Coming from Cortec’s EcoEarth™ line, the EcoEmitter® is a specially engineered device designed to provide corrosion protection for very sensitive assets such as electronic and optical equipment and components. Each EcoEmitter® will protect volumes up to 0.25 m3 (8.8 ft³). Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors emit from the device and saturate the enclosure via diffusion, filling all void spaces and recessed areas with protective vapor molecules. These molecules are attracted to and adsorb onto metallic surfaces, resulting in the formation of nanofilms, very thin microscopic molecular layers of corrosion protection.
The nanofilms formed do not adversely affect or alter the appearance, conductivity, or optical functionality of the components protected. Similar to VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111 Emitters, the EcoEmitter® was carefully designed to include biobased content as an environmentally responsible option aimed at sustainability. The polymeric cup made from 60-80% biobased resins replaces polyethylene and contains corrosion inhibiting powder that releases protective vapors through a breathable 70% biobased membrane. This easy to install device is designed to provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts enclosed in non-ventilated cabinets and tool or control boxes.
Corrosion of complex electronic and electrical equipment
Corrosion of complex electronic and electrical equipment is an increasingly serious problem which triggers expensive failures during manufacturing, shipping, storage, or field operations. It can be caused by numerous factors such as salt, humidity, moisture, contaminants, etc. Cortec® designs and manufactures a wide range of VpCI® Emitters to suit a number of applications. They are installed in small, enclosed areas with little or no ventilation such as electronic cabinets, controller panels, and junction boxes. The VpCI® Emitters release vapor that forms a thin molecular layer on internal metal surfaces to protect critical, complex, and expensive electronic equipment during operation, shipping, or storage. Among the most popular VpCI® Emitters provided by Cortec® are VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111. VpCI®-105 Emitters powered by VpCI® are compact, space-saving, high-tech systems.
They provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts in enclosed spaces up to 142 L (5 ft³). For larger volumes, more than one device can be used. By using a small device, corrosion can be stopped at any step from manufacturing to final installation. EcoSonic VpCI®-105 has a breathable membrane through which the corrosion inhibitor is released. It provides long-term protection against corrosion even in the presence of adverse conditions including salt, moisture, airborne contaminants, H2S, SO2, NH3, and others. VpCI®-111 Emitters are designed to provide corrosion protection for metal components and parts enclosed in non-ventilated control boxes, cabinets, or toolboxes up to 312 L (11 ft³). Both Emitters are very effective in polluted and humid environments and provide continuous protection for up to 24 months. They do not interfere with electrical, optical, or mechanical surface properties and are very simple and quick to install and protect during operation and shutdown. Products are free of nitrites, halogens, and phosphates. The following examples from the field demonstrate some of the benefits of VpCI® Emitters.
Preservation of Two Offshore Substations
Cortec’s client fabricated two offshore substations in Southeast Asia that needed to be transported by vessel to the project location in the Far East. The journey involved an ocean crossing at elevated humidity and high temperatures, with the potential for tropical storms. The company was concerned about maintaining the integrity of their high value systems on board and approached Cortec® Southeast Asia, who had a track record of successfully managing similar contracts in the past. Cortec® Southeast Asia and AOS Offshore executed the turnkey project, including calculating quantities and performing installation of products:
• VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111 Emitters were used inside junction boxes
• Cortec’s VpCI®-308 Pouches were placed in large enclosures
• VpCI®-126 HP UV Shrink Film was applied for mechanical protection
Data recording devices were also deployed through the substations to measure temperature, humidity, and G force during load out, sail away, and installation. No delays or corrosion issues occurred, and the client was very satisfied with the results achieved. They also appreciated the valuable data collected throughout the journey.
Preservation of Pipeline Valve Inventory
In 2020, another client contacted a Cortec® representative for a more comprehensive method of preservation than they were using at the time. The new approach consisted of placing VpCI®-105 and VpCI®-111 Emitters inside the equipment based on internal volume, spraying all internal valve surfaces with Cortec’s EcoAir® 337, and covering all openings with VpCI®-126 Blue Bags or Film. Any 76.2-106.7 cm (30”-42”) ANSI 600 class trunnion ball valves were stored outdoors and protected with custom VpCI®-126 HP UV Bags made to fit sizing needs of 0.9 x 15.2 m (36” x 600”). The client was very happy with the efficiency of the products, service, and education provided.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
• Packaging and storage of electrical, electronic, and marine navigation equipment
• Aerospace electrical controls and electric motors, switching equipment
• Medical and telecommunications equipment
• Terminal, fuse, and power boxes
• Scientific and measuring instruments
• Remote electronics devices
• Handheld battery-operated devices, toolboxes, gun safes, and any other metal storage
• Operating, packaged, and stored electrical equipment
• Electrical wireways and terminal boxes