The procedures described, herein, can be used to evaluate the severity of hydrogen charging of a material produced by exposure to corrosive environments or by cathodic polarization. It can also be used to determine fundamental properties of materials in terms of hydrogen diffusion (for example, diffusivity of hydrogen) and the effects of metallurgical, processing, and environmental variables on diffusion of hydrogen in metals.

The data obtained from hydrogen permeation tests can be combined with other tests related to hydrogen embrittlement or hydrogen induced cracking to ascertain critical levels of hydrogen flux or hydrogen content in the material for cracking to occur.

1.1 This practice gives a procedure for the evaluation of hydrogen uptake, permeation, and transport in metals using an electrochemical technique which was developed by Devanathan and Stachurski. While this practice is primarily intended for laboratory use, such measurements have been conducted in field or plant applications. Therefore, with proper adaptations, this practice can also be applied to such situations.

1.2 This practice describes calculation of an effective diffusivity of hydrogen atoms in a metal and for distinguishing reversible and irreversible trapping.

1.3 This practice specifies the method for evaluating hydrogen uptake in metals based on the steady-state hydrogen flux.

1.4 This practice gives guidance on preparation of specimens, control and monitoring of the environmental variables, test procedures, and possible analyses of results.

1.5 This practice can be applied in principle to all metals and alloys which have a high solubility for hydrogen, and for which the hydrogen permeation is measurable. This method can be used to rank the relative aggressivity of different environments in terms of the hydrogen uptake of the exposed metal.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.