Year
1978
Abstract
Today's programs for safeguarding special nuclear material have grown from classical accounting techniques. Measurements and measurement control have been emphasized, and periodic systems tests utilizing MUF and LEMUF parameters have been used to evaluate material control perform- ance. Despite the significant increase in regulatory content and the amount of licensee investment, the safeguarding of SNM in the low enriched sector may be somewhat ineffective. This is primarily a result of building in volume older techniques without clear regard for realistic objectives and optional methodologies. General Electric, at its Wilmington BWR fuel fabrication plant, has taken a fresh approach to material control. The basic building block has been the current information system, and a combination of on-line and batch mode computer support, which has been integrated into the fuel manu- facturing operation. Not only does this system provide current knowledge of item identity, quantity and location, it also maintains current process work station balances and continuously checks these balances against ex- pected limits. This feature provides an ongoing test for potential di- version. Safeguarding is enhanced, manufacturing gains added information about its process, and physical inventory frequency is reduced saving the Company money and lost production time. This paper describes the structure of the information system, the manner in which it was integrated into routine operations and the station balance concept.