US-based research and engi- neering company Cortec has formulated a product designed for the dry lay-up of boilers, which the company says provides continuous corrosion protection for ferrous metals and aluminium in enclosed spaces.
The patent-pending Boiler Lizard contains a vapour phase corrosion inhibitor (VPCI) in a polyvinyl alcohol water-soluble bag. The powder formulation is free of phosphates, heavy metals, nitrites and free amines.
The VPCI molecules vapourise and are adsorbed on all metal surfaces, reaching all recessed areas and interior cavities, enabling protection of inaccessible and recessed surfaces.
Boiler Lizard is fully bio- degradable, nontoxic and non-irritating, says Cortec.
The product provides up to 12 months of protection in the vapour phase, liquid phase and the interface during dry lay-up periods. The company adds that the product needs little or no surface preparation for routine shutdown maintenance.
The VPCI layer does not need to be removed prior to equipment start-up, and eliminates the need for other forms of protection like nitrogen blankets, silica gel and hydrazine.
Cortec adds that the VPCI layer reduces chemical consumption and costs, is safe for handling and increases worker productivity.
Each bag of Boiler Lizard can protect up to 3 786 ℓ of system capacity.
The company claims it is frequently used in environmental improvement projects.
One such example is the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, in Ohio, US.
After careful analysis, the company decided to use Cortec’s Boiler Lizard and Cooling Loop Gator products in the cooling and heating systems seasonally.
Cortec says, with the use of the products, the Air Force base was able to successfully lower its impact on the environment.