Year
2009
Abstract
A tamper-indicating device (TID), used in conjunction with appropriate procedures for control, accounting and surveillance, is a tool used to inhibit an insider from diverting nuclear material to unauthorized individuals. Most of the TIDs used at Russian Federation Atomic Energy State Corporation (Rosatom) nuclear facilities consist of seals that are not uniquely identified by number or bar code. Rosatom and the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Agency have jointly agreed upon an upgrade strategy of TID systems for purposes of material control and accounting at Rosatom nuclear material facilities. A U.S.-Russian TID working group was formed in order to facilitate the development of a jointly agreed-upon plan and recommendations to implement modern TID systems at Rosatom sites. This paper presents the results of a series of activities that have been completed in the past year, including practical methodological guidelines and recommendations for TID systems at Rosatom facilities, the evaluation of transition and sustainability impacts in upgrading TID systems at Rosatom sites, and the status of trial operations at several Rosatom sites. The significance of the working group’s accomplishments to date are highlighted in the context of the most current Russian regulatory environment and sustainability of TID programs at Rosatom sites.