Hydrogen permeation probe method

US6814854B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY · SA

Inventors

• Arnold Lewis · Dhahran, SA
• John K. Boah · Dhahran, SA

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 9, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N17/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method 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° F. includes providing a probe assembly that includes a test specimen electrode and a negatively charged counter electrode in a fluid-tight reservoir containing an electrolyte, mounting the probe assembly directly in contact with a process stream and passing electrical conductors from the probe through a supporting, electrically non-conductive isolator positioned between a mounting assembly and the probe; maintaining a constant voltage across the electrodes and thereby directly measuring and recording permeation current flow between the probe electrodes.