Design features to facilitate international safeguards at mixed-oxide conversion facilities

This study for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission identifies and analyzes facility designs that can facilitate International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards for mixed plutonium uranium oxide (MOX) conversion plants. A baseline facility is defined and the implementation of safeguards is analyzed. Areas are identified for which special facility design considerations can facilitate IAEA inspections for timely detection of possible diversion of nuclear material. Design features are proposed to enhance inspection capabilities for verification of nuclear material flows and inventories. 17 refs., 2 figs., 6 tabs.