Analysis has shown that the current research on the technology of heavy liquid-metal coolants includes scientific-research and experimental development work on the validation, design and development of methods and means as well as the direct preparation of the coolant, the startup of circulation loops with heavy liquid-metal coolants and routine operation and decommissioning. The current methods and means include hydrogen purification of the coolant and loop by removal of slag-forming impurities, regulation of dissolved oxygen in the coolant for anticorrosion protection of steel, filtration of the coolant and protective gas and monitoring of the coolant under reactor and non-reactor conditions. The current processes presuppose careful preparation of heavy liquid-metal coolants before and during loading of the circulation loop, a complex of measures in startup regimes and minimal worker diversion for maintenance during routine operation of the facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]