ASTM C1865-18 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1865-18 — Standard Test Method for The Determination of Carbon and Sulfur Content in Plutonium Oxide Powder by the Direct Combustion–Infrared Spectrophotometer. This test method describes the direct-combustion analysis of PuO2 powder using an induction furnace in an oxygen atmosphere and infrared detection of combustion products (CO2 and SO2) to quantify total carbon and sulfur in nuclear-grade plutonium oxide powders.

Abstract

Provides a laboratory procedure for measuring carbon and sulfur in plutonium oxide (PuO2) powder by combusting a weighed sample in an oxygen-purged induction furnace and measuring CO2 and SO2 by infrared spectrophotometry. The method is intended for pure PuO2 powders (and as an alternative to methods listed in Test Method C697) and supports quality control and specification compliance for MOX fuel production.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: October 19, 2018.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 27.120.30 — Fissile materials and nuclear fuel technology.
• Edition / version: C1865-18 (2018).
• Number of pages: 13.

Scope

This test method covers determination of total carbon and sulfur content in plutonium oxide (PuO2) powder using an oxygen-purged induction furnace to combust the sample and infrared absorption cells to quantify CO2 and SO2. It is written for nuclear-grade PuO2 powder; determination of carbon in sintered mixed oxide (MOX) pellets is addressed by Test Method C1853. The standard notes required safety precautions for handling radioactive materials and makes SI units normative.

Key topics and requirements

• Direct-combustion sample preparation using an induction furnace with oxygen purge to ensure complete oxidation of carbon and sulfur to measurable gases.
• Infrared spectrophotometric measurement of CO2 and SO2 produced during combustion for quantitative analysis.
• Use of appropriate blanks, calibration standards, and quality checks (e.g., analyzer blank checks and standards) to validate daily operation.
• Recommendation that sample and standard masses (and particle sizes) be similar to avoid systematic bias in combustion behavior.
• Applicability: intended for pure PuO2 powder (MOX pellets require different sample sizes and are covered by Test Method C1853).
• Safety and radiological handling considerations are emphasized; users must establish appropriate safety, health, and regulatory practices before use.

Typical use and users

Used by analytical laboratories supporting nuclear fuel manufacturers, MOX fuel producers, national laboratories, safeguards and regulatory organizations, and suppliers/customers who must verify impurity limits in plutonium oxide powder. Typical activities include quality control, acceptance testing to meet specifications (e.g., C757/C753 limits), and method development or material comparison for PuO2 feedstock.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM documents include Test Method C1853 (carbon in mixed-oxide sintered pellets), Test Method C697 (alternative chemical and spectrochemical analyses for plutonium materials), and specification C757 (nuclear-grade plutonium dioxide powder requirements), among other C26 committee documents addressing nuclear fuel materials and analyses. Users should consult those standards for complementary procedures and specification limits.

Keywords

Plutonium oxide; PuO2; carbon determination; sulfur determination; direct combustion; infrared spectrophotometer; induction furnace; MOX fuel; nuclear fuel analysis; ASTM C1865-18.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1865-18 is a test method for measuring total carbon and sulfur in plutonium oxide powder by direct combustion followed by infrared detection of combustion gases.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample combustion in an oxygen-purged induction furnace, gas collection and infrared measurement of CO2 and SO2, calibration and quality-check practices, and applicability notes specific to PuO2 powder (with MOX pellets handled by C1853).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Analytical and quality-control laboratories at fuel fabrication facilities, national laboratories, regulatory and safeguards labs, and suppliers or customers of plutonium oxide powders and MOX feedstock.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 2018 edition (C1865-18) and is listed as active; a revision work item (WK89451) was initiated for revision of C1865-18 in January 2024, indicating that the standard has been under periodic review. Users should confirm the current status with ASTM before relying on it for formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 (Nuclear Fuel Cycle) and Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of Test. It is related to other C26 methods and specifications (for example, C1853, C697, and C757) covering complementary analyses and material specifications.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Plutonium oxide, PuO2, carbon, sulfur, direct combustion, infrared detection, induction furnace, MOX, nuclear fuel analysis.