Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Mixed Oxides ((U, Pu)O2)

Importancia y uso:

4.1 Mixed oxide, a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides, is used as a nuclear-reactor fuel in the form of pellets. The plutonium content may be up to a mass fraction of 10 %, and the diluent uranium may be of any ²³⁵U enrichment. In order to be suitable for use as a nuclear fuel, the material must meet certain criteria for combined uranium and plutonium content, effective fissile content, and impurity content as described in Specification C833.

4.1.1 The material is assayed for uranium and plutonium to determine whether the plutonium content is as specified by the purchaser, and whether the material contains the minimum combined uranium and plutonium contents specified on a dry mass basis.

4.1.2 Determination of the isotopic content of the plutonium and uranium in the mixed oxide is made to establish whether the effective fissile content is in compliance with the purchaser's specifications.

4.1.3 Impurity content is determined to ensure that the maximum concentration limit of certain impurity elements is not exceeded. Determination of impurities is also required for calculation of the equivalent boron content (EBC) as described in Practice C1233.

4.2 Fitness for Purpose of Safeguards and Nuclear Safety Applications—Methods intended for use in safeguards and nuclear safety applications shall meet the requirements specified by Guide C1068 for use in such applications.

Subcomité:

C26.05

Referida por:

C1907-21, C1411-20, C1854-17, C1853-17, C1817-24, C1030-10R18, C0833-23, C1307-21, C1816-24, C1233-15R21, C1682-21, C0758-18, C1931-23

Volúmen:

12.01

Número ICS:

27.120.30 (Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology)