Determining diffusible hydrogen amounts using the mercury method

Abstract

This article presents detailed characteristics of a procedure for quantitative determination of diffusible hydrogen using the mercury method compared with other research methods and current know-how concerning the question considered. Classification of hydrogen appearing in welded joints, and methods of quantitative determination of diffusible hydrogen in weld deposits, with particular attention paid to the mercury method as the basic method, were all discussed. Analytical dependencies making possible conversion of other methods' indicators to match results obtained with the mercury method were also listed. A mercury method test station and the procedure for drawing of test pieces, forming of experimental stand welds, carrying out of experiments, analysis of results and drawing up of test reports were all described. The use of calibrated alternative methods was emphasized.