Uranium hexafluoride is normally produced and handled in large (typically 1- to 14-ton) quantities and must, therefore, be characterized by reference to representative samples. The quantities involved, physical properties, chemical reactivity, and hazardous nature of UF₆ are such that for representative sampling, specially designed equipment must be used and operated in accordance with the most carefully controlled and stringent procedures. This practice indicates appropriate principles, equipment, and procedures currently in use for bulk sampling of liquid UF₆. It is used by UF₆ converters, enrichers, and fuel fabricators to review the effectiveness of existing procedures or as a guide to the design of equipment and procedures for future use. Other sampling procedures such as UF₆ vapor sampling are not directly representative of the quality of liquid UF₆.

It is emphasized that this practice is not meant to address conventional or nuclear criticality safety issues.

1.1 This practice covers methods for withdrawing representative samples of liquid uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) from bulk quantities of the material. Such samples are used for determining compliance with the applicable commercial specification, for example Specification C787 and Specification C996.

1.2 It is assumed that the bulk liquid UF₆ being sampled comprises a single quality and quantity of material. This practice does not address any special additional arrangements that might be required for taking proportional or composite samples, or when the sampled bulk material is being added to UF₆ residues already in a container (“heels recycle”).

1.3 The number of samples to be taken, their nominal sample weight, and their disposition shall be agreed upon between the parties.

1.4 The scope of this practice does not include provisions for preventing criticality incidents.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.