This International Standard describes a method that uses an electronic hydrogen detection instrument for measuring relative, diffusible hydrogen concentrations in bare steels or in plated steels after the coating has been removed. It is assumed that the hydrogen is uniformly distributed throughout a part.

The method does not measure actual hydrogen concentration. However, oxidation current densities measured against time provide a useful indication of relative hydrogen concentrations and, therefore, the measurements can be used for comparison purposes. The method may be used as a quality control procedure as it does provide a quick means of measuring the effectiveness of pre- and/or post-plating heat treatments or of monitoring hydrogen uptake during plating or due to corrosion.

It is important to note that the absence of failure in a particular test does not provide confirmation of complete elimination of hydrogen embrittlement because no one test method can provide all the data necessary to evaluate the degree of hydrogen degradation.

For unplated parts the method is non-destructive; however, for plated parts the coating has to be removed prior to measurement by a means proven not to damage the steel or to introduce hydrogen.

This test method is limited to:

• carbon and alloy steels, excluding austenitic stainless steels (see note 1);
• flat specimens to which the cell can be attached (see note 2);
• measurements at room temperature (25 °C ± 1 °C).