Field Testing with Unattended Environmental Sampling Devices

Researchers at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have been developing a tamper resistant/tamper indicating aerosol contaminant extractor (TRI - ACE) to be use d for unattended environmental sampling in support of safeguards applications. Environmental sampling has become a key component of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards approaches by supporting conclusions concerning the absence of undeclar ed nuclear material or nuclear activities in a State. Swipe sampling is the most commonly used method for the collection of environmental samples from bulk handling facilities. However, augmenting swipe samples with an air monitoring system, which could co ntinuously draw samples from the environment of bulk handling facilities, could improve the possibility of the detection of undeclared activities. Continuous, unattended sampling offers the possibility to collect airborne materials before they settle on su rfaces which can be decontaminated, taken into existing duct work, filtered by plant ventilation, or escape via alternate pathways (i.e. drains, doors). The TRI - ACE system will allow for such collection in a manner that ensures sample integrity. The TRI - AC E prototype, which was completed in early 2013, has many features which could indicate possible tampering events that may have occurred during unattended collection. Some of these features include a particle counter, air flow monitor, proximity detectors, temperature and humidity detectors, accelerometers, etc. All of these components can be used to establish normal, baseline facility operating parameters and then send out an alert when conditions deviate from normal. With the completion of the prototype, t he next step in the development of the TRI - ACE is to conduct field trials in relevant environments. To date, the instrument has been laboratory tested and subjected to several blind tampering scenarios. Additional international field trial demonstrations w ith the instrument are currently being pursued. In this paper we will present testing preparation, testing scenarios, sample plan development, key findings , and field trial preparations for the TRI - ACE.