Packaging and Storage Criteria

DOE-STD-3028-2000

PACKAGING AND STORAGE CRITERIA

6.1

Materials

Storable 233U-bearing solid forms are metals, alloys, oxide powders, oxide monoliths, and

engineered materials, such as ceramic oxide pellets and unirradiated fuels. There are

significant differences in the chemical and physical properties of metals, various oxides, and

engineered materials currently inventoried at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) or Idaho

National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). Criteria are provided for each

material category.

6.1.1

Uranium-233-Bearing Metals and Alloys

1. Metal and alloy pieces to be packaged shall have a specific surface area of less than

0.005 m2/g (24.4 ft2/lbm). Particles and metal pieces larger than 8 mesh meet this

Criterion. Metal pieces with a specific surface area greater than 0.005 m2/g

(24.4 ft2/lbm), thin foils, turnings, and wires shall be converted to stable oxides for

storage.

2. At the time of packaging, metals shall be visually free of non-adherent oxides,

liquids, and organic materials such as plastics and oils.

6.1.2

Oxides

1. Stabilization Acceptance Criterion: The volatiles content (e.g., weight loss using the

LOI method) of oxide to be packaged in any sealed container shall be less than

0.5 wt % at the time of packaging or repackaging.

2. Stabilization Conditions: Oxides that do not meet the Criterion in 6.1.2.1 shall be

stabilized by heating the material in an oxidizing atmosphere to a material

temperature of greater than 750C (1382F) for a time sufficient to meet the Criterion

in 6.1.2.1, but not less than 1 hour.

3. Stabilization Verification: Verification that materials to be packaged have been

stabilized to meet Criterion 6.1.2.1 shall be accomplished by: measuring the volatiles

content of the material using a demonstrated technically appropriate method, such

as LOI at 800C (1472F) for at least one hour.