Tricks of the Trade for Better Boiler Layup
February 20, 2025
It is not uncommon for industrial boilers to face periods of downtime for construction, seasonal layup, or other reasons. It is also not uncommon for these to be the most vulnerable times for corrosion. While Cortec’s boiler layup “reptiles” serve as excellent guardians against oxidation, it is important to know several “tricks of the trade” to get the most benefit from them. Several of those best practices recommended by Cortec’s Certified Water Technologist, Scott Bryan, are highlighted in the tips below.
Tips for Standard Boiler Layup
The Boiler Lizard® is ideal for dry layup of boilers 1,000-10,000 gallons (3,800-38,000 L) in total volume. When slit open along the top, within two inches of each end, this yard-long (94 cm) water-soluble tube of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors releases corrosion inhibiting vapors that diffuse throughout the boiler enclosure, forming a protective layer on all metal surfaces.
Boiler Lizard® Tip One: Do not place the Boiler Lizard® in areas of standing water, since this could cause the material to clump together and be more difficult to remove later. Normally, the Boiler Lizard® should dissolve and rinse easily away when refilling the water side.
Boiler Lizard® Tip Two: If the boiler is large enough to require multiple Boiler Lizards, place half of them in one end of the boiler and half in the other end (e.g., steam drum and mud drum). This will allow the corrosion inhibiting vapors to diffuse more quickly and evenly throughout the entire boiler volume.
Tips for Tight Spaces
Boiler Gecko™ comes in an air-powered spray can and contains enough Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors to protect 100 gallons (380 L) of volume per can.
Boiler Gecko™ Tip One: Use the Boiler Gecko™ to preserve smaller boilers, steam lines, deaerators, or fire sides where it would not be practical to place the Boiler Lizard® (Boiler Gecko™ typically does not need to be removed before startup, even when used in the fire side).
Boiler Gecko™ Tip Two: If your access hole is very small (e.g., 0.5-2 inches [1-5 cm]), use a diffuser attachment on the end of the can to fit the opening and avoid corrosion inhibitor blowback.
Tips for Preserving Large Boiler Volumes
The Boiler Dragon™ contains the same chemistry as Boiler Gecko™ but is designed for large volume application, including HRSG layup.
Boiler Dragon™ Tip One: Use a low-pressure, high-volume pump or sprayer to apply as much product as possible as quickly as possible. (Using a high-pressure, low-volume sprayer will take too long.)
Boiler Dragon™ Tip Two: Make sure there is another opening at the other end of the boiler from where you are applying it. For example, if you fog Boiler Dragon™ into the steam drum at the top of the boiler, keep the mud drum at the bottom open until the fogging fluid starts to come through. Then close the mud drum, finish the dose, and close the remaining opening.
Transforming Boiler Layup
Cortec® boiler “reptiles” have transformed the industry’s approach to boiler layup by replacing desiccants and nitrogen purge with efficient, reliable solutions. While selecting the right treatment is the first step, knowing the best practices for effective layup is close behind. For additional guidance on successful corrosion protection during layup, contact Cortec®.
Keywords: boiler layup, boiler layup best practices, tips for boiler layup, corrosion protection, corrosion inhibitors, Cortec, HRSG layup, boiler downtime, alternatives to nitrogen purge, boiler layup with desiccants
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