Industrial Preservation: From Mothballing to Maintenance!
April 5, 2024
In the broad sense of the word, preservation can take many different forms—from restoring historical buildings to canning garden vegetables. In industrial settings, it often means keeping metal parts or equipment in working condition, without rust and deterioration. That’s where Cortec® comes in, with corrosion solutions for oil and gas facilities, paper mills, power plants, and many others. Yet even here, views differ on what preservation entails and who is responsible. Cortec® takes a look at how and when metals preservation should be done and why it can play an important role in maintenance.
What Is Industrial Metals Preservation?
One of the main threats to the value and integrity of metal parts is corrosion. Cortec® therefore offers many materials that preserve idle components against the corrosion process. Sometimes, this means the use of liquid rust preventatives. More often than not, it involves the use of VpCI® Films and Bags to shroud idle equipment on the shelf in a non-climate-controlled warehouse or on outdoor racks exposed to heat, rain, and sometimes salt spray from the ocean. VpCI® Fogging Fluids or VpCI® Emitters can be used to supplement the films’ corrosion inhibitors and barrier protection with an extra dose of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors inside the package volume. These corrosion inhibiting vapors are attracted to metal surfaces where they form a protective molecular layer until the packaging is removed. Unlike rust preventative oils and greases, Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors typically do not need to be cleaned off, leaving the equipment ready for immediate use when the component is unpackaged.
Is Preservation Only Important During Extended Shutdowns?
While mothballing refineries, power plants, or manufacturing facilities facing an economic downturn may be the primary preservation application that comes to mind, preservation with a small “p” happens any time a piece of equipment or a metal part is deliberately protected against corrosion. This may include shipment of outgoing goods to ensure they reach the customer in like-new condition. It is also wise to consider the preservation of incoming goods. Greenfield oil and gas projects or industries with an intricate supply chain can especially benefit by specifying certain corrosion inhibiting materials and methods for suppliers to use before they transport their metal goods.
Does Preventative Maintenance Play a Role in Preservation?
Typically, maintenance resources are focused on installed equipment in order to keep the plant operating safely. Bob Boyle (VP Integrity Management & Preservation Solutions at Cortec®) argued that maintenance personnel also have reason to be concerned about what happens to spares during idle periods. This is because corrosion is not always obvious and can result in installation of seemingly functional spares that fail much sooner than necessary. Boyle concluded, “A well executed maintenance plan will have preservation steps, especially for critical equipment. A clearly articulated maintenance philosophy will make sure that you only have the spare parts you actually need, and [that] what you need is fit for service ... ”
Simple Solutions to Corrosion
Whatever aspect of preservation you are facing, the ROI can be significant simply by avoiding corrosion. Cortec® is here to help with a wide array of integrated solutions that are easy to apply and remove whether you are on the supply, maintenance, or mothballing team. Contact Cortec® for solutions to corrosion for metals preservation.
Keywords: preservation, mothballing, maintenance, metals preservation, corrosion protection, rust prevention, VpCI, outdoor storage, Cortec, operational spares
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