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The techniques specified in this document include a standard weld test assembly, a standard method of preparation for the weld test assembly, a standard method of final test weld preparation, two standard measurement methods, and minimum reporting requirements. The techniques are suitable for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW) processes. Extension of the techniques to other processes is possible. The standard measurement methods include collection of diffusible hydrogen into an inert gas such as argon, and headspace or carrier gas flow. The amount of hydrogen collected is determined by measuring the thermal conductivity.

It is the intent that this standard be used as the method for testing arc welding electrodes, flux-electrode combinations, and electrode-gas combinations according to the hydrogen content of weld metals produced from them when implemented by reference in the applicable classification standard. In addition to its use for designation of diffusible hydrogen, it is the intent that this standard may be used for quality conformance testing of arc welding electrodes, flux-electrode combinations, and electrode-gas combinations when implemented by reference.

It is recommended that this standard be used for developing and reporting research results so that the results may be directly compared with those from other laboratories.