Special nuclear material accountability for rod storage. Volume VI

Volume VI of this report examines the special nuclear material control and accountability requirements for the fuel rod storage demonstration program. The study included a review of the regulatory background for accountability of special nuclear material, the current accountability practices, accountability concepts applicable to fuel rod storage, and special safeguarding considerations. An operational procedure for control and accountability was developed for use during performance of the rod storage demonstration. The procedure involves placement of the fuel rods in well-defined and sealable canisters for unique identification and item accountability and the provision of assured containment and surveillance measures. The potential for supporting nondestructive assay measurements for spent fuel verification by an independent source was reviewed. Progress has been made in instrument development and NDT devices may be available near-term to supplement and reinforce safeguarding provisions