Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-124 (NES 124)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000

Requirements For Shielding Materials

For Nuclear Purposes
Part 4
Low Density Polythene Sheeting

Incorporating NES 124 Category 2

Issue 2 Publication Date June 1990

AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No

Date

Text Affected

REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 124 Part 4 Issue 2 dated June 1990.

Signature and Date

Ministry of Defence

Naval Engineering Standard

NES 124

Part 4

Issue 2 (Reformatted)

June 1990

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIELDING MATERIALS

FOR NUCLEAR PURPOSES
PART 4
LOW DENSITY POLYTHENE SHEETING

This NES Supersedes

NES 124 PART 4 ISSUE 1
DG SHIPS 5900

Record of Amendments
AMDT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INSERTED BY

DATE

NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 124

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIELDING MATERIALS
FOR NUCLEAR PURPOSES
PART 4
ISSUE 2 (REFORMATTED)
LOW DENSITY POLYTHENE SHEETING

The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command

ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture
Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i

ii

NES 124
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

SCOPE
1.

This NES applies to low density polythene sheeting for use in the reactor shielding of nuclear
propulsion units, and covers both Type AVirgin polythene and Type BBoronated
polythene.

iii

NES 124
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

iv

NES 124
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry
of Defence, Chief Naval Architect (CNA), Section NA 113.

2.

It is to be applied as required to any Ministry of Defence contract for shielding materials for
nuclear purposes and is applicable to Surface Ships and Submarines.

3.

This NES comprises:

Requirements for Shielding Materials for Nuclear Purposes
Part 1

Cast Lead and Steel Plate Assemblies

Part 2

Lead Slabs, Sheet, Filler Rods and Wool

Part 3

Solder

Part 4

Low Density Polythene Sheeting

4.

If it is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the Sponsor is to be

informed in writing of the circumstances with a copy to Section NA 145.

5.

Any user of this NES in MOD or industry may propose an amendment to it. Proposals for
amendments which are:
a.

not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be made to the Sponsor of the NES.

b.

directly applicable to a particular contract are to be dealt with using existing procedures
or as specified in the contract.

6.

No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of a formal amendment.

7.

Unless otherwise stated, reference in this NES to approval, approved, authorized or similar
terms means by the Ministry of Defence.

8.

Any significant amendments that may be made to this NES at a later date will be indicated
by a vertical sideline. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line
interval.

9.

This NES has been reissued as a result of a general review and update of the contents.

Conditions of Release
General
10.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.

11.

This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.

NES 124
Part 4
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

12.

The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.

MOD Tender or Contract Process

13.

This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.

14.

When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.

15.

When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Related Documents
16.

In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
a.

British Standards

British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL

b.

Defence Standards

Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX

c.

Naval Engineering Standards

CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP

d.

Other documents

Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

17.

All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.

18.

Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.

Health and Safety

Warning
19.

This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.

vi

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

CONTENTS
Page No

TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
v
v
v
vi
vi
vi
vi

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vii

SECTION

1.
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2

MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Composition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quality of Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Polythene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boron Carbide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1

SECTION

2.
2.1
2.2
2.3

MANUFACTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions and Dimensional Tolerances . . . . . . . . .
Freedom from Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1

SECTION

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Visual and X-Ray Fluoroscopy Examination . . . . . .
Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydrogen Density . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Boron Content of Type B Sheeting Only . . . . . . . . .
Antioxidant Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Re-tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1

SECTION

4.

IDENTIFICATION AND PACKAGING . . . . . . . . .

4.1

ANNEX

A.

RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.1

ANNEX

B.

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

B.1

ANNEX

C.

SUGGESTED METHOD FOR THE

DETERMINATION OF CARBON IN BORON
CARBIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C.1

SUGGESTED METHOD FOR THE

DETERMINATION OF THE BORON CONTENT
OF BORONATED POLYTHENE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

D.1

PROCUREMENT CHECK LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E.1

ANNEX

ANNEX

D.

E.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
vii

NES 124
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viii

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

1.

MATERIALS

1.1

Chemical Composition
a.

On analysis the material is to have the following chemical composition:

Type
A

Element

Parts by
weight

Polythene

100

100

NN!di2naphthylpphenylenediamine (melting range

228235 C)
or
di 2hydroxy5methyl3(1methyl cyclohexyl)phenyl
methane
or
Topanol CA 1,1,3tri (5tert butly4hydroxy2methyl
phenyl) butane

0.1

0.1

Boron carbide

1.4

b.

No other additions will be permitted.

1.2

Quality of Materials

1.2.1

Polythene
a.

1.2.2

Type
B

The polythene is to have a melt flow index from 1.7 to 2.3 when measured by
Method 105C of BS 2782 Part 1. The ash content determined by ignition at
750 C to constant weight is to be not more than 0.1%, and the density of
compression moulded material when determined by Method 509A of BS 2782
Part 5 is to be between 0.915 and 0.925g/cm3 at 20 C. No scrap or reclaimed
polythene is to be used.

Boron Carbide
a.

The boron carbide is to be in the form of powder, nominally of 280 grit size and
such that not more than 5% is to be retained on 200 BS mesh. It is to contain
between 77% and 79% of boron and between 19% and 22% of carbon, see Annex
C. The maximum amount of impurities permissible are to be as follows:
Not more than

Impurities

Per cent

Calcium
Iron
Silicon
Copper
Aluminium
Cobalt
Sodium
All others except Oxygen

1.0
0.4
0.4
0.4
0.1
0.1
0.1
02

1.1

NES 124
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1.2

NES 124
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2.

MANUFACTURE

2.1

Method

2.2

a.

The base material for both Type A and B sheeting are to be evenly mixed by
milling or by other suitable process and converted into a form suitable for
subsequent operations.

b.

The sheets are to be prepared by compression moulding.

Dimensions and Dimensional Tolerances

a.

2.3

The sheets are to be supplied in the normal size and thickness stated in the
Contract Documents. The dimensional tolerances specified in BS 3012 are to
apply.

Freedom from Defects

a.

All sheets are to be solid, homogeneous and free from moisture or foreign
materials. The surfaces are to be smooth and free from any cavities or
obtrusions, and are to be planar to within 0.8mm over any circle of 460mm
diameter on that surface.

2.1

NES 124
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2.2

NES 124
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3.

TESTS

3.1

Visual and X-Ray Fluoroscopy Examination

3.2

a.

Sheets less than 6mm thickness are to be visually examined by transmitted light
to ensure freedom from cavities of 5mm diameter and above. Repair by fused
plugs will be permitted subject to a limit of not more than one repair per 0.4m2
of area.

b.

Sheets 6mm thickness and above are to be examined by X-ray fluoroscopy to

ensure freedom from cavities of 5mm diameter and above. Repair by press fit
or fused plugs will be generally permissible subject to a limit of not more than
one repair per 0.4m2 of area. When press fit plugs are used their positions are
to be clearly marked on each side of the sheet prior to despatch. All processes
using ionizing radiations are only to be carried out under protected conditions
in accordance with statutory requirements.

Density
a.

3.3

b.

3.6

Type A0.910 to 0.925g/cm3

(2)

Type B0.925 to 0.940g/cm3

The hydrogen density of the finished sheets is to be:

(1)

Type ANot less than 0.128g/cm3

(2)

Type BNot less than 0.125g/cm3

The hydrogen density is to be determined by multiplying the density as

determined in Clause 3.1a. by the total hydrogen content of a sample of the same
sheet expressed in grammes per gramme of material, which may be determined
by any suitable analytical method and measured to the nearest 0.1%.

Boron Content of Type B Sheeting Only

a.

3.5

(1)

Hydrogen Density
a.

3.4

When measured by Method 509A of BS 2782 Part 5 the density of the finished
sheets are to be:

When determined by a suitable method, see Annex D., the boron content of Type
B sheeting is to be 1% plus 0.2% minus 0.1%.

Antioxidant Content
a.

When determined by Method 405B of BS 2782 Part 4, the concentration of

NN!di2naphthylpphenylenediamine in both types of sheeting is to
be not more than 0.15%.

b.

Where compositions have been used which contain Nonox WSP, di

[(2dyroxy5methyl3(1methyl cyclohexyl)phenyl)] methane, or
Topanol CA, [(1,1,3tri(5tert butyl4hydroxy2methyl phenyl)
butane)], then Method 434A of BS 2782 is to first be employed to identify the
antioxidant present. Method 434D of BS 2782 is then to be used to determine
the amount of antioxidant present when the concentration is to be not more
than 0.15% in either type of sheeting.

Re-tests
a.

Should the first test analysis fail to meet the specified chemical composition,
two further analyses may be taken if the manufacturer so desires. Should any
of these fail, the material represented by the test specimens is to be rejected.

3.1

NES 124
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3.2

NES 124
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4.

IDENTIFICATION AND PACKAGING

a.

All sheeting is to be marked for identification in accordance with NES 724 and
is to be supplied suitably packaged to prevent any damage to the edges and
surfaces of the sheets.

4.1

NES 124
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4.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.1

Reference is made to:

Referred to in
Clause
BS 2782

Methods of testing plastics

3.5b.

BS 2782 Part 1

Thermal properties

1.2.1a.

BS 2782 Part 4

Chemical properties

3.4a.

BS 2782 Part 5

Optical and colour properties, weathering 1.2.1a., 3.1a.

BS 3012

Low and intermediate density polythene

sheet for general purpose
Packaging

NES 724

A.1

2.2a.
4.a.

ANNEX A.

NES 124
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ANNEX A.

A.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1

There are no Definitions and Abbreviations for this NES.

B.1

ANNEX B.

NES 124
Part 4
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ANNEX B.

B.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX C.
SUGGESTED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF CARBON IN BORON
CARBIDE
a.

Weigh out accurately 0.1g of boron carbide and mix intimately with 1g of lead
oxide Pb304. Add some freshly ignited silica and mix well. Place a layer of freshly
ignited silica on the bottom of a procelain boat, add the sample, and cover with
the remainder of the silica. The total amount of silica used is 2g. The carbon
content is determined by conversion to carbon dioxide using a standard
combustion technique. A blank determination using the same quantities of lead
oxide and silica must be carried out.

C.1

ANNEX C.

NES 124
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ANNEX C.

C.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX D.
SUGGESTED METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE BORON CONTENT OF
BORONATED POLYTHENE
a.

Place approximately 0.7g of the boronated polythene accurately weighed (cut

into pea size pieces) into a small platinum crucible. Cover the sample with about
1g of sodium carbonate. Ash the material at 400 C and then fuse the ash at
900 C for approximately 30 minutes.

b.

Place the cool crucible and melt in a beaker containing about 100ml of water.
Heat the water to dissolve the melt. Make the solution acid to methyl red
indicator, and heat for about 10 minutes. Remove the platinum crucible from
the solution. Add a few drops of bromine water to oxidize any ferrous iron, and
boil off the excess bromine. Add about 2g of powdered barium carbonate and
boil the solution for at least 2 minutes. A small amount of barium carbonate is
to settle to the bottom of the breaker; otherwise more barium carbonate is to
be added. Allow the solution to digest on a warm hotplate until most of the
barium carbonate (plus hydrous oxides of metallic impurities) has settled.

c.

Suction-filter the warm solution through a Gooch crucible containing a mat of

asbestos or filter-paper pulp. Wash the residue with water. Transfer the solution
to a wide-mouth 500ml Erlenmeyer flask. Neutralize the solution with
concentrated HCl as indicated by the yellow to red change of methyl red
indicator. Acidify the solution with two or three drops of concentrated HCl.

d.

Allow the solution to simmer on a hotplate for about 15 minutes. The solution
is to be distinctly acid at this point to eliminate carbon dioxide. Cool the
solution.

e.

Exactly neutralize the excess HCl with 0.1N sodium hydroxide as shown by the
indicator change from red to yellow. Add about 4g of mannitol, causing the
solution to turn red. (Boric acid is complexed with mannitol causing it to behave
like a strong acid.) Add two drops of phenolphthalein indicator, and titrate the
solution to the first permanent pink colour with 0.100N NaOH. (The indicator
change is from red to yellow to pink.) The millilitre of the titrant used after the
addition of the mannitol is equivalent to the boric acid present.
(m.l.NaOH) (NaOH) (0.01082) 100)
Calculations : % B =
Weight of sample in g

D.1

ANNEX D.

NES 124
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ANNEX D.

D.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX E.
PROCUREMENT CHECK LIST

TITLE.....................................
REFERENCE.........................

Notes:
1.

This Check List is to ensure that certain aspects of this Naval Engineering
Standard are consulted when preparing a Statement of Technical
Requirements for a particular application.

2.

Clauses where a preference for an option is to be used or where specific data is to

be added are included in the Check List.
Each item is to be marked either

3.

CHECK
No
1

"

= included

NA

= not applicable

CHECK

CLAUSE No

The sheets are to be supplied in the nominal size

and thickness stated

E.1

" or NA

2.2a.

ANNEX E.

NES 124
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ANNEX E.

E.2

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

A
Antioxidant, 3.1

B
Boron carbide, 1.1
Boron content, 3.1

C
Chemical composition, 1.1

D
Defects, freedom from, 2.1
Density, 3.1
Dimensions, 2.1

I
Identification, 4.1

M
Marking, 4.1
Method, 2.1

P
Packaging, 4.1
Polythene, 1.1

Q
Quality of materials, 1.1

R
Re-tests, 3.1

T
Tolerances, 2.1

INDEX.1

INDEX

NES 124
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Issue 2 (Reformatted)

V
Visual examination, 3.1

X
X-ray fluoroscopy, 3.1

INDEX

INDEX.2

Inside Rear Cover

 Crown Copyright 2000

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan

Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:

Defence Procurement Agency
An Executive Agency of The Ministry of Defence
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Tel 0141 224 2531/2
Fax 0141 224 2503
Internet e-mail enquiries@dstan.mod.uk
File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/124.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that
users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.