Category: News Alert

Summer puts extra demands on cooling water systems. Unfortunately, the proliferation of biofilm can lead to serious problems that decrease the design efficiencies of chillers, heat exchangers, and cooling towers. Cortec^® offers the following suggestions to reduce operator stress and maximize cooling tower performance during peak operating season.

Biofilm Problems

Open evaporative cooling systems are an incubator for microbial growth. This buildup can insulate heat exchangers (even more than scale!), coat sensors and interfere with readings, reduce flow in areas far from the pump, and allow acid-producing anaerobes to grow and produce pitting corrosion. As a result, cooling system operators need to treat the system with biocide three to four times weekly—sometimes daily—to take care of the biofilm buildup and reduce extra power use and strain on the system.

Biocide Synergy

To maximize biocide efficiency, a bio-dispersant such as BioClean^™ 612 should be used first. Slug feeding BioClean^™ 612 into the system 30-45 minutes before biocide application will give the bio-dispersant time to work, lifting the biofilm off the internal surfaces and giving the biocide easy access to it. The biocide subsequently turns the biofilm into a dead silt-like matter that is easy to filter out of the system.

Reduce Stress This Summer!

Hot summers and biofilm are a fact of life for most facility managers. Help yours reduce their summer stress by introducing them to the synergistic effect of BioClean^™ 612 with routine biocide application. Contact Cortec^® water treatment to get started!

Keywords: summer chiller problems, biofilm problems for cooling systems, bio-dispersant for cooling systems, HVAC maintenance tips, microbial buildup in heat exchanger, heat exchange efficiency, Cortec, summer water treatment, best practices for biofilm, biocide best practices

For a PDF version please click here.

Having a quality product is critical to successful corrosion control. However, the benefit is lost if the product is contaminated. Cortec^® therefore offers the following tips to avoid product contamination and achieve best results in dip tanks and recirculating applications.

Keep Your Product in Clean Containers

Whenever possible, it is best to store Cortec^® rust preventatives, rust removers, and cleaners in their original containers and minimize transfer from one container to another. Each time the product is moved, it raises the risk of contamination from the container it is transferred to, or the hose used to transfer it. If a product must be stored in a tank, the tank should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand to avoid contamination and subsequent draining, cleaning, and refilling to remedy the situation.

Don’t Forget Surface Prep!

Another issue that is often overlooked is the surface prep of metal components being dipped in the product. If the parts are contaminated, they will contaminate the dip tank contents. Some ways to prevent this are to add a cleaning step to the process and allow enough time for the components to drip dry between rinses. Inspecting the parts for contaminants before they go into the dip tank can also be helpful.

Monitor and Maintain Your Dip Tanks

It is also vital to monitor and maintain the dip tank. The longer products such as VpCI^®-422 and VpCI^®-377 are used and reused, the more particulates will build up that need to be filtered out. At this point, the right filter size is critical: holes that are too small may cause clogging and pressure buildup; holes that are too large will not filter anything out. Simple visual inspection is also important to see if floating oil, particulates, or insoluble salts have built up and the product needs to be changed. Concentration monitoring goes hand in hand with this to ensure product effectiveness as pH changes and solids build up over time.

Maximize Efficacy, Reduce Contamination

Reusing rust preventatives, cleaners, and corrosion removers is a great way to economize, but it will necessarily diminish product efficacy over time. Preventing contamination helps make sure this does not happen prematurely. For more specific ideas on how to prevent product contamination and avoid related headaches, reach out to Cortec^® today for help!

Keywords: how to avoid product contamination, Cortec best practices, rust preventatives, metal surface prep, dip tank maintenance, VpCI, rust removers, cleaners, tank cleaning, corrosion inhibitor effectiveness 

For a PDF version please click here.

Cycling is one of the largest activities on earth, serving as both a mode of transportation and a popular form of exercise in many countries. The millions of bikes used all over the planet range from inexpensive to more than the price of a used car. Regardless of value, one thing they all have in common is the need for routine maintenance, especially to keep moving parts clean and lubricated to ensure functionality. Sometimes, this also means addressing rust.

Cyclists who ride through inclement weather or store their bikes in damp conditions are at higher risk for rust, which can stiffen chains and lock links in place. EcoLine^® Bearing, Chain, and Roller Lube offers extra corrosion protection for these situations by leaving behind a tenacious moisture displacing film that clings to the surface and contains rust inhibitors. Riders with a concern for the environment will appreciate the fact that the lubricant is made with a base oil sourced from renewable crops for greater sustainability.

If rust has already set in, VpCI^® Super Penetrant can help clean and loosen chain links that have already been “frozen” in place. This very light oil penetrates deep into cracks and crevices to loosen rust and trapped dirt so stiff or locked areas of the drive chain can move freely and flexibly. VpCI^® Super Penetrant is also good for loosening and quieting any other squeaky parts on the bike, such as handlebar pivots or other hinge points. EcoLine^® CLP, which contains 89% USDA certified biobased content, can be used as an alternative by those seeking biobased options.

Just as bicycles range in price, so the maintenance habits of bicycle owners vary from doing nothing to following a strict maintenance schedule. Whatever the case, extra rust control is sometimes needed to combat the effects of corrosive environments. In these conditions, EcoLine^® Bearing, Chain, and Roller Lube and VpCI^® Super Penetrant can help bicycle owners keep things rolling by lubricating and addressing rust at the same time. Contact us to get started battling rust during routine bicycle maintenance!

Keywords: bike maintenance, fighting rust on bikes, grease your bike chain, sustainable greases for bicycles, lubricating bike chains, rust prevention on bicycles, lubricate squeaky parts, Cortec, biobased lubricants, bicycle storage environments

For a PDF version please click here.

Lubrication is an important part of everyday maintenance, helping equipment function smoothly and last longer. This is no less true in the food industry, where processing equipment to chop, stir, rotate, or otherwise maneuver foodstuffs is continuously on the move. The special challenge is making sure nothing is used that could potentially contaminate the food processing environment for the safety of consumers. In these situations, Cortec’s answer is food grade grease that doubles as a USDA Certified Biobased Product.

EcoLine® Bio-Based Food Machinery Lubricating Grease #1 and #2 (NLGI Grades 1 and 2) are designed for lubrication of machinery where incidental contact with food is possible. Both greases have been registered with the NSF Nonfood Compounds Registration Programs as H1 category lubricants for incidental food contact (Reg. #157337 and #157338, respectively). They provide superior lubricity, show good adhesion, and have a wide range of operating temperatures. Possible applications are as follows.

EcoLine^® Bio-Based Food Machinery Lubricating Grease #1:
• Low speed bearings
• Oscillating machinery
• Other ambient or low temperature applications

EcoLine^® Bio-Based Food Machinery Lubricating Grease #2:
• Bearings
• Gears
• Machine slides

EcoLine^® Bio-Based Food Machinery Lubricating Grease #1 and #2 are made from natural seed oils and each contain 96% USDA certified biobased content. This feature makes them an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes the use of renewable resources or simply needs to meet minimum biobased content requirements under the mandatory federal purchasing initiative of the USDA BioPreferred^® Program.* EcoLine^® Bio-Based Food Machinery Lubricating Grease #1 and #2 are also biodegradable and not toxic to plants, making them a great alternative to petroleum-based greases both on the sourcing and disposal side.†

As long as mass food processing goes on, so, too, must lubrication. The exciting news is that biobased food grade greases can easily replace petroleum-based ones to enhance sustainability and user friendliness. Contact Cortec^® today to discuss making the switch from fossil fuels to seed oils!

*For more information about the BioPreferred^® Program, please visit: https://www.biopreferred.gov.

†It is always important to ensure that use and disposal of all materials is in accordance with local guidelines.

Keywords: biobased grease, food grade lubricants, food industry grease, alternative to petroleum, USDA Certified Biobased Product, BioPreferred, biodegradable greases, food machinery lubricants, Cortec, sustainability in food industry, EcoLine

For a PDF version please click here.

With higher demand bringing more drill ships out of warm- or cold-stacking, now is an excellent time to evaluate how current methods of layup have failed or succeeded and take a wiser view for inevitable future market downturns. Given the practical benefits of Cortec^® preservation materials, which do not require electricity or temperature controls, that wiser course may very well involve the use of VpCI^® Technology on your next drill ship layup.

Corrosion Protection for Void Spaces

Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors are especially ideal for protection of void spaces, including tanks, vessels, risers, electrical junction boxes, or electronic control panels on the ship. Applied by fogging or emitter installation, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors diffuse throughout the enclosed space and form a molecular protective layer on metal surfaces to which they are attracted. Little to no removal is necessary upon startup.

Layup of Lube Systems

Lubrication and hydraulic systems may be protected with specialty corrosion inhibiting additives dosed into a system that has been partially or fully drained. Oil additives such as M-535 provide vapor-phase protection to empty areas that are not directly in contact with the treated lubricant and where condensation could easily occur. CorrLube^™ VpCI^® Lithium EP Grease is an excellent option for corrosion protection on parts that require NLGI Grade 2 grease and require intermittent operation.

External Protection

Large pieces of equipment on deck can be externally protected with VpCI^®-126 HP UV Shrink Film or MilCorr^® VpCI^® Shrink Film, which offer UV resistance in addition to corrosion protection. MilCorr^® is especially durable for long-term outdoor storage conditions that involve wind and rain. It can even be fitted with access panels for periodic equipment inspection. Removable coatings such as VpCI^®-369 (for moving parts) and VpCI^®-391 (for static parts) offer another form of corrosion protection for exposed metal surfaces in sheltered areas where an extra layer of interim protection is needed.

True Test of Successful Layup

The true test of a successful drill ship layup comes when bringing the vessel back online. Proper rust prevention can minimize startup costs by keeping equipment in good condition and simplifying recommissioning procedures. If your last layup left you disappointed by rust or complicated procedures, contact Cortec^® for help achieving easier, more effective drill ship preservation next time around.

Keywords: drill ship preservation, drill ship layup, cold stacking, mothballing, oil and gas market, Cortec, corrosion protection, corrosion inhibitors, VCI film, coatings for metal

For a PDF version please click here.

Rust is a common problem on metals. Also common is the use of petroleum-based rust preventatives to protect metals in-process and in storage. Less common is the use of biobased, biodegradable rust preventatives. However, Cortec® is seeking to change that trend by giving metalworkers access to viable biobased technologies such as EcoLine® 3220.

Replace Petroleum-Based Products for Rust Prevention
Rather than rely primarily on mineral oils and flammable solvents, EcoLine® 3220 contains 99% USDA certified biobased content. It is also biodegradable, giving it an outstanding environmental profile. EcoLine® 3220 can be applied to metals by dip, spray, or brush. It leaves behind a tenacious oily corrosion inhibiting film that serves as an excellent temporary coating. Metals protected include carbon steel, aluminum and alloys, copper and alloys, cast iron, galvanized steel, and stainless steel.

Where to Use EcoLine® 3220
EcoLine® 3220 is an excellent alternative to petroleum-based rust preventatives for companies who stamp, roll, deburr, or otherwise work with metal. It can be used as a temporary protective coating on wire, sheet metals, pipes, flanges, gears, and many other fabricated or machined parts. Indoor protection of metal components sitting in bins between metalworking processes or on shelves during temporary storage is an ideal use for EcoLine® 3220. The coating is very easy to rinse off at any point when protection is no longer needed, but, if desired, it can be left in place when parts are packaged and shipped out to the customer.

Explore Your Biobased Alternatives
Freshly machined metal surfaces are magnets for corrosion, but petroleum-based oils and solvents are no longer the only option. EcoLine® 3220 provides excellent protection with high biobased, biodegradable content. Contact Cortec® to explore this and other biobased alternatives to petroleum-based rust preventatives for your application!

Keywords: biobased rust preventative, rust preventatives for metalworkers, ways to prevent metal from rusting, replace petroleum products, alternatives to petroleum, Cortec, biobased alternatives, do biobased products work, biodegradable rust preventatives, corrosion inhibitors

For a PDF version please click here.

Preventative maintenance (PM) includes small everyday tasks that may seem minor and inconvenient now but offer important benefits in the long run. One of these PM activities is lubrication, which goes a long way to reduce wear and tear on machinery of all types. However, in corrosive environments like the food processing industry, an extra boost of rust prevention with Cortec’s M-533 FG may be needed to carry the benefits of lubrication even farther.

Challenges of Food Processing Environments
Food processing facilities often use high volumes of water, steam, processing chemicals, and even highly acidic foods that can take an early toll on equipment by accelerating corrosion. Rust not only damages machinery but can potentially leak out and contaminate food, as well. Adding a rust preventative to lubricants is one way the maintenance department can slow the corrosion process down, but it is not enough to just order the first product that comes up in an online search. Due to the sensitive nature of food processing, these facilities must follow high standards for food safety, including the use of food grade lubricants due to the possibility of incidental contact with food. Rust inhibitors must also meet high standards for additives that go into food grade lubricants.

Anticorrosion Additive for Food Grade Lubricants
M-533 FG is one anticorrosion additive that meets those standards as an NSF HX-1 registered ingredient for use in H1 incidental contact lubricants. M-533 FG has outstanding demulsification properties and is soluble in petroleum and synthetic lubricant base stocks and most common solvents.* Most importantly, it passes the ASTM D665B “Standard Test Method of Rust Preventing Characteristics of Inhibited Mineral Oil in the Presence of Water, Procedure B-Synthetic Sea Water” at a 0.10-0.20% concentration in white mineral oil and PAO base oils. M-533 FG offers protection on a wide range of metals including carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, tin, zinc, and brass.

Small Steps for Long-Term Results
Small maintenance steps can have far-reaching effects. Even something as simple as using a rust preventative lubricant can have untold benefits by helping equipment last longer. M-533 FG is therefore a great way for lubricant manufacturers to enhance the value of their own food grade formulations or for maintenance teams to amplify the effect of their lubricating efforts. Whether for hydraulic fluids, circulating oils, compressor oils, greases, or gear oils, M-533 FG could be the next best addition to your preventative maintenance plan in a corrosive food processing environment. Contact Cortec® to learn more about taking this simple step for long-term benefits: https://www.cortecvci.com/contact-us/

Keywords: rust preventatives, preventative maintenance, food grade lubricants, rust prevention in food processing industry, rust inhibitors for food grade lubricants, challenges of food processing environments, maintenance in food processing environment, food industry maintenance, Cortec, anticorrosion additive

*It is always important to verify compatibility before use.

For a PDF version please click here.

With summer coming to the Northern Hemisphere, construction season will soon be in full swing. Although this is great for business, it raises new challenges for contractors pouring concrete at the hottest time of the year, when concrete sets faster than normal. Fortunately, the use of the right corrosion inhibiting admixture can keep this from turning into a nightmare.

Side Effects of CNI vs. MCI®
Calcium nitrite (CNI), once the industry standard for corrosion inhibiting admixtures, has the side effect of accelerating concrete set time, which makes the pressure of doing a perfect job all the more stressful for concrete contractors in hot weather. In contrast to CNI, MCI® (Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor™) concrete admixtures do not accelerate set time, making them a great option for summer heatwaves. Ready-mixers have seen outstanding results when pouring MCI®-2005 NS (normal set version) in the peak heat of summer, avoiding early set problems and even giving them the opportunity to remove set retarders. MCI®-2005, which has its own set-retarding effects, minimizes the need for set retarders even more. Two experiences in the summers of 2020 and 2021 highlight the advantages of MCI® admixtures from the contractor’s perspective.

Avoiding Cold Joints
In 2020, a contractor pouring a cast-in-place parking garage in Toronto was using a CNI admixture in the peak heat of summer. The concrete began setting too quickly and forming cold joints potential weak points for the future. When they switched to MCI®-2005 NS, they saw a major difference. They had no more early set problems— even at temperatures around 100 °F (38 °C)—and they were able to remove the set retarders needed for CNI. From that point on, they intended to use MCI®-2005 NS in place of CNI for any future projects where CNI was specified.

Best PT Mix Ever!
The following summer in Nebraska, one contractor was getting over the stress of a very difficult CNI concrete pour when another nightmare loomed: that of pouring a parking garage in the middle of a July heatwave. Fortunately, MCI®-2005 NS had already been selected as the corrosion inhibitor for the PT (post-tension) mix, but with a heat index of 100 °F (38 °C) at 9:30 in the morning, the contractor wondered if he should wait for cooler evening temperatures. At the reassurance of the MCI® regional sales manager, they went ahead with the pour, treating it as they normally would on a hot day with 2 ounces [59 mL] of set retarder. They also used slag as the supplementary cementitious material (reduces heat of hydration) and a high-range plasticizer to help with stiffness and slump. The crew soon noticed that the mix was much easier to place and consolidate than with CNI. In fact, they achieved an 8 inch (20 cm) slump and had significantly more bleed water than they had ever had with a CNI PT mix. The contractor’s general superintendent was so pleased that he called it the best PT mix he had ever used and said he never wanted to use the previous admix again. Just as he predicted, other ready-mixers in the area soon switched over to MCI®, as well, when they saw the good results.

Reduce the Stress This Summer
Pouring concrete is stressful enough without adding hot weather and CNI set acceleration into the mix. Minimize the stress this summer by choosing an MCI® admixture that does not accelerate set time and has a good reputation for workability, even in high temps. Contact Cortec® to learn more about using concrete admixtures in hot weather: https://www.cortecmci.com/contact-us/

Keywords: MCI admixtures, concrete admixtures, From Grey to Green, summer challenges for contractors, pouring concrete in hot weather, CNI accelerates concrete set time, corrosion inhibitors that do not accelerate set time, Cortec, Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor, how to avoid cold joints

For a PDF version please click here.