Hydrogen Monitoring

The generation of atomic hydrogen, as part of the cathodic half-cell reaction in acidic environments, can be used for corrosion monitoring purposes in both intrusive or non-intrusive forms. In the latter, hydrogen monitoring sensors are often attached to the outside walls of vessels and piping. It is the diffusion of atomic hydrogen into the metallic substrate that is of most concern, as it can lead to problems such as hydrogen induced cracking. This "uptake" of hydrogen occurs when the recombination of hydrogen atoms and subsequent release as molecular hydrogen into the environment is impeded. Hydrogen monitoring is highly applicable to the oil refining and petrochemical industries with hydrocarbon process streams. The presence of hydrogen sulfide in these industries promotes the uptake of hydrogen into plant items. Hydrogen monitoring probes are based on either of the following three principles: