These practices are intended to provide the nuclear industry with procedures for obtaining representative bulk samples from uranium-ore concentrates (UOC) and for obtaining a series of representative secondary samples from the original bulk sample for the determination of moisture and other test purposes, and for the preparation of pulverized analytical samples. These practices consist of a number of alternative procedures for (1) primary sampling such as one-stage falling stream, two-stage falling stream, and Auger sampling; (2) secondary sampling such as straight-path (reciprocating) cutter sampling and rotating (Vezin) cutter multi-sampling; (3) sample preparation such as concurrent-drying, natural moisture, and calcination; and (4) sample packaging such as wax sealing and vacuum sealing. These procedures do not include requirements for health, safety, and accountability. The material and sampling equipment requirements are detailed. Schematic diagrams of the primary and secondary samplers are provided.

1.1 These practices are intended to provide the nuclear industry with procedures for obtaining representative bulk samples from uranium-ore concentrates (UOC) (see Specification C967).

1.2 These practices also provide for obtaining a series of representative secondary samples from the original bulk sample for the determination of moisture and other test purposes, and for the preparation of pulverized analytical samples (see Test Methods C1022 and C1843).

1.3 These practices consist of a number of alternative procedures for sampling and sample preparation which have been shown to be satisfactory through long experience in the nuclear industry. These procedures are described in the following order.

Stage

Procedure

Section

Primary Sampling

One-stage falling stream

5

Two-stage falling stream

6

Auger

7

Secondary Sampling

Straight-path (reciprocating)

8

Rotating (Vezin)

9, 10

1.3.1 The primary and secondary sampling stages can be organized in the following way:

1.3.2 It is possible to combine the various elements of these stages in different ways to give satisfactory results depending on the agreed requirements of the contracting parties. For a given stage, however, each procedure must be regarded as a whole. It is highly inadvisable to mix elements belonging to different procedures.

1.4 These procedures do not include requirements for health, safety, and accountability. The observance of these practices does not relieve the user of the obligation to be aware of and to conform to all applicable international, federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to processing, shipping, or using uranium-ore concentrates. (Guidance is provided in CFR 10, Chapter 1.)

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.