NUCE 304: Evaluative Methods for Nuclear Security

NUCE 304: Evaluative Methods for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Security

• Course covers Nuclear Safeguards (Part 2) taught by Dr. Ahmed Alkaabi
• Course is part of a larger curriculum at Khalifa University

Nuclear Material Accountancy (NMA)

• NMA is a key tool used by the IAEA to independently verify nuclear material accounting information
• Operators of nuclear facilities and the State System of Accounting for and Control of nuclear material provide this data
• NMA is supplemented by containment and surveillance (C/S) measures.
• NMA responsibilities are at Facility, State, and IAEA levels.

Elements of Nuclear Material Accounting

• Establish accounting areas
• Maintain proper records
• Measure nuclear materials
• Prepare and submit accounting reports
• Verify the accuracy of the nuclear material accounting information

Material Balance Areas (MBAs)

• MBAs are areas (inside or outside a facility) where the transfer of nuclear materials can be accurately tracked and inventoried.
• Physical inventories of materials in MBAs can be determined when required.
• Information provided to the IAEA is used to create MBAs and select Key Measurement Points (KMPs) for material flow and inventory determination.

Criteria for Establishing MBAs

• MBA size must relate to the accuracy of material balance establishment.
• Containment and surveillance methods should be utilized to ensure complete and accurate flow measurements.
• Multiple MBAs at a facility can be combined for Agency accounting purposes if appropriate.
• Special MBAs can be established to handle sensitive process steps upon request.

Strategic Points in a Facility

• Strategic Points are locations within facilities where design information supports the setup of safeguards.

• Strategic Points may be locations where key measurements, and containment/surveillance, contribute to MBAs.

• A Key Measurement Point (KMP) is a location where nuclear material in measurable form permits material flow or inventory assessment.

• KMPs include inputs, outputs (including discards), and storage areas in MBAs.

Example: MBAs in a U Conversion and Fuel Fabrication Facility

• Diagrams provide an exemplified system with multiple storage/processing/transfer areas
• Specific Key Measurement Points are identified in diagram

Design Information Verification (DIV)

• Objectives
  • Establish inspection basis for facilities, ensuring chosen arrangements remain appropriate
  • Understand how facilities might be used for weapons development and approve facilities for peaceful purposes as appropriate
  • Understand the nuclear material accounting system and interactions with national authorities;
  • Ensure safeguards ensure there is no diversion of nuclear material for weapons purposes
• Methods
  • DIQ (Design Information Questionnaire)- operators provide, State (SSAC) approves and transmits information marked as "SAFEGUARDS CONFIDENTIAL."
  • DIE (Design Information Examination)- inspectors review DIQ and supplemental information with SSAC and facility operators
  • DIV (Design Information Verification)

What Does a DIQ Look Like?

• DIQ document is a standardized form for simple and complex facilities
• It may include drawings and photographs.

Establishment of Requirements of NM Accounting and Control

• Specific procedures for physical inventory taking, shipper/receiver differences, material balance closing, measurement control, containment/surveillance measures, international transfers, and inspections.

This quiz focuses on Nuclear Material Accountancy (NMA) as part of the Evaluative Methods for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Security course at Khalifa University. It covers key concepts such as accounting areas, proper records maintenance, measurement of nuclear materials, and responsibilities at various levels. Test your understanding of the crucial aspects of NMA and its role in ensuring nuclear security.