Nuclear power: new technique for safeguarding special nuclear material. [Controllable Unit Approach (CUA)]

Abstract

An evaluation was made of the controllable unit approach (CUA) as an alternative to MUF/LEMUF to meet performance oriented regulations. The criterion is detection of material loss of 2 kg of SNM with 97.5 percent confidence. CUF is a material control and accountability methodology that takes into account the system logic and statistical characteristics of a plant process through the formulation of closure equations. The CUA methodlolgy is illustrated through flow diagrams, and its application and performance to a mixed-oxide fuel fabrication plant are compared to those of MUF/LEMUF. (DLC