4.1 This practice is applicable to the use of calorimetric dosimetry systems for the measurement of absorbed dose in electron beams, the qualification of electron irradiation facilities, periodic checks of operating parameters of electron irradiation facilities, and calibration of other dosimetry systems in electron beams. Calorimetric dosimetry systems are most suitable for dose measurement at electron accelerators utilizing conveyor systems for transport of product during irradiation.

NOTE 1-For additional information on calorimetric dosimetry system operation and use, see ICRU Report 80. For additional information on the use of dosimetry in electron accelerator facilities, see ISO/ASTM Practices 51431 and 51649, and ICRU Reports 34 and 35, and Refs (1-3).

4.2 The calorimetric dosimetry systems described in this practice are not primary standard dosimetry systems. The calorimeters are classified as Type II dosimeters (ASTM E2628). They may be used as internal standards at an electron beam irradiation facility, including being used as transfer standard dosimetry systems for calibration of other dosimetry systems, or they may be used as routine dosimeters. The calorimetric dosimetry systems are calibrated by comparison with transfer-standard dosimeters.

4.3 The dose measurement is based on the measurement of the temperature rise in an absorber (calorimetric body) irradiated by an electron beam. Different absorbing materials are used, but the response is usually defined in terms of dose to water.

NOTE 2-The calorimetric bodies of the calorimeters described in this practice are made from low atomic number materials. The electron fluences within these calorimetric bodies are almost independent of energy when irradiated with electron beams of 1.5 MeV or higher, and the mass collision stopping powers are approximately the same for these materials.

4.4 The absorbed dose in other materials irradiated under equivalent conditions may be calculated. Procedures for making such calculations are given in ASTM Practices E666 and E668, and Ref (1).

4.4.1 Calorimeters for use at industrial electron accelerators have been constructed using graphite, polystyrene or a Petri dish filled with water as the calorimetric body (4-10). The thickness of the calorimetric body shall be less than the range of the electrons.

4.4.2 Polymeric materials other than polystyrene may also be used for calorimetric measurements. Polystyrene is used because it is known to be resistant to radiation (11) and because almost no exo- or endothermic reactions take place (12).