ASTM C1429-99(2014)

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

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 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 C787 and C996.
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 C761, 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-2014
• ICS: 27.120.30 - Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:C1429 −99 (Reapproved 2014)
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 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.1 This test method covers a quantitative test method
applicabletodeterminingthemasspercentofuraniumisotopes 3.1.1 A standard, n—the low-value standard of a standard
in uranium hexafluoride (UF ) samples. This method as de-
pair that brackets the sample.
6
235
scribed is for concentrations of U between 0.1 and 10
3.1.2 B standard, n—the high-value standard of a standard
234 236
mass%, and U and U between 0.0001 and 0.1 mass%.
pair that brackets the sample.
1.2 Thistestmethodisforlaboratoryanalysisbyagasmass
3.1.3 determination, n—a single isotopic value, calculated
spectrometer with a multi-collector.
from a sequence of ratios; the most basic isotopic value
1.3 This standard complements Test Methods C761, the calculated.
double-standard method for gas mass spectrometers using a
3.1.4 Lagrange’s interpolation formula, n—a mathematical
singlecollector,byprovidingamethodforspectrometersusing
equation designed to estimate values between two or more
a multi-collector.
known values.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.5 run, n—a completed, six-entry symmetrical sequence
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
consisting of A standard, sample, B standard, B standard,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sample, and A standard from which a determination can be
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
calculated for one or more isotopes.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.6 standard spread, n—the difference between the high
and low standards; sometimes called standard range.
2. Referenced Documents
2
3.1.7 test result, n—a reported value; the mean of two or
2.1 ASTM Standards:
more determinations.
C761Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric,
Spectrochemical,Nuclear,andRadiochemicalAnalysisof
4. Summary of Test Method
Uranium Hexafluoride
C787Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrich-
4.1 Uranium hexafluoride gas is introduced into an ioniza-
ment
tion source. The resulting ions are accelerated down the flight
C996Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride Enriched to
tube into the magnetic field. The magnetic field separates the
235
Less Than 5 % U
ions into ion beams in accordance with the m/e ratio. Four
C1215Guide for Preparing and Interpreting Precision and
234 + 235 + 236 +
collectors are stationed so the UF , UF , UF ,
5 5 5
Bias Statements in Test Method Standards Used in the 238 +
and UF ion beams strike individual collectors.
5
Nuclear Industry
4.2 Two standards are chosen whose values bracket the
desired isotope of the sample. The sample and two standards
are introduced in a six-entry, symmetrical sequence. Then,
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM CommitteeC26 on Nuclear
measurements are taken that give the mole ratio of the desired
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
238
Test. isotope to U.
Current edition approved June 1, 2014. Published June 2014. Originally
ε1
4.3 Through Lagrange’s interpolation formula, these mea-
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as C1429–99 (2009) .
DOI: 10.1520/C1429-99R14.
surements are used to calculate the mass percent of the desired
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
isotope.Ifstandardsareavailablethatbracketallisotopes,then
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
234 235 236
the U, U, and U mass percents are calculated from the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. same six-entry run.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1429−99 (2014)
4.4 The results of two six-entry, symmetrical-sequence runs 7.3 Prepare Instrument:
238
areaveragedtofindtestresultsforeachisotope.The Umass
7.3.1 Adjust instrument parameters to focus ion beams in
238 +
percent is obtained by subtraction.
proper collectors and maximize the UF current reading.
5
7.3.2 Enter standard values and other information if needed
5. Significance and Use
for calculations performed by computer.
5.1 Uranium hexafluoride
...