Year
2012
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to highlight issues related to software development for nuclear material (NM) accounting, control and reporting at the Institute of Atomic Energy (IAE) for the period from 1995 and up to now. All related activities were realized by team of IT specialists and NM accounting experts under the US Department of Energy (DOE) logistical auspices. Since 1995 the Institute of Atomic Energy got to work in automation of NM account processes after AIMAS system designed by Argonne National Laboratory has been received for modification. The paper provides milestones of AIMAS installation at the Institute of Atomic Energy. Step-by-step system upgrade by IAE team and its adoption to other Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan facilities is described. In February 1998, in 15 months after initial report to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the first inventory change report designed by AIMAS system was submitted to Kazakhstan State Authority. In the following years the system was upgraded and being upgraded up to now in order to meet requirements of internal accounting system at the facility and to implement the system at other facilities. Owing to cooperation with IAEA experts and joint experience, reporting system for State Authority is constantly being improved to avoid inaccuracies and provide inspection activity by documentation required to mitigate inspection effort. A general concept of automated system structure in terms of visibility, accessibility and simplicity to use is provided. The paper covers structure of built model of unified program for NM accounting; program parts and elements to ensure lawful operation of NM accounting system and application of IAEA safeguards; harmonization of automated systems for use on any facilities. The basic forms of existing serviceable automated systems used in IAE NNC RK, their strengths and weaknesses are shown. Future software development is suggested. Paper describes the most meaningful activities realized by the Institute where AIMAS application was of prime importance. Experts and organizations of the U.S. Department of Energy and IAEA are deeply appreciated for contribution to software development and as a whole IAE NM Accounting System.