ASTM E1026-13 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Using the Fricke Dosimetry System — ASTM E1026-13. This practice describes the preparation, handling, spectrophotometric analysis, and use of the acidic aqueous ferrous ammonium sulfate (Fricke) dosimetry system for measurement of absorbed dose to water when exposed to ionizing radiation (gamma, X‑radiation/bremsstrahlung, and high‑energy electrons).

Abstract

ASTM E1026-13 provides step‑by‑step procedures for preparing Fricke dosimeter solutions, irradiating ampoules under specified conditions, and measuring the resulting ferric ion concentration increase by spectrophotometry to determine absorbed dose. The practice defines applicable dose and dose‑rate ranges, recommended temperature limits, and radiation‑energy limits for use of the Fricke system as either a reference‑standard or routine dosimetry method.

General information

• Status: Superseded / historical — originally published as the 2013 edition (E1026-13); later revised and issued in the ASTM/ISO series (see ASTM E1026-23 / ISO/ASTM 51026-23).
• Publication date: January 1, 2013 (edition designation: E1026-13).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.240 (Radiation measurements / dosimetry).
• Edition / version: E1026-13 (2013 edition).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (typical print/PDF length for this practice).

Scope

This practice covers procedures for preparation, testing, and use of the acidic aqueous ferrous ammonium sulfate (Fricke) dosimetry system to measure absorbed dose to water for irradiations by gamma rays, X‑rays (bremsstrahlung), and high‑energy electrons. It applies where the absorbed dose range is approximately 20–400 Gy, the absorbed dose‑rate does not exceed about 1×10^6 Gy·s−1, and irradiation temperatures are maintained in the range ~10–60 °C; minimum energy guidance is given (for example, radioisotope gamma photon energies > ~0.6 MeV and electron energies above recommended thresholds) together with notes on ampoule geometry and correction needs.

Key topics and requirements

• Fricke dosimeter chemistry: preparation of acidic ferrous ammonium/ferrous sulfate solution and handling to minimize contamination and oxidation.
• Spectrophotometric measurement: calibrated, temperature‑controlled spectrophotometer procedures for measuring ferric ion optical absorbance change.
• Applicable irradiation conditions: defined absorbed dose (≈20–400 Gy), dose‑rate limits (≤1×10^6 Gy·s−1), temperature range (≈10–60 °C), and minimum photon/electron energy guidance.
• Use as reference‑standard or routine dosimetry: guidance on when Fricke is appropriate and how to obtain traceability or absolute dose determination.
• Corrections and uncertainty considerations: notes on ampoule geometry, dose gradients, temperature effects, and uncertainty estimation for reported absorbed dose.

Typical use and users

Used by radiation processing facilities, calibration laboratories, medical physics groups, research laboratories, and dosimetry service providers for reference or routine dose measurements where chemical dosimetry is appropriate. Typical applications include sterilization processing validation, radiation chemistry research, and intercomparison/calibration of other dosimetry systems. Users are expected to have access to controlled irradiation sources, spectrophotometric instrumentation, and laboratory facilities for chemical preparation and controlled handling.

Related standards

Intended to be read in conjunction with other dosimetry and radiation‑processing practices such as ISO/ASTM Practice 52628 (guidance on implementing dosimetry in radiation processing) and related ISO/ASTM/ICRU reports referenced in the practice; later editions and the ISO/ASTM 51026 series (ASTM E1026 → 51026/E1026-23) represent updated or harmonized documents.

Keywords

Fricke dosimetry, ferrous ammonium sulfate, ferrous sulfate dosimeter, chemical dosimeter, reference-standard dosimetry system, absorbed dose, spectrophotometry, radiation processing, gamma dosimetry, electron beam dosimetry.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1026-13 is the 2013 edition of the Standard Practice for Using the Fricke Dosimetry System, a chemical (Fricke) dosimetry practice describing preparation, irradiation, and spectrophotometric analysis to determine absorbed dose to water.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers solution preparation, ampoule handling, irradiation conditions and limits (dose, dose‑rate, energy, temperature), spectrophotometric measurement procedures, correction considerations and uncertainty elements required to use the Fricke system as a reference or routine dosimeter. Typical dose range guidance is ~20–400 Gy and the practice is limited to gamma, X‑ray (bremsstrahlung) and high‑energy electron irradiations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Radiation processing facilities, calibration and standards laboratories, medical physics and research laboratories, and dosimetry service providers who need a well‑characterized chemical dosimeter for absorbed dose determinations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E1026-13 is the 2013 edition and has since been revised in the ASTM/ISO publishing cycle; an updated/reissued version appears as ASTM E1026 (aligned with ISO/ASTM 51026) in 2023 (ASTM E1026-23 / ISO/ASTM 51026-23). Users requiring the most recent technical requirements should consult the latest ASTM/ISO/ASTM release.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one practice in a suite of dosimetry and radiation‑processing standards (ASTM Committee E61 deliverables) and is cross‑referenced with ISO/ASTM practices and ICRU publications on dosimetry and radiation chemical yields. Later harmonized documents appear under the ISO/ASTM numbering (51026 series) and related ASTM practices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fricke dosimeter; ferrous ammonium sulfate; ferric ion spectrophotometry; absorbed dose; chemical dosimetry; reference-standard dosimetry; radiation processing; gamma/X-ray/electron.