ASTM D807-14

5.1 Embrittlement is a form of intercrystalline cracking that is associated with the exposure of boiler steel to a combination of physical and chemical factors. For embrittlement of boiler metal to occur, the metal must be under stress, it must be at the site of a leak, and it must be exposed to the concentrated boiler water. In addition, the boiler water must be embrittling in nature. The precise chemical causes of the embrittling nature of some waters are not well understood. Experience has shown that certain waters exhibit an embrittling characteristic while others do not.

5.2 Because embrittlement is a form of cracking, it is nearly impossible to detect in an operating boiler until a failure has occurred. In general, cracking failures tend to be sudden, and often with serious consequences. This practice offers a way to determine whether a particular water is embrittling or not. It also makes it possible to determine if specific treatment actions have rendered the water nonembrittling.

1.1 This practice,³ known as the embrittlement-detector method, covers the apparatus and procedure for determining the embrittling or nonembrittling characteristics of the water in an operating boiler. The interpretation of the results shall be restricted to the limits set forth in 8.6.