ASTM C1346-08(2014)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Dissolution of UF6 from P-10 Tubes
Standard Practice for Dissolution of UF<inf>6</inf> from P-10 Tubes
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Uranium hexafluoride is a basic material used to prepare nuclear reactor fuel. To be suitable for this purpose the material must meet criteria for uranium content, isotopic composition and metallic impurities in Specification C787 and C996. This practice results in the complete dissolution of the sample for uranium and impurities analysis, and determination of isotopic distribution by mass spectrometry as described in, for example, Test Methods C761.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the dissolution of UF6 from a P-10 tube to provide solutions for analysis.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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. For specific safeguard and safety precaution statements, see Section 8.
General Information
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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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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: C1346 − 08 (Reapproved 2014)
Standard Practice for
1,2
Dissolution of UF from P-10 Tubes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1346; 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 gasket to cover the tube’s opening, and a nut and plug (Monel
or SS) to seal the gasket to the tube.
1.1 This practice covers the dissolution of UF from a P-10
tube to provide solutions for analysis.
3.2 The UF tube is weighed, cooled in liquid nitrogen, and
quickly opened and immersed in water for dissolution. The
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
pieces of the tube’s assembly are removed from the resulting
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
solution,rinsed,dried,reassembled,andweighed.Thesolution
standard.
is dried for gravimetric conversion to U O , or diluted to an
3 8
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
appropriate concentration for dispensing into aliquots for
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
subsequent analysis.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Significance and Use
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
safeguard and safety precaution statements, see Section 8. 4.1 Uraniumhexafluorideisabasicmaterialusedtoprepare
nuclearreactorfuel.Tobesuitableforthispurposethematerial
2. Referenced Documents
must meet criteria for uranium content, isotopic composition
and metallic impurities in Specification C787 and C996. This
2.1 ASTM Standards:
practice results in the complete dissolution of the sample for
C761Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
uranium and impurities analysis, and determination of isotopic
Spectrochemical,Nuclear,andRadiochemicalAnalysisof
distributionbymassspectrometryasdescribedin,forexample,
Uranium Hexafluoride
C787Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrich- Test Methods C761.
ment
C996Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride Enriched to 5. Apparatus
Less Than 5% U
5.1 Steam bath, in a hood, if optional step 9.2.13 is used.
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
5.2 Vacuum oven, if option 2 of 9.2.14 is used. The oven
3. Summary of Practice
should be adjustable to 80°C at an absolute pressure of 3 ×10
Pa.
3.1 UF samples intended for analysis are packaged in P-10
tubes to prevent sublimation and reaction with moisture in the
5.3 Dewar flask, wide-mouth.
air. The P-10 tube assembly (Fig. 1) consists of a Polychloro-
5.4 Vise, small lab-bench model or similar type of holder.
trifluoroethylene (PCTFE) tube containing the UF , a PCTFE
5.5 Wrench, ⁄16 in.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
5.6 Plastic clamping forceps, 12 to 13 cm long, with a
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
claw-likebenttip,tosecurelyholdthecylindricalPCTFEtube.
Test.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014. Published February 2014. Originally
NOTE 1—These forceps are not commercially available. Bend the ends
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as C1346–08. DOI:
of a straight-tip forceps by heating over a moderate flame, shaping, and
10.1520/C1346-08R14.
maintaining the shape until cool.
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene P-10 tubes are widely accepted by the industry for
subsample collection and subsequent UF quality analyses or dispatch to the
5.7 TFE-fluorocarbon-coated spatula, 0.5- to 1-cm wide at
customer. The procedure for subsample collection and dissolution can also be used
its flat end, optional.
for other types of subsample tubes, for example, P-20, P-80 or P-100 , in that case
the amount of water has to be adjusted to ensure complete hydrolisation of UF and
5.8 Platinum or PCTFE rod, optional.
avoid excessive heat evolution.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.9 Platinum dishes or plastic beakers with compatible HF
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
resistance (typically PolyEthylene; PE), large enough to con-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tain a completely submerged P-10 tube.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1346 − 08 (2014)
8. Hazards
8.1 Since UF materials are radioactive, toxic, and highly
reactive, especially with reducing substances and moisture,
adequate laboratory facilities and fume hoods along with safe
techniques must be used in handling samples containing these
materials.Adetailed discussion of all necessary precautions is
beyond the scope of this practice. However, personnel who
handle radioactive materials should be familiar with the safe
handling practices of the facility.
8.2 Follow all safety procedures for handling uranium and
UF provided by the facility. Review the Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) for UF prior to performing the procedure.
FIG. 1 Example of a P-10 Sample Tube 8.3 Performdissolutionsinalaboratoryhood.Hoodsshould
be regularly inspected for proper air flow.
8.4 Gaseous UF , when released to the atmosphere, reacts
with moisture to form HF gas and UO F particulate (a white
2 2
5.10 Copper wires, optional. The wires should be flexible
amorphoussolidthatsettlesonallsurfaces).ReleaseofUF to
and looped at one end to loosely fit around the PCTFE tube
the atmosphere is readily visible as a white cloud. The
without allowing the flare nut to pass through.
corrosive nature of HF and UF can cause skin burns and lung
impairment. Medical evaluation is mandatory for all situations
5.11 Desiccator, optional.
where there may have been inhalation or contact with HF or
5.12 Balance, ≥100-g capacity, readable to at least 0.1 mg,
UF . Water soluble UO F , when inhaled or ingested in large
6 2 2
preferably 0.01 mg.
quantities, is toxic to the kidneys.
NOTE2—Useofabalancewithlowersensitivitywillnegativelyimpact
8.5 Use gloves designed for use with cryogenic substances,
on sampling error.
and wear goggles or a face shield when handling bulk
quantities of liquid nitrogen.
6. Interferences
6.1 The weight of the PCTFE tube is affected by atmo-
9. Procedure
spheric humidity. Keep the P-10 tube assembly in a desiccator
9.1 Preparation:
between weighings until constant weight is attained.
9.1.1 Wipe the outside of the tube with a lintless tissue
6.2 The capacity of the UF tube (a maximum of approxi-
moistened with a suitable, volatile organic solvent (for
mately 13.0 g UF ) limits the number and size of the aliquots
example, ethanol) and allow to air-dry.Allow the tube to stand
that can be obtained from each tube. See analytical procedures
overnighttoequilibratewithroomair,orplacetheP-10tubein
for their requirements.
a dessicator for at least one hour.
7. Reagents
NOTE3—P-10tubescanoccasionallyexhibitsomediscolorationdueto
trace amounts of impurities. These tubes can be used for further analyses
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
provided that these subsequent analyses confirm compliance with the
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
impurity limits as stated in Specification C787 and C996. Discoloration
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
could necessitate further investigation into the causes.
Analytical Reagents of theAmerican Chemical Soc
...
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