The solubility of inert gases in liquid–metal heat-transfer agents

In the case of neutron irradiation of some metals, many of the nuclear reactions $(n,p)$, $(n,p)$, and $(n,2n)$ lead to the formation of inert gases [1]. The formation of isotopes of helium in these reactions, as well as of isotopes of xenon $^{133}\mathrm{Xe}$ and krypton $^{85}\mathrm{Kr}$, as the products of fission of fuel in fast neutron reactors has a considerable effect on the heat-transfer and hydrodynamic characteristics of the heat-transfer agents (for example, alkali metals and alloys on their basis), this necessitating the investigation of the solubility of inert gases in liquid metals [2]. In addition, note the considerable effect of dissolved inert gases on the thermal properties of liquid metals at high temperatures, especially, in the critical point region. The paper presents the results of calculation of the solubility of inert gases (helium, argon, krypton, xenon) in liquid alkali metals at $T=600$ K and $P=0.1$ MPa.