DescriptionIAEA SAFEGUARDS EQUIPMENT. In the application of safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) an increasing use is being made of instruments and equipment. For measurements of nuclear material, equipment installed at a facility as well as portable instruments which can be carried by the inspector, are used. In the IAEA's instrument development programme, emphasis is placed on compact light-weight, portable equipment, which are also reasonably priced. The instruments are used - either for non-destructive assay of nuclear material or for surveillance. Surveillance. Surveillance instruments indicate that either no nuclear material has left a certain location or that it has left only via legitimate routes. Thus they include various types of monitors and seals. For safeguards purposes, the most widely used instruments are electro-optical surveillance systems consisting of the camera, timer, power source all enclosed in a secure container. The conditions to be met by such systems are that they are able to operate reliably for long periods without attendance except at the time of changing the film magazine. IAEA SEALS. The Agency's sealing system consists of a multi-strand cable inside a protective covering and a two-piece metal seal which is numbered on the outside and uniquely identified on the inner surfaces. After passing the two ends of the cable through the holes in the seal and fastening securely, the two halves of the seal are snapped closed in an interlocking way. After the seal is removed, it is opened at Agency Headquarters to see if the knot is intact. Its identification marks are compared with the original records. IAEA/No. 2591 PHOTO IAEA
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