Safeguards Considerations for Thorium Fuel Cycles and Associated Nondestructive Assay Challenges

摘要

There are two main differences between safeguarding thorium-based fuel cycles and conventional fuel cycles: (1) fissile material type and form of the materials and (2) reactor types. MOX fuel presents a significant challenge to safeguards NDA techniques today, but thorium fuel adds an additional layer of complexity. Table I demonstrates the increasing levels of complexity of safeguarding thorium fuel cycles from a technical perspective. It further demonstrates the need to consider the safeguards challenges.