ASTM C 1441 : 2013

1.1This test method covers determining the concentrations of refrigerant-114, some other carbon-containing and fluorine-containing compounds, hydrocarbons, and partially or completely substituted halohydrocarbons that may be impurities in uranium hexafluoride when looked for specifically. The two options are outlined for this test method. They are designated as Part A and Part B.

1.2The method discribed in part B is more efficient because there isn’t matrix effect. FTIR spectroscopy identifies bonds as C-H, C-F, C-Cl. To quantify HCH compounds, these compounds must be known and the standards available to do the calibration.

After a screening, if the spectrum is the UF₆ spectrum or if the other absorption peaks allow the HCH quantification, this test method can be used to check the compliance of UF₆ as specified in Specifications C787 and C996. The limits of detection are in units of mole percent concentration.

1.3Part A pertains to Sections 7-10and Part B pertains to Sections 12-16.

1.4These test options are applicable to the determination of hydrocarbons, chlorocarbons, and partially or completely substituted halohydrocarbons contained as impurities in uranium hexafluoride (UF₆). Gases such as carbon tetrafluoride (CF₄), which absorb infrared radiation in a region where uranium hexafluoride also absorbs infrared radiation, cannot be analyzed in low concentration via these methods due to spectral overlap/interference.

1.5These test options are quantitative and applicable in the concentration ranges from 0.003 to 0.100 mole percent, depending on the analyte.

1.6These test methods can also be used for the determination of non-metallic fluorides such as silicon tetrafluoride (SiF₄), phosphorus pentafluoride (PF₅), boron trifluoride (BF₃), and hydrofluoric acid (HF), plus metal-containing fluorides such as molybdenum hexafluoride (MoF₆). The availability of high quality standards for these gases is necessary for quantitative analysis.

1.7These methods can be extended to other carbon-containing and inorganic gases as long as:

1.8The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.9This 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.