WK46601 - New Test Method for The Determination of the Oxygen to Metal (O/M) Ratio in Sintered Mixed Oxides ((U, Pu)O2) Pellets by Gravimetry

Work Item

ASTM WK46601

New Test Method for The Determination of the Oxygen to Metal (O/M) Ratio in Sintered Mixed Oxides ((U, Pu)O2) Pellets by Gravimetry

1. Scope

This practice is an alternative method to test method C698 for the determination of the oxygen-to-metal atom ratio (O/M) in sintered mixed oxide fuel (MOX) pellets. The method presented in test method C698 is a one-step thermogravimetric method for determining O/M ratio in sintered MOX powders and pellets. As stated in ASTM C 698, thermogravimetric methods using a two-step heating cycle are also satisfactory. The method presented in this test method is a two-step heating cycle method. This practice is applicable to sintered MOX pellets containing up to 10 weight percent PuO2.

Keywords

plutonium; thermal analysis; gravimetry; uranium; MOX; oxygen to metal (O/M) ratio

Rationale

This standard is needed because it is a method used in large scale MOX fuel fabrication facilities. It will be used to measure O/M ratio in MOX fuel fabricated in the MOX fuel fabrication facility on the Savannah River Site.

Details

Developed by Subcommittee: C26.05

Committee: C26

Staff Manager: Stephen Mawn

Work Item Status

Date Initiated: 06-30-2014

Technical Contact: Ben Karmiol

Item: 002

Ballot: C26.05 (14-03)

Status: Negative Votes Need Resolution

Item: 015

Ballot: C26 (15-01)

Status: Ballot Item Approved