Uranium dioxide is used as a nuclear-reactor fuel. Gadolinium oxide is used as an additive to uranium dioxide. In order to be suitable for this purpose, these materials must meet certain criteria for impurity content. This test method is designed to determine whether the hydrogen content meets Specifications C 753, C 776, C 888, and C 922.

1.1 This test method applies to the determination of hydrogen in nuclear-grade uranium oxide powders and pellets to determine compliance with specifications. Gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and gadolinium oxide-uranium oxide powders and pellets may also be analyzed using this test method.

1.2 This standard describes a procedure for measuring the total hydrogen content of uranium oxides. The total hydrogen content results from absorbed water, water of crystallization, hydro-carbides and other hydrogenated compounds which may exist as fuel's impurities.

1.3 This test method covers the determination of 0.05 to 200 g of residual hydrogen.

1.4 This test method describes an electrode furnace carrier gas combustion system equipped with a thermal conductivity detector.

1.5 The preferred system of units is micrograms hydrogen per gram of sample (g/g sample) or micrograms hydrogen per gram of uranium (g/g U).

1.6 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.