ISO/TR 16203:2023

Overview

ISO/TR 16203:2023 - Overview of methods available for particle-free erosion corrosion testing in flowing liquids provides a consolidated, practical summary of laboratory test methods for assessing particle-free erosion corrosion (erosion corrosion in single‑phase, particle‑free liquids). The technical report outlines principles, test configurations, measurement approaches and key test‑condition considerations for materials exposed to flowing liquids (e.g., seawater, industrial water, chemical solutions).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Describes test methods for erosion corrosion in single‑phase flowing liquids and gives guidance on choosing appropriate laboratory simulations.
• Principles: Defines particle‑free erosion corrosion as the synergistic combination of metal dissolution and mechanical removal of corrosion products under flow; discusses uniform vs nonuniform damage mechanisms.
• Test methods:
  • Uniform‑corrosion tests: Rotating cylinder test; pipe or channel tests with specimens mounted parallel to flow.
  • Nonuniform‑corrosion tests: Rotating disc test (radial velocity gradients), pipe/channel with changes in flow cross‑section (reattachment zones), and jet impingement tests (free jet, submerged jet, jet‑in‑slit).
• Measurement and observation:
  • Quantification by mass loss and depth loss (thickness/depth distribution), and visual/ microscopic inspection of corrosion products.
  • Electrochemical measurement methods (corrosion potentials, polarization) and guidance on their application were added in the 2023 revision.
• Test conditions and guidance: Selection criteria for test method, effects of flow velocity and test duration, wall shear stress considerations, specimen insulation, use of multiple specimens, units for metal loss, and limitations and applicability of each test configuration.
• Normative reference: ISO 8044 (corrosion vocabulary) is cited for terms and definitions.

Practical applications - who uses this standard

• Corrosion engineers and materials scientists evaluating susceptibility of metals and alloys (e.g., steels, copper alloys) to flow‑induced corrosion in particle‑free fluids.
• Test laboratories developing or comparing erosion corrosion testing protocols for R&D, material selection, failure analysis, and quality control.
• Asset owners, plant engineers and OEMs in marine, water treatment, chemical processing, power and wastewater industries seeking to mitigate rapid metal loss in pipes, pumps, valves and heat‑exchanger components.
• Standards writers and procurement/specification teams referencing standardized test approaches for contracts and materials acceptance.

Related standards

• ISO 8044 - Corrosion of metals and alloys - Vocabulary (normative reference).
• Prepared by ISO/TC 156 (Corrosion of metals and alloys); ISO/TR 16203:2023 updates the 2016 edition and adds electrochemical measurement guidance.

Keywords: ISO/TR 16203:2023, particle-free erosion corrosion, erosion corrosion testing, flowing liquids, rotating cylinder test, rotating disc test, jet impingement test, electrochemical measurement.