IMPROVED HYDROGEN PERMEATION PROBE

摘要

A method and corresponding apparatus useful for the in situ measurement of atomic hydrogen permeation into carbon steel from process streams under operating conditions of up to 3000 psi and temperatures up to 300.degree.F includes (a) a positively-charged test specimen electrode consisting of a planar member of hydrogen damage- resistant steel alloy having an interior surface, the interior surface being provided with a coating of palladium, and an exterior surface that is placed in contact with the process stream; (b) a fluid-tight reservoir containing a basic liquid electrolyte solution in communication with the palladium coating of the test specimen electrode; (c) a negatively charged counter electrode positioned in the electrolyte reservoir proximate the test specimen electrode for detecting changes in the electrolyte solution, said reservoir, test specimen electrode and counter electrode constituting a probe assembly; (d) means for maintaining a fixed electrical potential on the test specimen and counter electrodes; (e) a mounting assembly for supporting and positioning said probe assembly in contact with a process stream and for receiving electrical conductors joined to said probe assembly; (f) an electrically non-conductive isolator positioned between said mounting assembly and said probe assembly; and (g) means for measuring and recording current flow between the electrodes.