance
handling, testing, and using radiochromic liquid dosimetry
of Ultraviolet, Visible, and Near Infrared Spectrophotom-
systems of radiochromic dye solutions held in sealed or capped
eters
containers (for example, ampoules, vials). It also covers the use
E 666 Practice for Calculating Absorbed Dose from Gamma
of spectrophotometric or photometric readout equipment for
or X Radiation
measuring absorbed dose in materials irradiated by photons
E 668 Practice for Application of Thermoluminescence-
and electrons.
Dosimetry (TLD) Systems for Determining Absorbed Dose
1.2 This practice applies to radiochromic liquid dosimeter
in Radiation-Hardness Testing of Electronic Devices
solutions that can be used within part or all of the specified
E 925 Practice for the Calibration of Narrow Band-Pass
ranges as follows:
Spectrophotometers
1.2.1 The absorbed dose range is from 0.5 to 40 000 Gy for
E 958 Practice for Measuring Practical Spectral Bandwidth
photons and electrons.
−3 11
of Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometers
1.2.2 The absorbed dose rate is from 10 to 10 Gy/s.
E 1026 Practice for Using the Fricke Reference Standard
1.2.3 The radiation energy range for photons is from 0.01 to
Dosimetry System
20 MeV.
2.2 ISO/ASTM Standards:
1.2.4 The radiation energy range for electrons is from 0.01
51261 Guide for Selection and Calibration of Dosimetry
to 20 MeV.
4
Systems for Radiation Processing
NOTE 1—Since electrons with energies less than 0.01 MeV may not
51400 Practice for Characterization and Performance of a
penetrate the container of the solution, the solutions may be stirred in an
High-Dose Gamma Radiation Dosimetry Calibration
2
open beaker with the electrons entering the solutions directly (1).
4
Laboratory
1.2.5 The irradiation temperature range is from −40 to
51707 Guide for Estimating Uncertainties in Dosimetry for
4
+60°C.
Radiation Processing
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.3 International Commission on Radiation Units and
5
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Measurements (ICRU) Reports:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ICRU Report 14 Radiation Dosimetry: X-Rays and Gamma
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Rays with Maximum Photon Energies Between 0.6 and 50
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
MeV
ICRU Report 17 Radiation Dosimetry: X-Rays Generated at
2. Referenced documents
Potentials of 5 to 150 kV
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ICRU Report 34 The Dosimetry of Pulsed Radiation
C 912 Practice for Designing a Process for Cleaning Tech-
ICRU Report 35 Radiation Dosimetry: Electron Beams with
nical Glasses
Energies between 1 and 50 MeV
ICRU Report 37 Stopping Powers for Electrons and Pho-
tons
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E10 on Nuclear
ICRU Report 44 Tissue Substitutes in Radiation Dosimetry
Technology and Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E10.01 on Dosimetry for Radiation Processing, and is also under the jurisdiction of
and Measurement
ISO/TC 85/WG 3.
ICRU Report 60 Fundamental Quantities and Units for
Current edition approved April 5, 2004. Published June 15, 2004. Originally
e1 Ionizing Radiation
published as E 1540 – 93. Last previous ASTM edition E 1540–98 . ASTM
E 1540–93 was adopted by ISO in 1998 with the intermediate designation ISO
3. Terminology
15565:1998(E). The present International Standard ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
replaces ISO 15565 and is a minor revision of the last previous edition ISO/ASTM
3.1 Definitions:
51540:2002(E).
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the bibliography at the end of this
practice.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 12.02.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measure-
the ASTM website. ments, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A.
© ISO/ASTM International 2004 – All rights reserved
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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
3.1.1 calibration curve—graphical representation of the 4. Significance and use
dosimetry system’s response function.
4.1 The radiochromic liquid dosimetry system provides a
3.1.2 dosimeter batch—quantity of dosimeters made from a
means of measuring absorbed dose in materials (5-7). Under
specific mass of material with uniform composition, fabricated
the influence of ionizing radiation, chemical reactions take
in a single production run under controlled, consistent condi-
place in the radiochromic solution modifying the amplitudes of
tions and having a unique identification code.
optical absorption bands (8-10). Absorbance values are mea-
3.1.3 dosimetry system—system used for determining ab-
sured at the selected wavelength(s) within these affected
sorbed dose, consisting of dosimeters, measurement instru-
absorption bands (see also ISO/ASTM Guide 51261).
ments and their associated reference standards, and procedures
4.2 In the use of a specific dosimetry system, a calibration
for the system’s use.
curve or response function relates the dosimeter’s response to
3.1.4 measurement quality assurance plan—documented
an absorbed dose traceable to a nationally or internationally
program for the measurement process that ensures on a
recognized standard (11, 12).
continuing basis that the overall uncertainty meets the require-
4.3 The absorbed dose that is measured is usually specified
ments of the specific application. This plan requires traceability
in water. Absorbed dose in other materials may be evaluated by
to, and consistency with, nationally or internationally recog-
applying the conversion factors discussed in ISO/ASTM Guide
nized standards.
51261.
3.1.5 molar linear absorption coeffıcient (e )—constant
m
NOTE 2—For a comprehensive discussion of various dosimetry meth-
relating the spectrophotometric absorbance, A , of an optically
l
ods applicable to the radiation types and energies discussed in this
absorbing molecular species at a given wavelength (l) per unit
practice, see ICRU Reports 14, 17, 34, 35, and 37.
pathlength (d) to the molar concentration, c, of that species in
2 −1
solution (2-4): e =A /(d 3 c). SI Unit: m mol . 4.4 These dosimetry systems may be used in the industrial
m l
3.1.6 net absorbance, DA—change in measured optical radiation processing of a variety of products, for example the
absorbance at a selected wavelength determined as the absolute sterilization of medical devices and radiation processing of
difference between the pre-irradiation absorbance, A , and the foods (5, 7, 13).
0
post-irradiation absorbance, A, as follows (2, 3): DA=|A−A |. 4.5 The available dynamic range indicated in 1.2.1 is
0
3.1.7 radiochromic liquid dosimeter—specially prepared achieved by using a variety of radiochromic leuco dyes (Table
solution containing ingredients that undergo change in optical 1) in a variety of solutions (Table 2).
absorbance under ionizing radiation. This change in optical 4.6 The ingredients of the solutions, in particular the sol-
absorbance can be related to absorbed dose in water. vents, can be varied so as to simulate a number of materials in
3.1.8 response function—mathematical representation of terms of the photon mass energy-absorption coefficients, (μ /
en
the relationship between dosimeter response and absorbed dose r), for X-rays and gamma-rays and electron mass collision
for a given dosimetry system. stopping powers, [(1/r) dE/dx], over a broad spectral energy
3.1.9 specific net absorbance (Dk)—Net absorbance, D A,at range from 0.01 to 100 MeV (18). For special applications
a selected wavelength divided by the optical pathlength, d, certain tissue-equivalent radiochromic solutions have been
through the dosimeter material as follows: D k= DA/d. designed to simulate various materials and anatomical tissues,
3.2 Definitions of other terms used in this standard that in terms of values of (μ /r) for photons and [(1/r) dE/dx] for
en
pertain to radiation measurement and dosimetry may be found electrons (18) (see also ICRU Report 44). Tabulations of the
in ASTM Terminology E 170. Definitions in E 170 are com- values of (μ /r) for water (19), the anatomical tissues (17, 19),
en
patible with ICRU 60; that document, therefore, may be used and three specially designed radiochromic solutions, for pho-
as an alternative reference. tons over the energy range from 0.01 to 20 MeV, and
TABLE 1 Three Available Radiochromic Leuco Dyes, Their Molecular Structures, Molecular Weights, and Values of e and Color Index
m
Numbers of the Parent Dyes (14, 15)
Molar Linear Absorption
Radiochromic Leuco Dye (code) Molecular Structure Molecular Weight Color Index No.
A −1 −1
Coefficient (L mol cm )
Pararosaniline cyanide (PRC) (See diagram below left) 314.376 140 000 (l = 550 nm) 42 500
Hexa(hydroxyethyl)pararosaniline (See diagram below center) 578.715 100 000 (l = 600 nm) (none given)
cyanide (HHEVC)
New fuchsin cyanide (NFC) (See diagram below right) 356.455 130 000 (l = 560 nm) 42 500
A
These values of molar linear absorption coefficients are given in Ref (14, 16) for 2-methoxyethanol solutions containing 17 mM acetic acid. The values may vary
somewhat in other solvents and with other additives.
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ISO/ASTM 51540:2004(E)
TABLE 2 Selected Radiochromic Solution Formulations and the Radiation Chemical Yields of Dye Cations in Solution
Radiochromic Radiochromic Leuco Wavelength for
Radiation Chemical Nominal Dose
Leuco Dye Solution Formulation Dye Concentration Spectrophotometer, References
−1
Yield, μmol J Range, Gy
−1
(See Table 1) (mmol L ) nm
HHEVC Dissolve in 2-methoxy ethanol containing 17 mmol 5 599 0.025 10–1000 (5)
−1
L acetic acid
PRC Dissolve in 2-methoxy ethanol containing 51 mmol 5 549 0.033 10–3000 (1)
−1
L acetic acid
NFC Dissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide containing 17 mmol 0.1 554 0.0031 100–30 000 (14)
−1
L acetic acid
PRC Dissolve in dimethyl sulfoxide containing 17 mmol 5 554 0.0040 3–40 000 (11)
−1 −1
L acetic acid and 30 mmol L nitrobenzene
HHEVC Dissolve in mixture of 85 % n-propanol and 15 % 2 605 0.0051 50–5000 (15)
triethylphosphate (by volume), containing 34
−1
mmol L acetic acid, 500 parts-per-million
nitrobenzoic acid and 10 % polyvinyl butyral (by
weight)
NFC Dissolve in mixture of 85 % triethylphosphate and 2 557 0.0055 100–10 000 (12)
15 % dimethyl sulfoxide (by volume), containing
68 mM acetic acid, 500 parts-per-million
nitrobenzoic acid and 10 % polyvinyl butyral (by
weight)
HHEVC Dissolve in mixture of 85 % triethylphosphate and 100 608 0.28 0.5–10 (17)
15 % dimethyl sulfoxide (by volume), containing
68 mM acetic acid, 500 parts-per-million
nitrobenzoic acid and 10 % polyvinyl butyral (by
weight)
tabulations of the values of [(1/r) dE/dx] (17) for water, the equipped with a tightly closed cap. The solution should be
tissues and the radiochromic solutions for electrons over the stored at <30°C in the dark.
energy range from 0.01 to 20 MeV are given in Refs (12, 13,
NOTE 3—Any glass container should be cleaned with laboratory dis-
18). For additional information see ISO/ASTM Guide 51261,
tilled water and detergent, rinsed with doubly distilled water and then with
ASTM Practice E 666, and ICRU Reports 14, 17, 35, 37, and
ethanol, dried at elevated temperature (>300°C) and cooled to ambient
44.
laboratory temperature before being used to hold the dosimetric solution.
For more detail on cleaning glassware, see ASTM Practice C 912.
5. Apparatus
NOTE 4—The glass ampoules or vials for irradiation commonly have
5.1 The following shall be used to determine absorbed dose capacities of 2 to 5 mL. The glass is commonly amber to protect the
solution from stray ultraviolet light.
with radiochromic liquid dosimetry systems:
5.1.1 Batch or Portion of a Batch of Radiochromic Liquid.
6. Performance check of instrumentation
5.1.2 Spectrophotometer or Photometer, having documen-
tation covering analysis wavelengths, accuracy of wavelength
6.1 Check and document the performance of the photometer
selection, absorbance determination, analysis bandwidth, and
or spectrophotometer. (For detailed information on these per-
stray light rejection. The spectrophotometer should be able to
formance checks, see ASTM Practic
...