Nuclear Material Vault Data Analysis Tools

Effective management of a nuclear material management vault can be significantly enhanced through data analysis tools. This paper will explore usage of dimensional analysis of vault locations, electronic mapping of criticality limits, near-real-time database links to nuclear material accountability systems, and general data-mining capabilities to improve vault management. The tools can be used to better understand several key aspects of vault management including: shelving operations and potential impact on worker safety; nuclear materials inventory and disposition planning in support of DOE Nuclear Material Packaging Manual M441.1-1; defining vault fullness or capacity; estimating impact ofprogrammatic material disposition plans on fullness; and understanding if vault is properly configured to support current and future programmatic needs. This paper provides brief descriptions across several areas regarding the improved capabilities and functionality of the data analysis capabilities of LANL's Nuclear Material Management Program.