ASTM C1853-17 - Standard Test Method for The Determination of Carbon (Total) Content in Mixed Oxide ((U, Pu)O<inf>2</inf>) Sintered Pellets by Direct Combustion-Infrared Detection Method

1.1 This test method is an alternative to Test Method C698 for the determination of carbon in nuclear grade sintered mixed oxide (MOX) fuel pellets. The method for the determination of carbon presented in Test Method C698 consists of combusting carbon contained in MOX pellets with oxygen in a high-frequency induction furnace and detecting the resulting carbon dioxide using a thermal conductivity cell. The method for the determination of carbon presented in this test method consists of combusting carbon contained in MOX pellets with oxygen in a high-frequency induction furnace and subsequent detection of the resulting carbon dioxide (CO₂) using a non-dispersive infrared detector (NDIR). Sulfur oxide is stripped from the carrier gas stream by a cellulose filter prior to the detection of CO₂.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard may involve hazardous material, operations, and equipment. 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 consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This 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.