ASTM C 1462 : 2021

1.1This specification covers nuclear grade uranium metal that has either been processed through an enrichment plant, or has been produced by the blending of highly enriched uranium with other uranium, to obtain uranium of any ²³⁵U mass fraction below 20 % and that is intended for research reactor and generation IV nuclear reactor fuel fabrication. The scope of this specification includes specifications for enriched uranium metal derived from commercial natural uranium, reprocessed uranium, or highly enriched uranium. Commercial natural uranium, reprocessed uranium and highly enriched uranium are defined in Section 3. The objectives of this specification are to define the impurity and uranium isotope limits for commercial grade enriched uranium metal.

1.2This specification is intended to provide the nuclear industry with a standard for enriched uranium metal which is to be used in the production of research reactor and generation IV nuclear reactor fuel. In addition to this specification, the parties concerned may agree to other appropriate conditions.

1.3The scope of this specification does not comprehensively cover all provisions for preventing criticality accidents or requirements for health and safety or for shipping. Observance of this standard does not relieve the user of the obligation to conform to all applicable international, federal, state, and local regulations for processing, shipping, or any other way of using uranium metal (see, for example, C996 regarding references).

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5This 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.