This International Standard specifies the method for measuring the degree of sensitization (DOS) in stainless steel and nickel-based alloys using the Double Loop Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation (DL-EPR) test (based on Èihal's method).
The method may be used for the quantitative assessment of deleterious thermal effects resulting in the formation of alloy-element-depleted zones at grain boundaries or in the matrix. However, attention should be paid when testing heat-affected weld zones, due to possible non-uniform distribution of sensitized zones along the fusion lines.
The results of the test can be used as an index to identify the potential susceptibility of stainless steel and nickel-based alloys to intergranular corrosion, pitting corrosion, and intergranular-stress corrosion cracking, but prediction of these corrosion modes depends on complementary specific testing.
This International Standard describes the general methodology and, in Annex C, gives examples of suitable test exposure conditions for specific alloys.