ASTM C697 : 24

Standard Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Plutonium Dioxide Powders and Pellets

Standard Details

1.1 These test methods cover procedures for the chemical, mass spectrometric, and spectrochemical analysis of nuclear-grade plutonium dioxide powders and pellets to determine compliance with specifications.

1.2 The analytical procedures appear in the following order:

	Sections
Plutonium Sample Handling	8 to 10
Plutonium by Controlled-Potential Coulometry	2
Plutonium by Ceric Sulfate Titration	3
Plutonium by Amperometric Titration with Iron(II)	2
Plutonium by Diode Array Spectrophotometry	3
Nitrogen by Distillation Spectrophotometry Using Nessler Reagent	11 to 18
Carbon (Total) by Direct Combustion–Thermal Conductivity	19 to 29
Total Chlorine and Fluorine by Pyrohydrolysis	30 to 37
Sulfur by Distillation Spectrophotometry	38 to 46
Plutonium Isotopic Analysis by Mass Spectrometry	4
Rare Earth Elements by Spectroscopy	5
Trace Elements by Carrier–Distillation Spectroscopy	5
(Alternative: Impurities by ICP-AES or ICP-MS)
Impurity Elements by Spark-Source Mass Spectrography	5
Moisture by the Coulometric Electrolytic Moisture Analyzer	47 to 54
Total Gas in Reactor-Grade Plutonium Dioxide Pellets	6
Plutonium-238 Isotopic Abundance by Alpha Spectrometry	3
Americium-241 in Plutonium by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry	2
Rare Earths By Copper Spark-Spectroscopy	5
Plutonium Isotopic Analysis by Mass Spectrometry	55 to 63
Oxygen-To-Metal Atom Ratio by Gravimetry	64 to 71

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Sections 6, 16.2.5, 44.7, and 59.5.1.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.