ASTM C1429-99(2009)

Standard Test Method for Isotopic Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride by Double-Standard Multi-Collector Gas Mass Spectrometer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Uranium hexafluoride used to produce nuclear-reactor fuel must meet certain criteria for its isotopic composition. This test method may be used to help determine if sample materials meet the criteria described in Specifications C 787 and C 996.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a quantitative test method applicable to determining the mass percent of uranium isotopes in uranium hexafluoride (UF6) samples. This method as described is for concentrations of  235U between 0.1 and 10 mass %, and  234U and  236U between 0.0001 and 0.1 mass %.
1.2 This test method is for laboratory analysis by a gas mass spectrometer with a multi-collector.
1.3 This standard complements Test Methods C 761, sections 35 through 40, the double-standard method for gas mass spectrometers using a single collector, by providing a method for spectrometers using a multi-collector.
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2009
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1429-99(2004) - Standard Test Method for Isotopic Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride by Double-Standard Multi-Collector Gas Mass Spectrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Replaced By: ASTM C1429-99(2009)e1 - Standard Test Method for Isotopic Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride by Double-Standard Multi-Collector Gas Mass Spectrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Referred By: ASTM C1636-22 - Standard Guide for Determination of Uranium-232 in Uranium Hexafluoride
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Referred By: ASTM C761-18 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C 1429 – 99 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Isotopic Analysis of Uranium Hexafluoride by Double-
1
Standard Multi-Collector Gas Mass Spectrometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1429; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C1215 Guide for Preparing and Interpreting Precision and
Bias Statements in Test Method Standards Used in the
1.1 This test method covers a quantitative test method
Nuclear Industry
applicabletodeterminingthemasspercentofuraniumisotopes
in uranium hexafluoride (UF ) samples. This method as de-
6
3. Terminology
235
scribed is for concentrations of U between 0.1 and 10
234 236
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mass%, and U and U between 0.0001 and 0.1 mass%.
3.1.1 A standard, n—the low-value standard of a standard
1.2 Thistestmethodisforlaboratoryanalysisbyagasmass
pair that brackets the sample.
spectrometer with a multi-collector.
3.1.2 B standard, n—the high-value standard of a standard
1.3 This standard complements Test Methods C761, sec-
pair that brackets the sample.
tions 35 through 40, the double-standard method for gas mass
3.1.3 determination, n—a single isotopic value, calculated
spectrometers using a single collector, by providing a method
from a sequence of ratios; the most basic isotopic value
for spectrometers using a multi-collector.
calculated.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 Lagrange’s interpolation formula, n—a mathematical
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
equation designed to estimate values between two or more
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
known values.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.5 run, n—a completed, six-entry symmetrical sequence
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
consisting of A standard, sample, B standard, B standard,
2. Referenced Documents sample, and A standard from which a determination can be
2
calculated for one or more isotopes.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.6 standard spread, n—the difference between the high
C761 Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
and low standards; sometimes called standard range.
Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and RadiochemicalAnalysis of
3.1.7 test result, n—a reported value; the mean of two or
Uranium Hexafluoride
more determinations.
C787 Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrich-
ment
4. Summary of Test Method
C996 Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride Enriched to
235 4.1 Uranium hexafluoride gas is introduced into an ioniza-
Less Than 5 % U
tion source. The resulting ions are accelerated down the flight
tube into the magnetic field. The magnetic field separates the
ions into ion beams in accordance with the m/e ratio. Four
1
234 + 235 + 236 +
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM CommitteeC26 on Nuclear
collectors are stationed so the UF , UF , UF , and
5 5 5
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
+
238UF ion beams strike individual collectors.
5
Test.
4.2 Two standards are chosen whose values bracket the
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2009.PublishedJuly2009.Originallyapproved
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as C1429–99 (2004).
desired isotope of the sample. The sample and two standards
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
are introduced in a six-entry, symmetrical sequence. Then,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
measurements are taken that give the mole ratio of the desired
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
238
the ASTM website. isotope to U.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C 1429 – 99 (2009)
4.3 Through Lagrange’s interpolation formula, these mea- pressure, or exhausting through the cold trap and observing
surements are used to calculate the mass percent of the desired pressure on the other side, or any other suitable means.
isotope.Ifstandardsareavailablethatbracketallisotopes,then 7.2.6 Ifnecessary,repeat7.2.3-7.2.5untilsamplesareclean.
234 235 236
the U, U, and U mass percents are calculated from the 7.3 Prepare Instrument:
same six-entry run. 7.3.1 Adjust instrument parameters to focus ion beams in
238 +
4.4 The results of two six-entry, symmetrical-sequence runs proper collectors and maximize the UF current reading.
5
238
areaveragedtofindtestresultsforeachisotope.The Umass 7
...