Category: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE: Get More Efficient, Comprehensive Corrosion Protection with VpCI®-707 Fuel Additive!

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August 7, 2023

VpCI®-707 Fuel Additive

Corrosion inside fuel tanks can lead to serious problems from leakage or corrosion products that clog the system. To make matters worse, the issue may be difficult to detect inside the hidden atmosphere. All too often, corrosion occurs in the headspace above the fuel where water condenses and fuel additives cannot reach. Cortec® VpCI®-707 changes that by delivering more comprehensive, efficient protection to the entire tank.

Cortec’s Newest Generation Fuel Additive

VpCI®-707 is Cortec’s newest generation fuel additive for protection of fuel systems from corrosion during operation, storage, or shipment. It effectively provides corrosion protection in the fuel system not only in direct contact with the treated fuel, but also in the vapor space above the fuel line. This is due to the presence of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that diffuse throughout enclosed voids and adsorb on metal surfaces as a protective molecular layer. VpCI®-707 also offers improved water handling and improved fuel stability.

How to Use VpCI®-707

The characteristics of VpCI®-707 make it suitable for day-to-day operation, intermittent operation, and storage. There are two main applications. One is to add VpCI®-707 directly to gasoline or diesel fuel in blending, storage, or vehicle tanks that are in use. This can be done at a dose of 0.02-0.2% per tank volume. Dry fuel storage tanks being shipped or stored can be fogged with VpCI®-707 concentrate, covering as much internal surface area as possible (although the vapors are also designed to protect surfaces to which it is not directly applied).

Fighting Corrosion on Tank Farms

Airports, gas stations, farms, and other facilities that have tank farms and/or store a large amount of fuel onsite can benefit from VpCI®-707 to minimize the amount of corrosion that occurs inside the tanks. Instead of relying on contact-only inhibitors, tank owners and managers can fight corrosion in all parts of the tank, including the vulnerable ceilings where moisture is more likely to condense and cause corrosion.

Corrosion Protection During Export

Another great use of VpCI®-707 is for the protection of fuel tanks in new trucks or heavy equipment being exported to other states or countries. During overseas transport, changes in temperature and humidity can cause condensation to build up inside the tanks, leading to corrosion by the time the equipment reaches its destination. Instead of opening the tank to find a shiny metal interior, the receiving workers may unscrew the fuel cap only to find corrosion spots inside—hardly the sight that manufacturers want customers to see on a new vehicle. One of the challenges with using traditional contact-only corrosion inhibitors is that the fuel tank must be filled as full as possible to get maximum protection. This can be dangerous and difficult during transport. It is often preferable to fill the fuel tanks with only enough fuel to drive the equipment up onto the flatbed or into the container and drive it off the trailer when it reaches the end user. VpCI®-707 makes this possible since it can be fogged into an almost empty tank to protect the entire void.

Other possible applications the following:

  • Equipment operating in harsh industrial or offshore environments
  • Generators or other equipment going into seasonal storage
  • Industrial plants going into temporary layup

Protect More with VpCI®-707

Fuel tank corrosion is nothing to play around with. The hazardous nature of fuel means that leakage should be avoided because of its polluting and flammable nature. VpCI®-707 helps by protecting areas of the tank that other corrosion inhibitors may not be able to reach and making it easy for manufacturers to leave less fuel in the tank during transport. Contact Cortec® to learn more about using VpCI®-707 in your application!
Keywords: fuel tank corrosion, fuel additives, corrosion inhibitors, corrosion protection during export, corrosion protection for generators, tank farm corrosion, tank farm management, Cortec, VpCI, oil and gas corrosion

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PRESS RELEASE: Improve Heat Exchange Efficiency with This Biobased Scale Remover!

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Scale and rust can build up over time in heat exchangers, chillers, cooling towers, and other circulating water systems—especially those that are not properly treated. Failing to prevent scale buildup leads to the need to either chemically or mechanically remove scale to maximize designed heat transfer efficiency, good pipe flow, and equipment integrity. One great way to do this is with EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover Powered by Nano-VpCI™, a USDA Certified Biobased Product available from Cortec® Corporation.

biobased scale remover

Why Remove Scale and Rust?

Scale buildup does two things. It insulates metal surfaces and clogs piping. This makes equipment work harder to transfer the desired amount of heat and pump the water through the system. In extreme situations this can lead to equipment downtime and failures. Rust has similar effects and also represents the loss of metal and the potential for leakage and shortened service life. The situation only gets worse the longer it is neglected. Periodic scale removal every one to three years, or whenever an unexpected drop in heat exchange temperature is noticed, is a best practice for keeping scale and rust buildup under control and avoiding the extra costs, repairs, and other headaches associated with 10, 15, or even 20 years of accumulation.

Multi-Metal, Biobased Scale Remover from Cortec®

EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover Powered by Nano-VpCI™ is a heavy-duty product that works quickly to dissolve heavy scale and oxides (rust/corrosion) off metals. Unlike some products that cannot be used on aluminum or stainless steel, it is safe to use on multiple metal types, making it flexible for many different materials encountered in water treatment applications:

• Carbon steel
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Aluminum

EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover Powered by Nano-VpCI™ contains 100% USDA certified biobased content and is easily biodegradable, giving it a positive environmental profile on two counts.

How to Remove Scale with EcoClean®

EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover should be used regularly to avoid more serious problems in heat exchange systems. The product comes in three forms: liquid, powder, and water-soluble pouch. The liquid version should be added to water at a 1:2 ratio and, if desired, can be sprayed inside open tube bundles. The powder version can be added to water at 7% by weight and used in the same manner as the liquid. The pouch version is convenient for circulating systems and can simply be tossed in the water and allowed to dissolve and circulate for a few minutes without dismantling the equipment. Leaving the product to sit for 20-30 minutes thereafter is a good way to give the product time to work and dissolve existing rust and corrosion before flushing out the system. Use of EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover should be followed by neutralization with an alkaline cleaner such as those in the VpCI®-41x Series, which also provide flash rust protection.

Don’t Wait—Now Is the Time to Maintain

Waiting to remove scale and rust only makes the problem worse. Routine maintenance with EcoClean® Biodegradable Scale and Rust Remover is an excellent option for those who want to improve flow and heat transfer efficiency while using a biobased product and avoiding more serious system problems down the road. Contact Cortec® to learn more about using this biobased scale and rust remover in your heat exchanger, chiller, or cooling tower!

Keywords: heat exchanger efficiency, how to descale heat exchanger, scale removal, descaler, remove corrosion from piping, remove scale, biobased scale remover, heat exchanger cleaning, Cortec, improve water flow 

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PRESS RELEASE: Getting the Most Out of Dual SACI and Concrete Sealer Systems

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When performing a concrete repair or routine sealer application, is there any benefit to adding a surface applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) underneath? Will the combination enhance protection or undermine the whole system? Cortec® looks at these issues and suggests how contractors can get the most out of their dual SACI waterproofing system.

dual SACI and concrete sealer systems

Why Use Concrete Waterproofing?

Sealers, waterproofing membranes, and other moisture barrier coatings are a common part of concrete maintenance and repair. Their chief purpose is to block or seal the surface so that moisture, chlorides, and carbonation cannot seep into concrete pores. This slows down the deterioration process and helps the concrete last longer. Common places to find epoxy or urethane coatings, methyl methacrylate sealers, or other waterproofing membranes on concrete are parking ramps and industrial buildings—especially those in the chemical processing industry.

What Are the Benefits of SACIs?

Treating concrete with SACIs before applying a coating, sealer, or traffic membrane adds an additional level of corrosion protection. MCI®-2020 contains the highest corrosion inhibitor concentration among SACIs on the market and is therefore the most efficient choice for this application. Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors in MCI®-2020 penetrate concrete pores and are attracted to metal surfaces to form a molecular layer that actively inhibits the corrosion reaction. This second line of defense is especially important if the physical barrier or coating fails, allowing water and corrosives to seep in and be trapped on the concrete surface. The presence of SACIs in the concrete can help mitigate the corrosion reaction.

How to Ensure Proper Adhesion

While both sealers and SACIs can play a role in concrete protection, there is sometimes a concern for adhesion between layers when applying multiple products to a concrete substrate. If adhesion fails, the effectiveness of the applied system is jeopardized, leaving concrete exposed to water and other contaminants. Fortunately, the solution is as simple as proper application. Waiting 24 hours after applying MCI®-2020 gives more time for the corrosion inhibitors to work their way into the concrete pores, away from the surface. Subsequent rinsing with water removes any residual and leaves behind a clean surface for coating or waterproofing application. Testing according to ASTM D7234 has confirmed the compatibility of several traffic coatings and membranes with MCI®-2020, and in some cases, a water rinse was not needed to maintain adhesion.

Get the Most Out of Your Surface Applied System

Application of water repellents, coatings, and waterproofing membranes will remain a common practice as long as parking garages and other concrete structures remain vulnerable to corrosion. Using MCI® SACIs is a great way to enhance routine maintenance or repairs by fortifying the concrete with Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. Simple steps such as rinsing the surface prior to waterproofing application helps contractors and building owners get the most out of their dual water-repelling corrosion inhibiting system to extend concrete service life. Contact Cortec® MCI® for more advice on choosing your next concrete surface treatment for best results.

Keywords: SACI, concrete sealer, Cortec, MCI, traffic membrane, Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors, From Grey to Green, concrete coatings, concrete corrosion, rusted rebar in concrete

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PRESS RELEASE: Choosing Paint for Metal in Fast-Paced, Extra Slip, High Temp Environments

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Finding the best paint for metal involves much more than picking a favorite color. In addition to good adhesion and rust prevention, a metal coating must be equipped to meet force-dry, high slip, or high temp requirements in certain applications. To address these needs, Cortec® offers two specialty versions of EcoShield® VpCI®-386, a high-performing water- based anticorrosion coating for industrial applications.

EcoShield® VpCI®-386

Two Anticorrosion Paints—Three Special Features

EcoShield® 386 FD is a water-based acrylic one coat system that can be applied direct-to-metal (DTM) for protection in harsh, outdoor, unsheltered applications. It was specifically designed for fast-paced, force-dry applications, common in manufacturing environments. In addition to outstanding corrosion protection at 1.5-3.0 mils (37.5-75 µm) DFT (dry film thickness), EcoShield® 386 FD force-dries in just 5-10 minutes at 150 °F (65 °C) and has good hot hardness. EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating is another direct-to-metal water-based topcoat that offers excellent corrosion protection at 1.5-2.0 mils (37.5-50.0 µm) DFT. It is heat resistant up to 500 °F (260 °C) or more (depending on color) and improves surface slip. The coating is thixotropic and resists sagging and running during application. Both EcoShield® 386 FD and EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating are UV resistant and low VOC.

Where Are Force-Dry, Extra Slip, High Temp Coatings Needed?

While it would be difficult to list all the industrial applications where force-dry, extra slip, or high temp coatings could be used, the following examples are excellent springboards for exploring options.

Force-Dry Applications:

Fast-paced manufacturing applications are the number one candidate for EcoShield® 386 FD. Many spray or dip lines move so quickly that the parts pile up at the end of the line. This is bad news if parts are hot and sticky—they could easily adhere to each other and potentially damage the coating when components are pulled apart. EcoShield® 386 FD, which is designed for force-dry applications and has good hot hardness, will reduce the risk of parts sticking together. This feature is a potentially huge advantage in countless manufacturing applications where pipes, hooks, castings, and a variety of other equipment components are made.

Extra Slip Applications:

Electrical conduits are a prime example of where EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating is beneficial. A protective ID (inner diameter) coating can be critical for new piping stored outdoors or shipped through harsh, corrosive conditions. However, when it comes time to install the conduits, electrical wires must be able to slide easily through the tubing. EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating makes this possible while also inhibiting corrosion. The same benefits would apply to other metal surfaces, parts, or equipment in need of a protective coating that is slippery.

High Temp Applications:

In addition to needing extra slip, electrical conduits are a great illustration (although by no means the only example) of a high temp application. These pipes start out as flat pieces of metal that are rolled into tubes, welded, and internally painted before the welding heat can cool down. EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating was designed to withstand this extra heat during coating application and similar high heat curing processes. It can also be used on equipment that may reach temperatures up to 500 °F (260 °C) during operation.

The main purpose of Cortec® Coatings is to protect metals from corrosion. However, when special requirements such as force-drying, extra slip, or high temps enter the equation, Cortec® is ready to make the solution fit the need. Contact Cortec® to find out if these two specialty coatings are the right paints for your metal!

EcoShield® VpCI®-386 HT Slip Coating

Keywords: paint for metal, corrosion inhibitors, rust prevention, anticorrosion coating, Cortec, metal coating, metal corrosion, water-based coating, problem with painted parts sticking together, high temp coating

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PRESS RELEASE: What to Know When Choosing a Yellow Metal Corrosion Inhibitor

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Corrosion comes in many different forms with many different solutions, which is why it is important to be aware of the multiple metal types in need of protection. Someone who does not take this into account may do more harm than good by trying to inhibit corrosion with the wrong chemistry. Cortec® suggests looking at three key factors to understand some of the corrosion risks and abundant solutions when yellow metals are in the picture.

yellow metal corrosion inhibitor

Key 1: Know What Is Inside Your Application

Whenever a manufacturer, project owner, or other individual seeks a corrosion solution, it is imperative to ask what types of metals are in the system. This is because yellow metals need different corrosion inhibitors than ferrous metals (e.g., steel), and because some ferrous rust inhibitors are actually aggressive to yellow metals. A small mistake of not realizing that a copper sensor or other yellow metal is present inside a tank treated with corrosion inhibitors aggressive to yellow metals can cause serious problems for the end user and the consultant who prescribed the product, leaving everyone worse off than if they had done nothing. Some common examples of equipment containing yellow metals are electrical cabinets and heat exchangers. Countless others exist throughout the industrial world. It is therefore part of the user’s due diligence to verify whether any yellow metals are present before applying treatment.

Key 2: Know What Is Surrounding Your Application

It is also important to know what is on the outside of the application. In other words, how corrosive is the surrounding environment? Yellow metals like brass and copper are typically more resistant to corrosion than ferrous metals and are often used for this reason. However, extra protection may be needed for harsh environments such as those experienced by new copper wires and tubing being shipped overseas, electrical panels and control boxes installed at paper mills or wastewater treatment plants, and copper heat exchanger tubing in refineries with high sulfuric gases. In short, more corrosives raise the risk of corrosion and warrant additional protection.

Key 3: Know What the Product Is Like

The next step is to match the corrosion inhibiting product to the application. First and foremost, verify the product is not aggressive to yellow metals. A close second priority is to find a product that actively protects yellow metals. Fortunately, a wealth of options exists, as most Cortec® VpCI® materials include multi metal protection unless otherwise noted. Third, it is important to match the product characteristics to the type of application. Some great examples are as follows:

• CorShield® VpCI®-146 Paper for protection of copper parts and wire during shipment
• VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111 Emitters for protection of electrical cabinets (with built-in installation date stickers)
• ElectriCorr™ VpCI®-239 for cleaning and protection of electrical contacts in ventilated cabinets
• Cooling Loop Gator® for cooling tower layup
• VpCI®-308 Pouch for protection of large voids up to 35.3 ft³ (1 m³) containing yellow metal components
• VpCI®-126 Bags and BioPad® for easy packaging and shipment of yellow metal goods
• Corrosorber® cups for absorbing hydrogen sulfides in oil and gas or wastewater environments

Get Ready for Successful Yellow Metals Protection

Though yellow metal are known for their greater resistance to corrosion, a place still exists for their protection. Knowing the metals involved, the degree of corrosion hazards, and the specific benefits various corrosion solutions have to offer are the first steps to successful corrosion protection of yellow metals. Contact Cortec® today for further assistance choosing a yellow metal corrosion inhibitor.

Keywords: yellow metal corrosion inhibitor, corrosion in electrical panel, electrical contact corrosion cleaner, electrical corrosion, corrosion inhibitors in heat exchangers, heat exchanger corrosion, Cortec, VpCI, export shipping solutions, copper corrosion

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