In situ readable ultrasonic seal system

The in situ readable ultrasonic seal system (IRUSS) provides the IAEA with a comprehensive system for safeguarding nuclear materials using underwater ultrasonic seals. IRUSS enables the IAEA to both maintain and manage a central database containing the inventory of nuclear material under safeguards and all associated sealing information, and to produce the necessary pre- and post-inspection reports and data files. Another component of IRUSS provides IAEA inspectors at spent fuel storage facilities with a convenient tool for acquiring seal signatures of newly installed ultrasonic seals and for reverifying previously installed seals. IRUSS currently meets the requirements of the AECL random coil seals used in CANDU facilities, and of MK4-R sealing bolts, developed by Euratom, Joint Research Centre, Ispra, Italy, which are presently used for sealing multi-element bottles used in European facilities. The paper describes major features of IRUSS and presents benefits of this comprehensive instrument for supporting nuclear safeguards through the application of underwater ultrasonic seals. (author). 5 refs, 4 figs