SAFEGUARDING TRANSFERS OF SPENT FUEL TO DRY STORAGEAT MULTI-UNIT CANDU STATIONS UNDER INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS

摘要

Currently, safeguarding transfers of spent reactor fuel to dry storage at multi-unitrnCANDU stations in Canada consumes a significant number of IAEA person-days ofrninspection. Furthermore, the amount of effort will increase dramatically given thernexpected increase in the number of such transfers in the near term. New approaches needrnto be considered which take into account efficiency, effectiveness and the introduction ofrnintegrated safeguards in Canada. This paper briefly reviews the current approach forrnsafeguarding transfers of spent fuel to dry storage at multi-unit CANDU stations inrnCanada and outlines a proposed new approach that, if implemented, would dramaticallyrnincrease efficiency without undermining effectiveness. The paper also describes thernsuccessful joint IAEA, CNSC and operator (Ontario Power Generation) field trial of thernproposed new approach. While the proposed approach was developed in the context ofrnconsiderations specific to Canada, elements of the approach may also have application inrnother countries, resulting in additional benefit to the IAEA.