Noble Gas Transport in Argon Cover Gas Conditions for Alfred Lead Cooled Fast Reactor

Controlled injections of krypton and xenon were performed in a thermally stratified argon atmosphere to investigate noble gas transport relevant to cover gas monitoring in lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR). Experiments were conducted in the NOGATILL facility using impulse and continuous injection modes, while gas composition was monitored in real time using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Detection delays ranged from several minutes to tens of minutes depending on injection conditions and carrier gas flow. Forced argon circulation significantly reduced detection times, while continuous injection demonstrated the capability to detect small gas volumes within minutes. These results provide experimental insight into noble gas transport mechanisms and support the development of cover gas monitoring strategies for LFR systems.