Since the two tendencies are inseparable for a metal to corrode and for water and the materials it contains to promote or inhibit corrosion, the corrosiveness of a material or the corrosivity of water must be determined in relative, rather than absolute, terms. The tendency for a material to corrode is normally determined by measuring its rate of corrosion and comparing it with the corrosion rates of other materials in the same water environment. Conversely, the relative corrosivity of water may be determined by comparing the corrosion rate of a material in the water with the corrosion rates of the same material in other waters. Such tests are useful, for example, for evaluating the effects of corrosion inhibitors on the corrosivity of water. Although this test methods is intended to determine the corrosivity of water, it is equally useful for determining corrosiveness and corrosion rate of materials. Examples of systems in which this method may be used include but are not limited to open recirculating cooling water and closed chilled and hydronic heating systems.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the corrosivity of water by evaluating pitting and by measuring the weight loss of metal specimens. Pitting is a form of localized corrosion: weight loss is a measure of the average corrosion rate. The rate of corrosion of a metal immersed in water is a function of the tendency for the metal to corrode and is also a function of the tendency for water and the materials it contains to promote (or inhibit) corrosion.

1.2 The test method employs flat, rectangular-shaped metal coupons which are mounted on pipe plugs and exposed to the water flowing in metal piping in municipal, building, and industrial water systems using a side stream corrosion specimen rack.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.