Techniques and Standards for Non Destructive Analysis (NDA)

The Working Group for techniques and standards for Non-Destructive Analysis (ESARDA NDA-WG) was established with the mission to provide the Safeguards Community with expert advice on Non Destructive Analysis methods, procedures, reference materials and on the performance of NDA methods, as stated in its Terms of Reference. It acts as a forum for the exchange of information on Non Destructive Analysis methods, gathering national, regional and international control authorities, together with plant operators and R&D laboratories. This paper will describe the function, the composition and the activities of the NDA Working Group, by giving an overview of the major ongoing or recently completed projects.

Objectives

To provide the Safeguards Community with expert advice on Non Destructive Analysis methods, procedures on standards and reference materials and on the performance of NDA methods.

Tasks

To achieve the above objectives the NDA Working Group will:

1. Maintain a list of NDA methods and instruments currently used or under development for accountancy and verification purposes.
2. Determine the reliability of NDA methods where possible with intercomparison exercises of safeguards measurements.
3. Advise EURATOM and IAEA on the implementation of new and improved methods and advise on areas where R and D is needed.
4. Promote and coordinate R and D programs to fulfil safeguards and nuclear material management needs.
5. Promote the systematic and correct use of Reference Materials by:
   • Maintaining a list of Reference Materials available within the European Union and elsewhere.
   • Maintaining information on their traceability.
   • Identifying new needs and, accordingly, promoting the procurement of new reference materials.
   • Advising on the Reference Material distribution and transport problems.
6. Assess and disseminate Performance Values for Uncertainties in NDA methods of nuclear material measurement.
7. Participate in the review, and promote the use of, International Target Values for uncertainties in measurements of nuclear material.
8. Consider sampling errors and sampling problems and their significance for NDA results.
9. Promote the use of internationally agreed definitions and terminology in the reporting of measurement results.
10. Assist in the development of new NDA methods in support of new safeguards requirements.
11. Promote cooperation with other working groups and the inspection authorities.
12. Collaborate with other working groups to develop comprehensive and integrated (e.g. integrated C/S-NDA systems) tools to fulfil new safeguards requirements.

• U & PU Reference Spectra Library
• Gamma Spectrometry Technicques Library (credentials required)
• NDA CIRCA BC Document Repository (credentials required)