Cortec Boiler Gecko™

The Cortec Boiler Gecko is a super convenient, ready-to-use spray that uses special Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI®) to protect your boiler's internal metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, especially during those times when it's not in use. Think of it as a protective shield for your boiler during dry layup.

It's pretty clever, really! When you spray the Boiler Gecko, it releases these VpCI molecules. These molecules then vaporize and travel throughout the entire enclosed boiler space, even reaching those tricky, hard-to-get-to areas. They essentially form a thin, invisible, protective layer on all the metal surfaces, stopping corrosion in its tracks.

The Boiler Gecko is specifically designed for what we call "dry layup." This means it's perfect for when your boiler is going to be shut down and drained, whether it's for a short period like a seasonal break or a longer-term preservation. It's not something you'd use while the boiler is actively running and filled with water.

It’s ideal for small to medium-sized boilers and various steam components. If you have a boiler system where traditional layup methods like using a "Boiler Lizard" might be a bit impractical or just not as effective, the Boiler Gecko truly shines.

A single application of Boiler Gecko provides excellent protection for your boiler during dry layup, whether it's for seasonal shutdowns or even extended periods of preservation. While specific durations can vary based on conditions, it's engineered for effective long-term protection.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec Boiler Iguana
• Cortec Boiler Egg

Applying Boiler Gecko is surprisingly straightforward! First, make sure your boiler is completely drained and cooled down. Then, give the can a good shake and spray it evenly throughout the internal void space of the boiler. The goal is to get good distribution so those VpCI molecules can do their job.

Nope, and that's one of its best features! There's no need to remove or flush out the product before you bring your boiler back online. When you refill the boiler with water, any remaining product will simply dissolve without causing any issues.

Generally speaking, one 12 oz (340 g) can of Cortec Boiler Gecko is designed to protect approximately 100 gallons (about 380 litres) of boiler volume. It’s always good to check the product instructions for precise recommendations based on your specific boiler size.

Absolutely! Boiler Gecko is effective for preserving both the waterside and fireside components within your boiler system. It's quite versatile in that regard, offering comprehensive protection.

For those tight spots with small access holes, like perhaps 0.5 to 2 inches (1-5 cm), you can often use a diffuser attachment on the end of the spray can. This helps to get the product in without any blowback and ensures good dispersion.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec EcoAir®

Beyond ensuring the boiler is fully drained and cool, there isn't extensive special preparation needed. The beauty of the VpCI technology is that it protects surfaces even without direct application, so you just need to get it into the enclosed space.

Yes, you can! The Boiler Gecko comes in an EcoAir® bag-on-valve spray can, which means it’s powered by compressed air and can be sprayed in any direction, even upside down. This makes it super convenient for getting into those hard-to-reach areas inside the boiler.

Boiler Gecko offers a significant upgrade over older methods like nitrogen blankets or desiccants. It's safer, more convenient, and often more effective. You don't have the safety concerns of nitrogen, and it doesn't lose effectiveness like desiccants can. Plus, there's no messy removal process.

While rust (iron corrosion) is a primary concern, the VpCI technology in Boiler Gecko offers comprehensive protection against various forms of corrosion for a range of metals. It creates a barrier that inhibits electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion on diverse metal surfaces.

Yes, it's formulated to protect a wide variety of metals commonly found in boiler systems, including carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum and its alloys, as well as copper and its alloys. It’s a multi-metal protector.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec BioCorr
• Cortec VpCI-377

Because you don't need to flush out or remove the product, your boiler can be brought back into service much more quickly. You simply refill it with makeup water and follow your normal startup procedures, saving valuable time and effort.

Absolutely. By consistently protecting the internal components from corrosion during idle periods, you significantly reduce wear and tear on the boiler's metal surfaces. This proactive protection helps prevent premature degradation, contributing to a longer, healthier life for your equipment.

No, it does not. The VpCI molecules work by forming a molecular layer on the metal surfaces. When the boiler is refilled with water, any remaining VpCIs simply dissolve, leaving no solid residue behind.

Indeed it can! By effectively preventing corrosion, you'll likely experience fewer unexpected repairs, less need for costly part replacements due to rust damage, and overall smoother operation when the boiler returns to service. This translates directly into savings on maintenance.

Cortec has a strong focus on sustainability. The Boiler Gecko is air-powered, meaning it doesn't use chemical propellants, and it's formulated without heavy metals, halogens, or solvents. It’s also pH neutral, nitrite-free, and silicon-free, making it a more environmentally responsible choice.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec Eco-Corr Biodegradable VpCI Film
• Cortec BioCorr EcoAir Anti-Rust Coating Spray
• Cortec Ecoline ELP

No, it's designed with safety in mind. It contains no heavy metals, halogens, or solvents. It's also pH neutral, nitrite-free, and silicon-free, and importantly, it's non-flammable. Always follow standard safety precautions, but it's not classified as hazardous in the same way many older boiler treatments were.

To keep your Boiler Gecko performing its best, store it in its original packaging, indoors, away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature range is typically between 40-100 °F (4-38 °C).

When stored correctly, the Cortec Boiler Gecko generally has a shelf life of two years from the manufacturing date. It's always a good idea to check the packaging for the specific date.

While Boiler Gecko is used during dry layup, meaning the boiler is drained, its components are designed to be compatible with typical boiler materials. When the boiler is returned to service and refilled, its remaining properties are designed to dissolve harmlessly and not interfere with your regular water treatment program.

Because the product dissolves and is designed to be fully compatible with normal boiler operations, it does not have a negative impact on the quality of the steam or water once the boiler is back in service.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-641 Water-Based Rust Preventative

Absolutely! Boiler Gecko is particularly useful in situations where placing a solid "Boiler Lizard" isn't practical or effective. Its spray application makes it ideal for smaller boilers, complex steam lines, deaerators, or fireside components where a physical object might be difficult to position or retrieve.

Yes, it's perfect for seasonal layups! Its ease of use and effective dry protection make it an excellent choice for keeping your seasonal heating boiler in top condition during its off-season, preventing unexpected corrosion issues when you need it most.

Even for shorter, infrequent downtimes, Boiler Gecko provides crucial protection. Corrosion can begin quite quickly when a boiler is drained and exposed to air. Using Boiler Gecko ensures that even these brief periods of idleness are covered, preventing incremental damage that adds up over time.

Yes, it can. The convenient spray application means you can target specific steam components for protection during their dry layup or maintenance periods, even if the entire boiler isn't going offline.

By forming a protective vapor layer on all metal surfaces, the VpCI molecules in Boiler Gecko actively prevent oxygen and moisture from coming into direct contact with the metal. This barrier is key to stopping oxygen pitting, a common and damaging form of corrosion that occurs when boilers are exposed to air.

While the core VpCI technology is highly effective in diverse environments, for specific marine applications, it's always best to consult with Valdamark Direct or Cortec directly to ensure full compliance with marine standards and optimal product selection for the unique challenges of a marine environment.

Applying slightly more than the recommended dosage generally won't cause problems, as the product is designed to be dissolved upon refilling. However, for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness, it's always best to stick to the suggested dosage, ensuring even distribution without over-application.