ASTM C696

Scope

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical, mass spectrometric, and spectrochemical analysis of nuclear-grade uranium dioxide powders and pellets to determine compliance with specifications.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

7.1 This test method covers the determination of moisture in uranium dioxide samples. Detection limits are as low as 10 μg.

15.1 This test method covers the determination of nitride nitrogen in uranium dioxide in the range from 10 to 250 μg.

23.1 This test method covers the spectrographic analysis of nuclear-grade UO₂ for the 26 elements in the ranges indicated in Table 1.

23.2 For simultaneous determination of trace elements by plasma emission spectroscopy refer to Test Method C761.

TABLE 1 Recommended Analytical Spectral Lines and Concentration Range of Trace Elements

^A All of the above lines are photographed in the second order, except barium and calcium which are first order lines.

^B A gallium oxide carrier must be used for silver. See Test Method E402.

31.1 This test method covers the spectrochemical determination of silver in nuclear-grade uranium dioxide. The relative standard deviation is 15 % for the concentration range of 0.1 to 50 μg/g.

33.1 This procedure is designed for a rapid determination of surface area of nuclear-grade uranium dioxide (UO₂) powders. The determination of surface area by this procedure is automatic, simple, and fast enough to be used in quality control work. The range of analysis is from 1 to 1500 m²/g.

Keywords

impurity content; isotopic composition; stoichiometry; uranium content; uranium dioxide: Carbon content--nuclear materials; Chemical analysis--nuclear materials; Atomic ratio--uranium dioxide (powders and pellets); Chlorine content--nuclear materials/applications; Fluoride content; Fluorine content; Gases--radioactive; Dichromate titration; Hydrogen content--nuclear materials; Ferrous sulfate reduction; Ignition--rubber/cellular materials; Ignition impurity correction method; Impurities--nuclear materials; Inert gas fusion; Isotopic analysis; Kjeldahl method; Mass spectrometry--nuclear materials/applications; Moisture analysis--nuclear materials; Nitrogen content--nuclear materials; Oxygen-to-uranium (O/U) atomic ratio; Polarographic methods; Rare earth content; Silver content--nuclear materials; Spectrochemical analysis; Stoichiometry; Sulfur--nuclear materials; Surface analysis--nuclear materials; Thorium content; Trace elements--nuclear materials; Uranium atomic ratio; Uranium content; Uranium dioxide (powders and pellets); Uranium isotopic analysis; Volatile matter content--nuclear materials

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 27.120.30 (Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology)

DOI: 10.1520/C0696-11