Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor

What is a Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor  / VpCI®?

Definition and Principles

A Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI) is a type of corrosion inhibitor that works by releasing vapors that form a protective layer on metal surfaces, preventing corrosion from occurring. This vapor corrosion inhibitor technology is a revolutionary method that simplifies corrosion protection and is ideal for keeping enclosed void spaces, such as packages, equipment internals, or structural metal cavities, rust-free. VpCI is a non-toxic and non-hazardous way to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, making it a widely used method for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion.

Cortec VpCI-368 Spray

How Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors Work

Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors, also known as vapor transported corrosion inhibitors, work by releasing their chemical compounds into the air, which are then transported as vapor throughout an enclosed space. The vapor eventually condenses onto metal surfaces, where it is absorbed and has a hydrophobic effect that helps inhibit corrosion. VpCI technology is used to protect metal surfaces in various applications, including packages, equipment internals, and structural metal cavities. VpCI is a cost-effective and efficient way to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, reducing labor time and hazardous waste disposal fees from having to clean off traditional petroleum-based rust preventatives.

Benefits of Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors

Vapour phase corrosion inhibitors (VPCIs) offer several benefits for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion. Some of the key advantages of VPCIs include:

  1. Effective Corrosion Protection: VPCIs provide a reliable and efficient way to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, even in complex geometries and hard-to-reach areas. This ensures that every part of the metal surface is safeguarded against corrosive elements.
  2. Easy to Apply: VPCIs can be easily applied to metal surfaces using a variety of methods, including spraying, brushing, or dipping. This flexibility simplifies the application process, making it accessible for various industrial and commercial uses.
  3. Long-Lasting Protection: VPCIs can provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. This durability ensures that metal components remain protected over extended periods, even in harsh environments.
  4. Non-Toxic and Non-Hazardous: VPCIs are generally non-toxic and non-hazardous, making them a safer choice for protecting metal surfaces. This is particularly important in industries where safety and environmental concerns are paramount.
  5. Cost-Effective: VPCIs can be a cost-effective solution for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion, especially when compared to traditional methods such as greasy rust preventatives. The reduced need for labor-intensive application and removal processes further enhances their cost-effectiveness.
  6. Simplifies Corrosion Protection: VPCIs simplify corrosion protection by eliminating the need for special removal of coatings or greasy rust preventatives. This streamlines maintenance processes and reduces downtime.
  7. Protects Multiple Metal Types: VPCIs can protect multiple metal types, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications across different industries.

Applications and Uses

Vapour phase corrosion inhibitors (VPCIs) have a wide range of applications and uses in various industries, including:

  1. Packaging: VPCIs are used to protect metal components during shipping and storage. They create a protective atmosphere within the packaging, ensuring that metal parts remain rust-free until they reach their destination.
  2. Equipment Internals: VPCIs are used to protect intricate equipment internals, such as pipes, boilers, and valves. Their ability to reach and protect complex geometries makes them ideal for safeguarding critical components.
  3. Structural Metal Cavities: VPCIs are used to protect structural metal cavities from corrosion. This is particularly important in construction and infrastructure projects where long-term durability is essential.
  4. Metalworking: VPCIs are used to protect metal surfaces during metalworking processes, such as machining and welding. They prevent corrosion during manufacturing, ensuring high-quality finished products.
  5. Construction: VPCIs are used to protect metal surfaces in construction projects, such as bridges and buildings. Their long-lasting protection helps maintain the structural integrity of metal components exposed to the elements.
  6. Automotive: VPCIs are used to protect metal surfaces in the automotive industry, such as in engine components and body panels. This ensures that vehicles remain rust-free and maintain their performance and appearance.
  7. Aerospace: VPCIs are used to protect metal surfaces in the aerospace industry, such as in aircraft components and spacecraft. Their effectiveness in extreme environments makes them ideal for aerospace applications.

Comparison to Other Corrosion Protection Methods

Vapour phase corrosion inhibitors (VPCIs) offer several advantages over other corrosion protection methods, including:

  1. Liquid Rust Preventatives: VPCIs are more effective and easier to apply than liquid rust preventatives. They provide comprehensive protection without the need for messy and labor-intensive application processes.
  2. Greasy Rust Preventatives: VPCIs are more effective and easier to apply than greasy rust preventatives. They eliminate the need for greasy coatings that can be difficult to remove and may attract dirt and contaminants.
  3. Coatings: VPCIs are more effective and easier to apply than coatings. They provide a protective layer without the need for extensive surface preparation and application processes.
  4. Nitrogen Inerting: VPCIs are more effective and easier to apply than nitrogen inerting. They offer continuous protection without the need for maintaining a nitrogen atmosphere, which can be complex and costly.
  5. Dehumidification Systems: VPCIs are more effective and easier to apply than dehumidification systems. They provide protection in a wide range of environments without the need for maintaining controlled humidity levels.

Overall, VPCIs offer a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion. Their ease of application, long-lasting protection, and versatility make them a superior choice for corrosion prevention in various industries.

What is a Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor  / VpCI®?

VpCI® stands for Vapour phase corrosion inhibitor, also known as a volatile corrosion inhibitor. These corrosion inhibitors can protect multiple metal types from corrosion damage without having to contact the metal surface directly. This includes non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, brass, and bronze.

Our Complete Range of Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors

Tired of battling metal corrosion on your metal components? Look no further! Valdamark is your one-stop shop for premium-grade VpCI solutions in Cheshire, UK. VpCI technology helps protect metals by creating an invisible shield that prevents oxygen, moisture, and corrosive elements from causing rust, allowing metal components to be immediately usable after removal from the protective packaging. With most items readily available in stock, you’ll experience immediate protection for your valuable metals. We even offer fast shipping on made-to-order or non-stock items thanks to our regular factory deliveries.

Beyond VpCI®s, Valdamark empowers your business with a diverse selection of heat sealers. Seal industrial and medical supplies efficiently and effectively, all adhering to stringent ISO 14644-1 Clean Room Standards.

Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor

Which Heat Sealer for Corrosion Protection?

Heat sealing machines and bag sealers come in a variety of styles to suit your needs. Whether you're looking for impulse heat sealers, constant sealers or table-top sealers with cutters, Valdamark provides a complete range of reliable and user-friendly machines, which are ideal for industrial manufacturing and medical purposes.

If you're struggling to find the right sealing machine to suit your manufacturing, commercial or industrial needs, get in touch today. We are more than happy to offer advice and support to make sure you choose the right heat sealing machines for your business and industry.

 

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Emitter

Common Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitor Questions

What Does VpCI® Do?
VpCI®’s mechanism of action works by vaporising (or sublimating) off the packaging materials in order to saturate and fill the surrounding atmosphere.
Sometimes it is referred to as a migrating corrosion inhibitor.

Once the VpCI® corrosion inhibitor has been given time to fully migrate and bind/absorb onto the metal surface, the action completes by forming a thin, mono-molecular layer for VpCI ® corrosion inhibiting protection well into the future. The layer effectively stops the ‘pre-cursor’ electrochemical reaction of water, air and contaminants that takes place before corrosion/ rust damage occurs.
Whats's The Difference Between VpCI® Technology And Regular Desiccant!
Moisture removal is the only action that desiccants perform within enclosed packaging spaces. This approach can reduce the risk of corrosion occurring however once the desiccant is depleted or the package/container itself is opened prematurely; moisture enters the package area and the desiccant is ineffective.

Vapour phase corrosion inhibitor packaging ( VpCI®) solves this problem by using a patented self-replenishing action that continues to work providing unbeatable market leading corrosion protection, even if the package is opened briefly.

Is There Any Pre Or Post Packing Parts Cleaning Required With VpCI® Packaging?
Unique VpCI® technology works by first saturating the nearby area and atmosphere within the VpCI® Packaging. Once the packaging is opened and the metal part removed the VpCI® molecules evaporate from the surface.

You should still prepare the metal surface to which it will be applied though. Ensure it is dirt, oil, grease and contaminant free before application.

What Is The Best Way To Close VpCI® Packaging?
There are many different Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor compositions and formats.

When using VpCI® flexible packaging, specifically VpCI® 126 bags consider an ISZ impulse heat sealer machine for optimal seal quality.

It is also possible to zip tie, zip close or tape the bags close the bags but these are sub optimal and not suitable for product that may be transported or stored for a significant amount of time.

Corrosion Inhibitor Papers can be wrapped or taped around parts. Our WSZ constant heat sealer machine can seal multi layered wax/kraft paper like these.
Does VpCI® Packaging Need To Be Replaced At Any Point?
VpCI® packaging in most formats can be considered single use, recyclable industrial packaging. This kind of packaging should be inspected regularly, removed or replaced if upon physical inspection you notice any punctures, tears or holes that cannot easily be repaired or covered with heavy duty tape.
Do Cortec VpCI® Packaging Products Have A Shelf Life?
For most products, the shelf life is 2 years. If a product is stored in its original packaging and used within 2 years of its production date, then Cortec is confident that product will work to the same high standards as one just finished.

Can You Offer Any Advice On The Dosing And Placement Of VpCI®, VCI Products?
Based on our and our partners continued laboratory tests over many years of successful vapour phase corrosion inhibitor application, we can recommend the below guidelines for use:

  • Place VpCI ® delivery source as close to the metal surface to be protected as possible.
  • The optimal distance from Cortec® VpCI 126 for example is less than 30cm/12”.
  • If the distance between VpCI® 126 is greater than 30cm/12” consider a VpCI® 130 foam product or something form the BioPad series. Where this is the case additional VpCI ® sources should be placed within the packaging enclosure.
  • VpCI® films should completely enclose the packaging. Consider one of our portable ISZ impulse heat sealer machines for optimal hermitic heat welds/seals.
  • When using VpCI® 126 film consider using approximately 6m² of material for every 1m³ of space/area to be protected.
  • Some projects will call for a thicker film. An important consideration as permeability/MVTR rate (moisture vapour transmission) will be an issue for some products being transported or stored for an extended period.
  • Make sure there are no unnecessary obstruction within the packaging enclosure. Vapour phase corrosion inhibitor molecules do need convenient access to the metal.

Can You Offer Advice On Best Practices for VpCI®,  VCI Products?

Best Practices include:

  • Minimise distance between the VpCI® source/delivery and the metal.
  • Keep void air spaces/pockets to a minimum.
  • Where a product/asset has large void spaces consider using a combination of VpCI® emitters and flexible packaging.
  • Anti-corrosion sprays such as VpCI®337 and VpCI®377 when used as a pre-treatment add to the efficacy and longevity of the primary layer of protection.
  • Final preparation work for the package prior to shipping and opening.


Shipping:

  • Vent the shipping container to help avoid excess moisture or mould growth.
  • Double bagging can help reduce condensation build up.
  • You can use additional desiccants with VpCI®. Consider the 1 x Cor-Pak® 1-MUL pouch. Each pouch can protect an area up to 1 ft³ (28 litre).


Opening. It is often the case that preserved items arrive at their destination and are opened prematurely. Either because:

  • They need to be inspected.
  • The goods are urgent for the end user.
  • Secondary transport, assembly and staging is required.

This is normal. Do remember though once the enclosure is opened the VpCI® cannot adapt to the change in environment and so stops working.
What Is The Difference Between VCI And VpCI® Technology?
VpCI® is patented Cortec® technology. VpCI® or Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors utilise a mechanism of action that can be considered superior to commodity VCI plastic bags.

VpCI®Corrosion Inhibitors migrate and bind onto the nearby metal surfaces to form a thin molecular layer that protects goods from rust and corrosion well into the future.

Vapour Phase Corrosion Inhibitors tend to be a more consistent product in that dosing of the formula itself is done volumetrically for each bag, as it is with the blue LDPE polyethene material.

Unlike cheaper alternatives VpCI® keeps working well into the long term. It is trusted by the worlds leading manufacturing brands as one of the best corrosion prevention methods available.

In addition there are many supplementary products that can be used for an optimal solution or as a standalone measure.
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