SEDL / STP / STP445-EB / STP32015S

Effects of Hydrostatic Pressures on Electrolytic Hydrogen in Iron

Nanis, L
Associate professor of chemical engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

DeLuccia, JJ
Research metallurgist, Naval Air Development Center, Johnsville, Pa.

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1969

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Abstract

The permeation of hydrogen in iron under high hydrostatic pressures has been studied using an electrochemical source and sink for hydrogen in a pressurized cell. The drumhead arrangement of the electrochemical cell marks a breakthrough in techniques for the study of corrosion mechanisms under high pressures. Studies on pure iron at 21 C clearly indicate a positive deviation from Sieverts' square root relationship between pressure and hydrogen solubility.

Hydrogen solubility and diffusion coefficient in iron have been determined at pressures up to 8250 psig (18,400 ft depth) in an overall study of hydrogen embrittlement.

The nature of permeation and related electrochemical factors (cathodic overpotential) are considered in terms of anticipated deep submergence corrosion problems.