Timely Verification at Large-Scale Gas Centrifuge Enrichment Plants

Journal Article · Thu May 04 04:00:00 EDT 2017 · Science and Global Security

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/08929882.2017.1318563· OSTI ID:1454790

Walker, Mark E. ^[1]; Goldston, Robert J. ^[2]

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1. Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Program on Science and Global Security; University of Michigan
2. Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Astrophysical Sciences

This article examines challenges in international nuclear safeguards pertaining to the timely detection of highly enriched uranium production at large-scale gas centrifuge enrichment plants. To establish where present gas centrifuge enrichment plant safeguards measures and approaches could be strengthened, we have created a discrete time model for simulating hypothetical misuse scenarios, both through transient phases and at steady-state. We find that timely detection of misuse at modern large-scale facilities presents a challenge for international safeguards. A toolbox of unattended measurement systems, along with remote monitoring, however, could be used to improve detection timeliness, enabling the initiation of follow-up activities, potentially on a rapid time scale. These measures, which would need very low false alarm rates, should be implemented in a graded approach, depending on the characteristics of each enrichment plant and an analysis of plausible acquisition paths for the State in which it is situated. Some of these technologies could provide significant benefit to plant operators.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE NA Office of Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development (NA-22)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0002534
• OSTI ID: 1454790
• Journal Information: Science and Global Security, Journal Name: Science and Global Security Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 25; ISSN 0892-9882
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION