Significance and Use
Factors governing selection of a method for the determination of uranium include available quantity of sample, homogeneity of material sampled, sample purity, desired level of reliability, and facility available equipment.
This uranium assay method is referenced in the Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Uranium Dioxide Powders and Pellets (Test Methods C696) and in the Test Methods for Chemical, Mass Spectrometric, and Spectrochemical, Nuclear, and Radiochemical Analysis of Nuclear-Grade Uranyl Nitrate Solutions (Test Methods C799). This uranium assay method may also be used for uranium hexafluoride and uranium ore concentrate. This test method determines 20 to 200 mg of uranium; is applicable to product, fuel, and scrap material after the material is dissolved; is tolerant towards most metallic impurity elements usually specified in product and fuel; and uses no special equipment.
The ruggedness of the titration method has been studied for both the volumetric (6) and the weight (7) titration of uranium with dichromate.
Committee C26 Safeguards Statement:
The materials (nuclear grade uranium in product, fuel, and scrap) to which this test method applies are subject to nuclear safeguard regulations governing their possession and use. The analytical method in this standard meets U.S. Department of Energy guidelines for acceptability of a measurement method for generation of safeguards accountability measurement data.
When used in conjunction with the appropriate certified reference materials (SRM or CRM), this procedure can demonstrate traceability to the national measurement base. However, use of the test method does not automatically guarantee regulatory acceptance of the resulting safeguards measurements. It remains the sole responsibility of the user of this test method to assure that its application to safeguards has the approval of the proper regulatory authorities.
Scope
1.1 This test method, commonly referred to as the Modified Davies and Gray technique, covers the titration of uranium in product, fuel, and scrap materials after the material is dissolved. The test method is versatile and has been ruggedness tested. With appropriate sample preparation, this test method can give precise and unbiased uranium assays over a wide variety of material types (1, 2). Details of the titration procedure in the presence of plutonium with appropriate modifications are given in Test Method C1204.
1.2 Uranium levels titrated are usually 20 to 50 mg, but up to 200 mg uranium can be titrated using the reagent volumes stated in this test method.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 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. For specific safeguard and safety precaution statements, see Section 4.
