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> Lift gas leaks (esp He)

Hydrogen more than helium, I believe.




Each Hydrogen molecule is more reactive, but actually a larger molecule (less leaky) because there are two (it's diatomic H2 rather than monoatomic He).

Now it does get complicated, because the simple atomic radii aren't sufficient when you start bouncing around and leaking through other materials, but suffice it to say that He is still smaller once you look at the Vander Walls attraction and everything. It may only be 10% smaller, but that leads to at least a 20% lower leak rate.

https://bbblimp.com/2021/09/17/helium-vs-hydrogen-atom-size/




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