Independent measurements of nuclear material are the backbone of safeguards verification. To this end, EURATOM or IAEA inspectors may take samples at well-defined positions in nuclear facilities. These samples represent a small fraction of the much larger material inventory of the facility. Therefore, they must be representative and must be characterized with the highest accuracy achievable.
The overall analytical uncertainties must meet the requirements set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the International Target Values (ITV) (STR-368 (R1.1).
Euratom safeguards verifications concepts
SAMPLING: Samples are taken at European facilities by EURATOM inspectors at key points in the process following well established sampling schemes.
SAMPLE TRANSFER: The samples are transferred to the JRC-Karlsruhe analysts for analytical investigations. Depending on their origin, the samples follow three pre-established routes.
| Orano Reprocessing plant, La Hague (France) | Laboratoire Sur Site (LSS). The laboratory is owned by DG ENER and operated on-site by JRC Karlsruhe, avoiding costly and complicated transport of samples while providing timely accurate results. |
| Fuel elements factories at Västerás (Sweden) and Juzbado (Spain) | COMPUCEA - In-field measurements are performed by JRC-Karlsruhe operators delivering timely results during Physical Inventory Verifications campaigns of IAEA and EURATOM inspectors |
| European and international facilities | The Analytical Service of the JRC provides, under the framework of the EURATOM Treaty, a large number of analytical techniques accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 for EURATOM, IAEA and other international safeguards organisations |
Methods and measurments techniques
The high level expertise of JRC Analytical Service is illustrated by the unique activities of the LSS , of the COMPUCEA and the measurement of samples for verification of declared activities, nuclear forensic, transport and scientific projects.
The JRC is also operating the Large Geometry Secondary Ionisation Mass Spectrometry for the verification of undeclared activities.
Quality assurance
The analytical results must be traceable to certified reference materials. The collaboration with JRC-Geel and other international reference materials providers is of critical importance.
The methods are optimized for highest accuracy achievable as required by the International Target Vlaues (ITVs*). The performance of the AS is constantly monitored by participating to Inter-Laboratory Comparison exercises (ILCs). At the same time the AS is part of the Network of Analytical Laboratories (NWAL) of the IAEA.
The results of the AS have always been evaluated between the top 5% performers, making the AS one of the most reliable partner for the safeguards authorities.
Research and design
Scientists of the JRC have developed the analytical methods, procedures and quality control measures to deliver high quality results to EURATOM safeguards in a timely manner.
The instrumentation is kept at the cutting-edge level and continuous research and innovation is invested to improve the equipment and the analytical methods applied.
Outcome and research
JRC-Karlsruhe has been providing analytical results needed by the EURATOM safeguards for more than 23 years. Around 20.000 samples were analysed for the partner organisation, the Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) and other organisations. The milestones in technical developments originating from the JRC Karlsruhe site are equally important.
Scientists of the JRC have developed the analytical methods, procedures and quality control measures to deliver high quality results to EURATOM safeguards in a timely manner. The instrumentation is kept at the cutting-edge level and continuous research and innovation is invested to improve the equipment and the analytical methods applied.
The valuable expertise of the Analytical Service has a global outreach through collaboration agreements with international safeguards organisations like: IAEA,CEA, US-DOE, KINAC, ABACC, JAEA.