1.1 This practice covers the test methods for measuring the properties of graphite and boronated graphite materials. These properties may be used for the design and evaluation of high-temperature gas-cooled reactor components.
1.2 The test methods referenced herein are applicable to materials used for replaceable and permanent components as defined in Section 7 and Section 9, and includes fuel elements; removable reflector elements and blocks; permanent side reflector elements and blocks; core support pedestals and elements; control rod, reserve shutdown, and burnable poison compacts; and neutron shield material.
1.3 This practice includes test methods that have been selected from existing ASTM standards, ASTM standards that have been modified, and new ASTM standards that are specific to the testing of materials listed in 1.2. Comments on individual test methods for graphite and boronated graphite components are given in Sections 8 and 10, respectively. The test methods are summarized in Tables 1 and 2.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
TABLE 1 Summary of Test Methods for Graphite Components
Note—Designations under preparation will be added when approved.
A Modification of this test method is required. See Section 8 for details.
B New test methods are required. See Section 8 for details.
C There is no identified need for determining this property.
TABLE 2 Summary of Test Methods for Boronated Graphite Components
Note—Designations under preparation will be added when approved.
| Compacts | Neutron
Shield
Material |
|---|
Control
Rod | Burnable
Poison | Reserve
Shutdown |
|---|
| Bulk Density | C838 | C838 | C838 | D4292 |
| Linear Thermal Expansion | A | E228A | E228A | B |
| Particle Size | C | C | C | D2862 |
| Mechanical Strength: | | | | |
| Compressive Strength | C695A | C695A | C695A | B |
| Impact Performance | B | B | B | C |
| Chemical Properties: | | | | |
| Sulfur Concentration | C | C | C | C |
| Hafnium Concentration | C | C | C | C |
| Relative Oxidation Rate | C | C | C | C |
| Boron Analysis: | | | | |
| Total Boron | C | C | C | C |
| Boron as Oxide | C | C | C | C |
| B4C Particle Size | D2862D | D2862D | D2862D | D2862D |
A Modification of this test method is required. See Section 10 for details.
B There is no identified need for determining this property.
C New test methods are required. See Section 10 for details.
D Additional test methods are required. See Section 10 for details.