Metal Preservation 101 for Manufacturers

May 9, 2023

Preservation of metals is not just something that is needed when mothballing an industrial facility. It is also important for manufacturers of metal parts and equipment that must be like-new when the end user puts them into service. Keeping these vulnerable metals rust-free in uncontrolled environments for unknown durations is challenging, but it does not have to be overwhelming. Ultimately, manufacturers who implement good preservation processes will have benefits that far outweigh the investment.

Manufacturers need to preserve their metal products at many different stages. For example, automakers routinely manufacture service parts that must be ready to use any time after possibly five, 10, or 20 years of storage. It is also common for OEMs to make advance purchases of part lots. All these manufactured goods need to be preserved until a later date.

Preservation during transit is also critical. Long treks cross-country on the back of a truck or overseas in a shipping container will expose parts and equipment to changes in temperature and humidity swings that can lead to condensation inside a package. During ocean voyages, salt spray may even make its way through cracks into a container that is not airtight.

Further storage may be needed before new goods can be used at their destination. Whether for a few months or several years, extended preservation in outdoor conditions at the user site is vital to ensure components remain like-new.

Types of Preservation Material

Once the general preservation timeframe and conditions are determined, the manufacturer will have a better idea of which preservation materials to use according to the following basic categories:

Void Space Protection

Void spaces inside tanks or other vessels are often protected with VpCI^® fogging fluid, such as VpCI^®-337 or CorroLogic^® Fogging Fluid VpCI^®-339. These treatments fill the void with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors that form a protective molecular layer on the metal surfaces inside the enclosure. VpCI^®-105 or 111 Emitters emit similar protective vapors out of small self-adhesive cups that are often used to protect the compact voids inside electrical cabinets. ElectriCorr™ VpCI^®-239 may be used, as well, for direct application to electrical contacts inside junction boxes or partially exposed/ventilated panels.

Hydrostatic Testing Additives

Pumps, tanks, or vessels that need hydrostatic testing prior to shipment should be treated with the VpCI^®-649 Series, which, depending on dosage, can do dual-duty as long-term internal protection.

Coatings

Static surfaces—from flange faces to heavy equipment parts—are sometimes coated with VpCI^®-391. Moving parts are often protected with VpCI^®-369 (this wet film inhibitor is also sometimes chosen for long-term protection of service parts). EcoLine^® 3690 is its USDA Certified Biobased Product alternative for those who want to use more renewable materials.

Packaging

Packaging is often the finishing touch to a preservation strategy. Sometimes it is used alone and sometimes in conjunction with other types of protective materials mentioned above. CorrLam^® LD VpCI^® Barrier Laminate is an excellent heavy-duty packaging material for service parts that need to be preserved for five, 10, or 15 years. Cor-Pak^® VpCI^® Stretch Film is a great corrosion inhibiting substitute for regular stretch film. When outdoor storage or shipping conditions are in question, VpCI^®-126 HP UV Shrink Film or MilCorr^® VpCI^® Shrink Film are used.

Benefits of Preservation

What are the benefits of such preservation to manufacturers? Most importantly, they ensure that components and equipment will be usable when they are finally needed, without rust claims or complaints that the manufacturer must make right. This offers peace of mind to the manufacturer and immediate readiness to the customer, who faces little to no product removal and no setbacks from rust. Furthermore, these technologies can replace more cumbersome and costly methods of protection such as nitrogen blanketing for void spaces.

If you are a manufacturer looking for peace of mind and happy customers, contact Cortec^® to discuss the appropriate preservation strategies today!

Keywords: metal preservation, rust claims, preservation of auto service parts, rust prevention for manufacturing, industrial corrosion inhibitors, how do I keep parts from rusting in transit, how do I preserve parts for long-term storage, export packaging of metal, Cortec, VpCI

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