Uranium hexafluoride is a basic material used to prepare nuclear reactor fuel. To be suitable for this purpose, the material shall meet the criteria for isotopic composition. This test method is designed to determine whether the material meets the requirements described in Specifications C787 and C996.

ASTM Committee C26 Safeguards Statement:

The material (uranium hexafluoride) to which this test method applies is subject to the nuclear safeguards regulations governing its possession and use. The analytical procedure in this test method has been designated as technically acceptable for generating safeguards accountability data.

When used in conjunction with the appropriate certified reference materials (CRMs), this procedure can demonstrate traceability to the national measurement base. However, adherence to this procedure does not automatically guarantee regulatory acceptance of the regulatory safeguards measurements. It remains the sole responsibility of the user of this test method to ensure that its application to safeguards has the approval of the proper regulatory authorities.

1.1 This is a quantitative test method applicable to determining the mass percent of uranium isotopes in uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) samples with ²³⁵U concentrations between 0.1 and 5.0 mass %.

1.2 This test method may be applicable for the entire range of ²³⁵U concentrations for which adequate standards are available.

1.3 This test method is for analysis by a gas magnetic sector mass spectrometer with a single collector using interpolation to determine the isotopic concentration of an unknown sample between two characterized UF₆ standards.

1.4 This test method is to replace the existing test method currently published in Test Methods C761 and is used in the nuclear fuel cycle for UF₆ isotopic analyses.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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.