Content-Specific Challenges for Uranium Hexafluoride

At any moment, there can be ~20,000 cylinders containing natural or low-enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF6) in global circulation among nuclear fuel cycle facilities. The number of nuclear power plants is projected to increase (in both existing and new nuclear power countries), and this increase will lead to an increase in the number of UF6 cylinders in circulation. The UF6 content of these cylinders can be attractive to a potential proliferator because only a few more steps are required to process the UF6 into material that could be used for a nuclear weapon. A unique identifier, facility monitoring systems, and a global registry for these cylinders could help operators, inspectorates, and States protect against these cylinders falling into the wrong hands. Currently, official cylinder identification numbers are stamped on a nameplate welded to the end of each cylinder, but most facility operators apply a separate site-specific identification marking (e.g., bar code, sticker, etc.) for on-site use because the nameplates are difficult to read and cannot be read be remotely. Reading the nameplates can be further complicated by the small text that is used, the physical configuration used for cylinder storage (e.g., stacked close together), and eventual degradation of the nameplates themselves (through use and exposure to the elements). The difficulty in reading the cylinder identifications can lead to transcription errors and to increases in the time operators are exposed to cylinders while performing receipt, shipment, and inventory activities. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and other U.S. Department of Energy laboratories are designing a concept for a global cylinder identification and monitoring system to improve cylinder identification and provide for facility cylinder monitoring systems that can be used by both industry and inspectorates.