ASTM C1539-08 - 1.7.2008
 
Significance and Use

Uranium hexafluoride is a basic material used to prepare nuclear reactor fuel. To be suitable for this purpose, the material must meet the criteria for technetium composition. This test method is designed to determine whether the material meets the requirements described in Specifications C 787 and C 996.

Using the specified instrumentation and parameters, this method has a lower detection limit of 0.0004 μgTc/gU.

Note 1—Different instrumentation or parameters may provide varying detection limits, as calculated in 11.4.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method is a quantitative method used to determine technetium-99 (99Tc) in uranium hexafluoride (UF6) by liquid scintillation counting.

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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C787-20(2025)

Standard Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride for Enrichment

C996-20(2025)

Standard Specification for Uranium Hexafluoride Enriched to Less Than 5 % 235U

C1215-24

Standard Guide for Preparing and Interpreting Precision and Bias Statements in Test Method Standards Used in the Nuclear Industry

USEC-651

Uranium Hexafluoride: A Manual of Good Handling Practices Available from U.S. Enrichment Corporation, 6903 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817.