New Safeguards Instrument for Verifying Spent Fuel
Canada and Sweden have jointly developed an enhanced digital edition of a key IAEA instrument for verifying irradiated nuclear fuel in storage pools. The digital Cerenkov viewing device (DCVD) was officially handed over to the Agency at a ceremony 17 September at the IAEA General Conference.
Ms. Judith Melin, Director General of the Swedish Nuclear Power Inspectorate, and Ms. Linda Keen, President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, will make the presentation to IAEA Deputy Director for Safeguards, Mr. Pierre Goldschmidt.
The Cerenkov viewing device can distinguish irradiated fuel items from non-fuel items. Irradiated fuel emits fast electrons that induce a characteristic blue glow in water, which can be observed with the instrument. Among other enhancements, the digital edition enables inspectors to view and analyze information and high-quality images in real time.
The DCVD was developed within the framework of the IAEA Member State Support Programmes to safeguards. The programmes make substantial contributions and are in place with Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, the European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the USA.
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