Cortec® has developed VpCI®-337, as an alternative to nitrogen blanketing for easy, effective corrosion protection of void spaces.
Nitrogen purge or nitrogen blanketing is commonly used to protect metal void spaces from corrosion by replacing the oxygen with nitrogen gas. However, nitrogen gas is expensive it requires constant pressure with an airtight seal, and leaks may also pose a safety hazard for personnel. In contrast, according to the company, VpCI®-337 is much safer, cost-effective, and easy to apply and maintain option. It is a waterborne vapour phase corrosion inhibitor that can be applied by fogging into metal void spaces. The fogging fluid diffuses throughout the void and is attracted to metal surfaces where the VCI “condenses” and form a protective molecular layer. This layer inhibits the corrosion reaction on the metal surfaces even in the presence of oxygen and residual moisture. The space must be completely closed for the corrosion inhibitors to be effective, but an air-tight seal is not required as for nitrogen purge, continued the company.