New equipment has been developed to study hydrogen diffusion in metals at different
temperatures, mechanical loads and hydrostatic pressures. The hydrogen permeation
measurement method is based on the electrochemical hydrogen permeation technique
developed by Devanathan and Stachurski. The paper presents equipment design,
capabilities and limitations. Hydrogen diffusivity and permeability in 13%Cr super
martensitic stainless steel was studied at 20, 50 and 80ºC and at atmospheric and 100 bar
hydrostatic pressure. The effective hydrogen diffusion coefficient increased with
temperature according to the Arrhenius equation. Application of 100 bar hydrostatic
pressure at 80ºC did not influence the hydrogen concentration in the test material relative to
that obtained at atmospheric pressure.
Keywords: super martensitic stainless steel, cathodic protection, hydrogen permeation,
hydrogen diffusion