Challenge
GASCO had a large number of spare heat exchanger (HE) tube bundles and rotors in their warehouses. The HE bundles and rotors were being protected in canisters pressurized with nitrogen. They had a challenge maintaining nitrogen pressure, which requires diligent routine inspection. Also, long-term corrosion protection using nitrogen was proving not as effective as needed.
Application
Cortec® VpCI® technology was introduced to GASCO and a pilot was conducted on one of the spare HE tube bundles and a rotor in 2010. The equipment was removed from their canisters for preservation with VpCI®. The HE tube bundle were cleaned by hydro-jetting with VpCI®-370 to remove superficial rust from surfaces. After drying, VpCI®-337 was sprayed on the internal and external surfaces. VpCI®-132 foam pads were applied to the exterior and the HE tube bundles were then sealed with MilCorr® VpCI® Shrink Film.
The rotor was preserved using VpCI®-390 Pouches. UV stable tags were installed on each piece of equipment to clearly identify the date of preservation and next inspection date. The equipment was placed back into the canister with VpCI®-111 Emitters and the nitrogen for preservation of above equipment was completely eliminated.
The successful result of this pilot was the subject of a GASCO presentation detailing their rationale to adopt VpCIs as opposed to nitrogen. The presentation concluded that “VpCI is a long lasting technique and cost effective technology for preservation.” Based on these results, GASCO adopted VpCI technology for their preservation needs instead of nitrogen.
In 2013, corrosion coupons from the original 2010 preservation program were inspected and found to be free of any corrosion.
Conclusion
The trial proved very effective and GASCO decided to use Cortec® products for their equipment preservation because their system provided a more effective, economical, and environmentally friendly corrosion protection method.
Date December 2010 & 2012
Cortec® Representative The Kanoo Group / Cortec Middle East
Customer Abu Dhabi Gas Industries LTD – GASCO
Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Products:
- VpCI®-111 Emitter
- VpCI®-132 Foam Pads
- VpCI®-309 Pouch
- VpCI®-337
- VpCI®-370
- MilCorr® VpCI® Shrink Film
