• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.479-489
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• 2021

The Republic of Korea is expected to participate in the denuclearization verification activities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in case any neighboring countries declared denuclearization. In this study, samples for the verification of nuclear activities in undeclared areas were selected for the denuclearization of neighboring countries, and the appropriateness of the procedures was considered. If a country with nuclear weapons declares denuclearization, it must be accompanied by the IAEA's verification regarding nuclear materials and weapons in the declared and undeclared areas. The analysis of the process samples or on-site environmental samples and the verification of undeclared nuclear facilities and materials aid in uncovering any evidence of concealment of nuclear activity in undeclared areas. Therefore, a methodology was established for effective sampling and analysis in accordance with proper procedures. Preparations for sampling in undeclared areas were undertaken for various potential scenarios, such as, the establishment of zones according to radiation dose, methods of supplying electricity, wireless communication networks, targets of sampling according to characteristics of nuclides, manned sampling method, and unmanned sampling method. Through this, procedures were established for pre- and post-site settings in preparation for hazards and limiting factors at nuclear inspection sites.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.145-157
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• 2024

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.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.127-133
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• 2014

북한 우라늄 농축 시설은 국내외적으로 심각한 위협중 하나이다. 특히 우리나라 입장에서는 국가 안보에 관련된 사안이므로 항상 주시하고 대비를 하여야 한다. 북한 미신고 우라늄 농축시설 탐지 가능성을 평가하기 위해 시설로 부터 장 단거리에 따른 공기중 우라늄 농도를 예측하였다. 북한 농축시설에 대해 국제 사회에 알려진 정보와 다른 국가의 농축 시설 운영 데이터를 근거로 북한 시설로부터 공기중으로 누출되는 $UF_6$ 선원항(source terms)을 계산하였다. 계산된 선원항과 영변 주변 기상 자료를 바탕으로 장 단거리 대기 확산 모델 - Gaussian Plume and HYSPLIT Models -을 이용하여 북한 농축시설 주변과 멀리 떨어진 남한 지역에서의 공기중 우라늄 농도를 결정하였다. 최대 공기중 우라늄 농도와 위치는 기상 조건과 방출 높이에 따라 시설 바로 근처와 0.4 km 이내 이고, 농도 약 $1.0{\times}10^{-7}g{\cdot}m^{-3}$로 나타났다. 본 논문의 가정을 적용하였을 때, 수 십 ${\mu}g$ 정도의 우라늄 샘플을 채취할 수 있을 것으로 나타났다. 이 수십 ${\mu}g$ 우라늄 양은 현대 측정 장비로 어려움 없이 측정 가능한 양이다. 반면에 영변 농축시설에부터 수 백 km이상 떨어진 남한 지역의 농도는 $1.0{\times}10^{-13}{\sim}1.0{\times}10^{-15}g{\cdot}m^{-3}$이하로 자연 방사성 우라늄 농도보다 낮은 값이다. 따라서 본 논문에 의하면 북한 영변 농축시설 주변에서 공기포집에 의한 신고 및 미신고 핵활동 탐지는 가능하지만 장거리에서는 불가능할 것으로 예측된다.