Euratom experience in electronic seal development

Currently, the main seal used in safeguards applications by Euratom is the familiar copper brass metallic cap seal. These seals are purchased commercially and subsequently modified internally to ensure a unique identity that is generated using a combination of randomly inserted metal solder and scratch patterns. The overall random internal pattern image of each seal prepared is recorded on an optical disk for subsequent verification and comparison. With a turnover of 12,000 to 15,000 seals per year, the logistics of maintaining the image and seal information database required a detailed examination of the overall interaction with the routine safeguards activities. Although the copper brass seal has the advantages of being easy to apply and relatively cheap to buy, the main disadvantage is the relative high cost of preparation and subsequent verification. When this effort is equated in monetary terms, it makes the seal significantly more expensive than the initial purchase price from the manufacturer. This has brought about the development of passive fiber-optic seals and active electronic seals. This paper briefly describes experiences gained with these types of seals.