Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT) (방사성폐기물학회지)

Korean Radioactive Waste Society (한국방사성폐기물학회)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Feasibility Study of Environmental and Geographical Data Transfer (EGDT) Device for Wide-Area Environmental Sampling in Undeclared Areas

  • Seungil Ha (Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control) ;
  • Dalhyeon Ryu (Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control) ;
  • Giyoon Kim (Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control) ;
  • Myungsoo Kim (Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control)
  • Received : 2024.03.20
  • Accepted : 2024.05.02
  • Published : 2024.06.30
Download PDF
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Undeclared nuclear activities are challenging given the lack of information from the sites involved in such activities. Wide-area environmental sampling (WAES) can be an effective method to detect undeclared nuclear activities. However, it is crucial to address the potential risks during the WAES, including sample tampering or extortions. Therefore, tracking and monitoring of various on-site data is imperative to accurately interpret the status of samples and workers throughout the WAES process. 'Environmental and Geographical Data Transfer (EGDT)' was developed for the real-time monitoring of integrated on-site data. EGDT module is equipped with various sensors and can be attached to a worker's uniform or a sample storage box. This study demonstrated the technical effectiveness of EGDT by exploring three experimental methodologies for feasibility assessment. Compared to the Normal Operation case, the inference of the Sample Extortion case was predominantly based on changes in lux and dose rate. The inference of the Out-of-Work-Area case primarily relied on changes in dose rate and acceleration. Finally, the preliminary evaluation of the performance of the developed prototype was conducted, and a foundation was established for enhancing the application in the WAES process.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This article was supported by the Nuclear Safety Research Programs through the KoFONS using financial resources granted by NSSC of the Republic of Korea (No. 1905010, RS-2024-00405237).

References

  1. S.U. Lee, "North Korea's Nuclear Issue and South Korea's Response: Focused on North Korea's Proliferation", J. Int. Relat., 19(1), 101-124 (in Korean) (2016).
  2. J.S. Shin and J.S. Ahn, "IAEA's Environmental Sample Analysis System for Nuclear Safeguards and the Analytical Results of the Korean Environmental Samples", Proc. of the Korean Nuclear Society Spring Meeting, May 24-25, 2001, Daejeon.
  3. E. Kuhn, D. Fischer, and M. Ryjinski, "Environmental Sampling for IAEA Safeguards: A Five Year Review", in Symposium on International Safeguards: Verification and Nuclear Material Security, IAEA-SM-367, IAEA, Vienna (2001).
  4. International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA Safeguards Glossary 2022 Edition: International Nuclear Verification Series, No.3 (Rev.1) (2022).
  5. J. Cooley, "Environmental Sampling", in Technical Workshop on Safeguards, Verification Technologies, and Other Related Experience, 183-189, IAEA, Vienna (1998).
  6. G. Bunn, "Nuclear Safeguards-How Far Can Inspectors Go?", IAEA Bulletin, 48(2), 49-55 (2007).