skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Current trends in the implementation of IAEA safeguards

Journal Article · · JNMM (Journal of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management); (United States)
OSTI ID:6157165
;  [1]
  1. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)

A practical goal, embodying the principle that a minimum amount of material is required in order to manufacture a nuclear explosive device, is that safeguards activities should enable the timely detection of the diversion of a significant quantity of nuclear material. It is important to note that the safeguards activities are not restricted to the International Atomic Energy Agency (the agency) but impose obligations on both state (and consequently on facility operators) and the agency. The beneficiaries are member states of the world community which have enhanced confidence in the competence and probity of states with safeguards agreements. Neither safeguards nor the nuclear industry have remained stationary. As new techniques have been developed, they have found applications, and as new challenges were encountered, the system has responded, for example, through improved measurements; through new or improved techniques for the operator, state or agency; and through new regulations. This paper details approaches, procedures and techniques developed for new complex nuclear facilities. Trends toward increase efficiency and effectiveness, and developments leading to more automated analysis and collection of data and the development of nondestructive assay methods are examined. Also important are trends in the presentation of safeguards results to the states and the general public.

OSTI ID:
6157165
Journal Information:
JNMM (Journal of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management); (United States), Vol. 21:4; ISSN 0893-6188
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English