Overview
ISO 23123:2020 - Corrosion control engineering life cycle - General requirements defines high-level, life‑cycle requirements for corrosion control engineering programmes. Applicable to all types of corrosion control projects, the standard sets out a systematic, coordinated and optimized framework to identify corrosion sources, select materials and technologies, and manage design, construction, operation, maintenance and end‑of‑life activities. The primary objectives are safety, cost‑effectiveness, long‑term operation and environmental protection.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Life‑cycle scope: covers the entire corrosion control engineering life cycle from identification of corrosion sources through to scrap and disposal.
- Core elements: requirements are specified for objectives, corrosion sources, materials, technology, design, R&D, manufacturing, construction, storage & transportation, installation & commissioning, acceptance inspection, operation, maintenance, repair, disposal, documentation & records, resource management and comprehensive assessment.
- Corrosion source identification: systematic, comprehensive and documented identification of internal and external corrosion drivers.
- Materials & technology selection: choose corrosion‑resistant materials and control techniques (e.g., electrochemical protection, inhibitors) to meet life‑cycle objectives; selections must be documented and supported by appropriate standards or performance cases.
- Design and green planning: holistic design that integrates all life‑cycle elements and includes a green plan for waste reduction and resource efficiency.
- Procedures and records: all elements must have established procedures, acceptance criteria and archived documentation to ensure traceability.
- Continuous improvement: requirement for ongoing R&D, evaluation of past projects, and regular review to optimize safety, cost and environmental outcomes.
- Limitation: ISO 23123:2020 does not prescribe specific test methods or professional management procedures - it defines requirements and expects reference to appropriate technical standards.
Practical applications
- Developing or auditing a corporate corrosion control life‑cycle management programme.
- Creating procurement specifications for corrosion‑resistant materials and protective systems.
- Integrating corrosion control into design reviews, construction quality plans, commissioning and maintenance regimes.
- Structuring documentation, acceptance tests and end‑of‑life disposal processes to meet safety and environmental objectives.
Who should use this standard
- Corrosion engineers and specialists
- Design and project engineers (oil & gas, utilities, infrastructure, maritime, chemical)
- Asset owners, operations and maintenance teams
- Procurement and quality assurance managers
- R&D and technical auditors
Related standards
ISO 23123:2020 references or aligns with industry standards for specific topics (examples from the document):
Using ISO 23123:2020 helps organizations implement a documented, traceable and optimized corrosion control life‑cycle that supports safety, asset longevity and environmental stewardship.