Seals are used in nuclear safeguards to verify a nuclear material inventory instead of directly checking the material itself. It can save time and effort especially in difficult environments like spent nuclear fuel pools. With some modifications, the seals can also be used in outdoor dry fuel storage facilities.
The objective of the course is to train nuclear safeguards inspectors in installing and verifying JRC ultrasonic seals at underwater and dry nuclear storage facilities.
Scope
The course includes a brief theoretical introduction, software use and a practical training in installing and removing the seals at a full-scale facility.
The training starts with a half-day theoretical part including:
- principles of ultrasonic physics
- description on the seal design and functioning
- components of the ultrasonic sealing system
- using the associated software.
The rest of the training (1,5 day) consists of practical exercises covering:
- the software used during inspections (attach/verify/detach seals)
- manual installation and removal of the seals on underwater stacks and on dry storage casks.
At a full-scale facility replicating spent fuel pool structures, participants can practice installing and removing seals using actual tools. Dummy lids of a dry storage cask are used to practice installation and removal of bolt seals.
Course organisation
The course lasts 2 days. It takes place in the AS3ML laboratory of the EC Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra, Italy.
Organisers
JRC G.II.7 unit in collaboration with DG ENER/IAEA (customers)
Learning outcomes
The participants will learn how to use the equipment and software needed to install and verify identity and integrity of ultrasonic seals. They will also learn how to store the data produced, how to enter new seals in the software and how to create reports on the daily activities. The participants will also be able to monitor and possibly guide an operator that may be required to perform part of the seal installation and verification.
Who can apply
The course is highly recommended to nuclear safeguards inspectors who are new to the ultrasonic sealing systems and who will need to perform inspections on sites using these unique JRC seals.
Language of the course
English
Fees and charges
There is no attendance fee charged for this course. Participants’ expenses may be reimbursed by the IAEA or the European Commission (DG ENER).
Contact information
JRC-NUSAF-SECRETARIAT
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (subject: JRC%20Ultrasonic%20seals%20training) (JRC-NUSAF-SECRETARIAT[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)