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IN REPLY PLEASE REFER TO: M2.05-USA    task USA A0931 - POTAS A.252                                                                                                                                 DIAL DIRECTLY TO EXTENSION: +43 1 2600-21879
PRIERE DE RAPPELER LA REFERENCE:                                                                                                                                                                                  COMPOSER DIRECTEMENT LE NUMERO DE POSTE:                                                                                                                           

                                 2008-08-18

Dear Ms. Hoffheins,

During a meeting organized at Nashville during the INMM annual meeting, the IAEA indicated its intention to renovate or replace the existing UF₆ test loop installed at Seibersdorf Analytical Laboratory.  This is motivated by the obligation related to safety regulations in force at SAL to relocate the test loop into another working area with radiation control zone status consistent with handling of UF₆ gas.  The existing test loop was designed and installed by ORNL and will be available until the end of 2009.  At that time an alternative must have been defined and implemented so that the operational capability is maintained for testing and calibration of selected NDA instruments.  The UF₆ loop is primarily used in conjunction with NDA instruments used for verification at enrichment plants.  In particular the test loop is required to calibrate the CHEM system, the design of which is currently being upgraded.

The foreseen options range from moving the existing test loop to a radiation controlled zone or redesigning a new compact one; designing standalone test sealed containers.  In order to initiate the proper development, we kindly request that under the task USA A0931, various options are evaluated both from a technical point of view as well as from a cost perspective.  For technical details, please contact Mr. Lebrun at (A.Lebrun@iaea.org).

I would like to express the appreciation of the IAEA for the continued and valuable contributions provided by the US Support Programme to the IAEA's safeguards efforts.

                                                                             Yours sincerely,

 

                           N. Khlebnikov

                           Director
                           Division of Technical Support

                           Department of Safeguards