ASTM C 996 : 2020

1.1This specification covers nuclear grade uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) that either has 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 concentration below 5 % and that is intended for fuel fabrication. The objectives of this specification are twofold: (1) to define the impurity and uranium isotope limits for Enriched Commercial Grade UF₆ so that, with respect to fuel design and manufacture, it is essentially equivalent to enriched uranium made from natural UF₆, and (2) to define limits for Enriched Reprocessed UF₆ to be expected if Reprocessed UF₆ is to be enriched without dilution with Commercial Natural UF₆. For such UF₆, special provisions, not defined herein, may be needed to ensure fuel performance and to protect the work force, process equipment, and the environment.

1.2This specification is intended to provide the nuclear industry with a standard for enriched UF₆ that is to be used in the production of sinterable UO₂ powder for fuel fabrication. 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 specification does not relieve the user of the obligation to conform to all applicable international, federal, state, and local regulations for processing, shipping, or in any other way using UF₆ (see, for example, TID-7016, DP-532, and DOE O474.1).

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.