The Applicability of the Standard DIN EN ISO 3690 for the Analysis of Diffusible Hydrogen Content in Underwater Wet Welding

The European standard ISO 3690 regulates the measurement of diffusible hydrogen in arc-welded metal. It was designed for different welding methods performed in dry atmosphere (20% humidity). Some details of the standard are not applicable for wet underwater welding. The objective of this study was to extend the applicability of DIN EN ISO 3690:2018-12 to underwater wet-shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Four different aspects regulated within the standard were accounted for: (1) sample dimensions and number of samples taken simultaneously; (2) time limitations defined by the standard regarding the welding and the cleaning process; (3) time, temperature, and method defined for analysis of the diffusible hydrogen content; (4) normalization of the hydrogen concentration measured. Underwater wet welding was performed using an automated, arc voltage-controlled welding machine. The results are discussed in light of standard DIN EN ISO 3690, and recommendations are provided for the analysis of diffusible hydrogen content upon underwater wet welding.