The T-1 Two-way Radio-Frequency Seal (TRFS) and acceptance testing for IAEA routine use

Full text: The Two-way Radio Frequency Seal (TRFS) or T-1 Electronic Sensor Platform (T-1 ESP), which are the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) designators, respectively, is an electronic sensor platform with two-way radio-frequency (rf) communications. The primary sensor is an active fiber optic loop seal; the ESP accommodates other internal and external, analog and digital output sensors. An embedded data authentication algorithm and a tamper resistant housing including active tamper sensors provide sensor-to- review end-to-end data security. A stainless steel housing provides limited radiation protection. A Data Review Station (DRS) provides an inspector's interface that is part of an integrated Material Monitoring System (MMS). Either the MMS/DRS or a separate portable computer is used to configure the TRFS, including authentication key installation. The T-1 TRFS is currently in the final stages of IAEA evaluation and approval for routine use. Environmental testing has been performed by Euratom's Joint Research Center in Ispra, Italy (JRC Ispra). Canada's Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the UK's Communications-Electronics Security Group (CESG) have completed independent third-party vulnerability assessments. The remaining steps include modification of the MMS/DRS inspector's review software interface to satisfy IAEA requirements and IAEA testing and acceptance of the DRS. The planned first major operational installation of T-1 TRFS is for joint domestic and IAEA use at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) K-Area Material Storage (KAMS) in Aiken, South Carolina, USA. The T-1 domestic material surveillance system is already installed and approved for operational use by the Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) and DOE. The IAEA T-1 TRFS KAMS implementation awaits a joint agreement regarding KAMS by the U.S. Government (USG) and the IAEA, and IAEA approval and acceptance for use of T-1. This IAEA 2001 Safeguards Symposium paper describes the SNL T-1 TRFS and the IAEA status of approval for routine use. (author)