Year
2001
Abstract
This paper presents the implementation of the safeguards approach developed by the IAEA, Department of Safeguards, for the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The site includes three RBMK reactors and a separate wet spent fuel storage facility with a capacity of 25,000 items. RBMK reactors are on-load fuelled and movements of fuel assemblies, absorbers, or non-fuel items can take place at any time between the three reactors and the spent fuel storage facility. Four unattended neutron/gamma monitors have been placed in each of the three reactors and in the unloading hall of the separate spent fuel storage facility so that all fuel movements are verified with a minimum inspector’s presence. A video surveillance system with cameras installed in the reactor halls and the transport corridors is used as a complementary measure. Additional surveillance units are mounted on the railroad carriers transporting irradiated fuel to maintain continuity of knowledge during transportation. The facility inspection procedures were first implemented in 1995 and continue to be improved and upgraded. This paper describes the results and experience obtained during the implementation period and discusses the future perspectives.