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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Value Impact of Vault Automation in Special Nuclear Material Storage

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6653372· OSTI ID:6653372
 [1];  [1]
  1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Cost/benefit studies in this report indicate that automation of storage systems is the most favorable approach to gaining safeguards benefits in special nuclear material (SNM) storage vaults. The studies are based on the SNM storage vault of a conceptual 200-metric tons (MT)/year mixed-oxide fuel fabrication facility. Two alternative nonautomated vault concepts are developed and evaluated for safeguards benefits. One emphasizes the use of additional security/surveillance personnel in SNM storage vault operation; the other emphasizes structural and procedural barriers to achieve isolation of SNM from operating personnel. The costs of each alternative are estimated and the cost/benefits compared with those of the conceptual fully automated vault developed in the earlier desirability and feasibility study.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USNRC; USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6653372
Report Number(s):
NUREG/CR--0019; ORNL/NUREG--33
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English