Present applications and future needs for portable and installed non-destructive assay systems for attended and unattended operation in the Euratom Safeguards Directorate

The different NDA (nondestructive assay) verification techniques employed by the Euratom Safeguards Directorate are reviewed based on two different complementary analyses, one based on a review of the objectives of NDA measurements and the other based on technical objectives. The different forms and types of nuclear material found in the European Communities are described as a function of nuclear facility type, material categories, physical and chemical forms, and container descriptions. NDA measurement systems used are identified according to this categorization and according to other important criteria which influence the practical implementation of this equipment, i.e. portable vs. installed, investment and running costs, infrastructure requirements, etc. Presently used NDA instruments are classified according to a series of objective and subjective criteria. Based on this analysis the future needs for NDA instrumentation are discussed.<>