THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATION OF THE VACOSS-S SEAL: Test Programme and Results

Year
1989
Author(s)
B. Richter - Kcrnforschungsanlage Juclich GmbH
G. Stein - Kcrnforschungsanlage Juclich GmbH
K. J. Gaertner - International Atomic Energy Agency
R. Guenzel - Dornier GmbH
E. Yellin - International Atomic Energy Agency
Abstract
The electronic safeguards seal system VACOSS-S was developed under the Federal Republic of Germany programme in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The main components of the system are the seal and the interrogation unit (adapter box). The sealing function is achieved using an fibre optics cable, the opening and closing of which are recorded electronically. The records can be interrogated without removing the seal from the sealed item. Taking into account the wide range of applications of the seal proper it was agreed to use, for the seal only, military standard specifications in performing the environmental qualification. Requirements regarding the adapter box correspond to normal use devices such as calculators. The paper describes the test conditions and results.