It’s Time to Think About Seasonal Boiler Layup!
January 14, 2026
It’s the middle of winter and boilers are fired up full strength for heating in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Why worry about seasonal layup? Now is an excellent time to start thinking about spring boiler preservation strategies so facilities can get their budgets approved, boiler “reptiles” ordered, and corrosion protection in place by the time spring arrives. The following Cortec® technologies lead the way for convenient and effective preservation.
Dry Boiler Layup
Midsize Boilers: Boiler Lizard® is perhaps the best-known Cortec® boiler “reptile” for inhibiting boiler corrosion, reducing corrosion related problems and repairs, and promoting a longer service life. This longtime friend of water-treatment service providers comes in a water-soluble tube that can be placed in the empty water side and slit open to release Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that adsorb on metal surfaces. One Boiler Lizard® protects 1,000 gallons (3.8 m³) of enclosed boiler space, making it an excellent option for midsize boilers. The Boiler Egg™ is a great companion that can be placed alongside the Boiler Lizard® to release protective chemistries during startup. Both dissolve in makeup water, reducing or eliminating the need for removal.
Small Boilers: The Boiler Gecko™ contains Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in a can, allowing spray application into the water side or fire side of small boilers. One can of Boiler Gecko™ protects 100 gallons (380 L) of boiler volume. Simply close the boiler openings after application and restart as normal in the fall.
Large Boilers: The Boiler Dragon™ is a bulk version of the Boiler Gecko™ that can be fogged into the largest boilers at a rate of one gallon per 1,000 gallons (1 L/1 m³) of boiler volume. All openings should be closed to prevent the escape of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors. Like the Boiler Gecko™ and Boiler Lizard®, the Boiler Dragon™ typically does not have to be removed before startup.
Wet-Dry Boiler Layup
Some facilities do not want to drain or at least not open their boilers to apply corrosion inhibitors. If this is the case, they can opt for Boiler Turtle™, which should be added to the feedwater or condensate system, pumped to the boiler, and left at high-water level for at least 24 hours before draining, if desired. The recent introduction of VpCI® Chameleon™ adds another option for boilers undergoing wet layup, especially in food processing facilities where treated steam may come in contact with food (NSF G6 certification reg. #172647). Both of these methods offer the advantages of multiphase corrosion protection below and above the water level without the frequent monitoring demanded for sulfite treatment.
Minimize Repairs; Extend Boiler Life
The right layup strategy can make all the difference in the lifespan of a boiler and the number of corrosion-related leaks, clogs, and repairs along the way. Cortec® boiler reptiles minimize these problems effectively and conveniently. Contact Cortec® to learn more and start planning your seasonal boiler layup strategy now!
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