UF6 TEST LOOP FOR EVALUATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL ENRICHMENT PLANT SAFEGUARDS

A functional test loop capable of simulating UF6 flows, pressures, and pipe deposits characteristic of gas centrifuge enrichment plant piping has been designed and fabricated by the Enrichment Safeguards Program of Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., for use by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its Safeguards Analytical Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria. The puprose of the test loop is twofold: (1) to enable the IAEA to evaluate and to calibrate enrichment safeguards measurement instrumentation to be used in limited frequency-unannounced access (LFUA) inspection strategy measurements at gas centrifuge enrichment plants and (2) to train IAEA inspectors in the use of such instrumentation. The test loop incorporates actual sections of cascade header pipes from the centrifuge enrichment plants subject to IAEA inspections. The test loop is described, applications for its use by IAEA are detailed, and results from an initial demonstration session using the test loop are summarized. By giving the IAEA strategy approaches, to develop inspection procedures, to calibrate instrumentation, and to train inspectors, the UF6 cascade header pipe test loop will contribute to the IAEA's success in implementing LFUA strategy inspections at gas centrifuge enrichment facilities subject to international safeguards inspections.