Rust is one of the most persistent and costly problems faced by industries dealing with metal parts, particularly in the harsh and demanding environments of the oil and gas sector. In Norway, where the offshore oil industry operates on the challenging Norwegian Continental Shelf, rust and corrosion can severely damage equipment, resulting in extensive downtime and expensive repairs. This makes selecting the right rust prevention and removal solutions crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and asset lifespan.

In this post, we’ll explore how advanced biobased rust prevention and removal products can help ensure your equipment stays protected, minimizing downtime and boosting performance. We'll dive into the specifics of the VpCI® (Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor) products from Cortec Corporation and how they can make a significant difference in corrosion management during maintenance operations.

Preventing Rust During Maintenance

Maintenance of equipment is key as rust and corrosion can cause serious harm. With parts often disassembled and exposed, the risk of rust formation increases dramatically. That’s why choosing the right rust-removal and prevention solutions are essential to protecting valuable assets from the moment they’re exposed to the elements.

Commonly Used VpCI® Rust-Prevention Products

These products protect against flash corrosion and are safe for most common substrates, including paint, glass, and plastic.

• VpCI®-414: A powerful cleaner with flash rust inhibitors.

• VpCI®-416: An excellent cleaner for high-pressure washers.

• VpCI®-418LM: A low-foam cleaner designed for heavy-duty applications.

• VpCI®-422: A biobased rust remover suitable for immersion cleaning.

• VpCI®-423: A USDA Certified Biobased rust remover gel, ideal for non-immersive cleaning.

How Easy Is It to Use Biobased Rust Removers?

Biobased rust removers like VpCI®-422 and VpCI®-423 are designed for convenience and effectiveness, offering a straightforward solution for tackling rust in industrial settings. These products are simple to apply, whether by immersion or surface application, and are compatible with a range of equipment types. What sets them apart is their environmentally friendly formulation, which allows users to clean and protect metal surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals or complex procedures.

The rust removal process is efficient and requires minimal supervision, giving you more time to focus on other critical maintenance tasks while ensuring your equipment stays protected.

Cleaning Dirty Equipment: What About Tough Deposits?

Rust removal is just one part of maintaining your equipment. Dirty machinery often faces the challenge of tough deposits such as grease and oil that can hinder performance and lead to corrosion. Fortunately, VpCI®-414 is not just a rust remover but also a powerful alkaline degreaser. It tackles even the toughest deposits, leaving metal surfaces spotless and primed for further protection.

For high-pressure cleaning, VpCI®-416 is ideal. It’s designed to be used in high-pressure washers and not only cleans effectively but also provides a protective layer that keeps the metal surfaces rust-free for longer periods.

Another excellent option for heavy-duty cleaning is VpCI®-418LM, a low-foam cleaner designed for industrial-grade power washers. It’s non-flammable, nitrite-free, and works effectively in removing grease, oils, and grime without leaving any harmful residues.

Tackling Salt Deposits: A Common Challenge on Offshore Equipment

Salt exposure is a significant concern, especially in the offshore oil and gas industry. Salt buildup can cause serious corrosion issues, including pitting and crevice corrosion, compromising the integrity of the equipment. Removing salt deposits is, therefore, essential for maintaining long-term performance and durability of equipment.

FlashCorr® VpCI® is an innovative, environmentally safe solution designed to tackle the toughest salt buildups. This USDA Certified biobased cleaner is highly effective in removing salt deposits such as sodium chloride and other deicing salts, as well as naturally occurring contaminants. It not only neutralizes these deposits but also protects metal surfaces from further exposure and flash rusting. FlashCorr® VpCI® prevents flash corrosion, giving you time to further treat your assets.

FlashCorr® is ideal for desalting after sandblasting or as a preemptive cleaning solution. This product is perfect for utilizing in your weekly washdowns or desalting your assets.

FlashCorr® VpCI® can be applied using power washers or sprayers and is mixed with water at a low rate. It is non-toxic, biodegradable, and won’t cause disposal issues, making it an environmentally friendly solution that is safe for use on glass, plastics, and rubber surfaces. Additionally, it leaves no residual film, ensuring it won’t interfere with paint adhesion when applying primers or coatings.

Why Choose Biobased Solutions?

Biobased rust removers and cleaners like VpCI®-422 and VpCI®-423 are more than just environmentally friendly alternatives. They also offer significant operational benefits. These products are non-toxic, non-flammable, and biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact without sacrificing performance.

The power of Cortec’s VpCI® technology lies in its ability to not only remove rust but also to protect your equipment from corrosion in the future. This dual-action approach significantly reduces maintenance costs, prolongs asset life, and enhances operational efficiency, helping businesses avoid costly downtime and unnecessary repairs.

Conclusion

Rust and corrosion are persistent challenges that can severely impact operations in the oil and gas industry. However, using the right products can make all the difference. The VpCI® range of rust removers, cleaners, and inhibitors from Cortec offers a sustainable and effective way to protect your assets from corrosion, ensuring long-lasting protection and minimizing downtime.

By integrating biobased solutions like VpCI®-422, VpCI®-423, and FlashCorr® VpCI®, companies in Norway and beyond can benefit from powerful, environmentally friendly rust-removal and corrosion protection solutions. Whether dealing with dirty equipment, salt buildup, or flash rusting, these products are designed to keep your equipment in peak condition and safeguard your investments for years to come.

For more information on Cortec’s VpCI® products, read more online at https://presserv.com/brands/cortec.