Field trial experiences of remote monitoring system for unattended mode NDA in PFPF

The Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) have developed a Remote Monitoring System (RMS) for unattended mode Nondestructive Assay (NDA) at the Plutonium Fuel Production Facility (PFPF). The principal objective of this development is to improve the efficiency of safeguards activities for both the operator and the inspectorates, and to improve transparency of nuclear material management. In June 1999, with the cooperation of the IAEA and JSGO, the RMS was installed for field trial at the plutonium storage area in PFPF. At the beginning of the field trial, the RMS encountered reliability problems in both hardware and software. At this point, these difficulties have been mostly overcome by steady, progressive improvements in hardware and by upgrading of software and troubleshooting procedures. The RMS has successfully taken data for more than 13 consecutive months from the May 2001. Reliable remote transmission of NDA data has been demonstrated under realistic operational conditions. This paper describes the outline and status of the PFPF RMS based on the experience gained in the field trial. Future plans for implementing remote monitoring under the international safeguards regime are also discussed. (author)