ASTM C1348-96

1.1 This specification covers blended uranium trioxide (UO₃), U₃O₈, or mixtures of the two, powders that are intended for conversion into a sinterable uranium dioxide (UO₂) powder by means of a direction reduction process. The UO₂ powder product of the reduction process must meet the requirements of Specification C753 and be suitable for subsequent UO₂ pellet fabrication by pressing and sintering methods. This specification applies to uranium oxides with a ²³⁵U enrichment less than 5 %.

1.2 This specification includes chemical, physical, and test method requirements for uranium oxide powders as they relate to the suitability of the powder for storage, transportation, and direct reduction of UO₂ powder. This specification is applicable to uranium oxide powders for such use from any source.

1.3 The scope of this specification does not comprehensively cover all provisions for preventing criticality accidents, for health and safety, or for shipping. Observance of this specification does not relieve the user of the obligation to conform to all international, national, state, and local regulations for processing, shipping, or any other way of using uranium oxide powders (see 2.2 and 2.3).

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion of the annexes in this specification: 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.