MechChem Africa January-February 2023

Prevent CUI with injectable, vapour-phase corrosion inhibitor The Cortec ® Corporation has developed CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection, a new vapour-phase corrosion inhibitor technology that simplifies protection for insulated pipes that operate at high temperatures. ⎪ Corrosion control and coatings ⎪ C orrosion under insulation (CUI) has been a long-standing problem inpetrochemical, refinery andma rine environments. The problem

is so bad that an estimated 40-60% of piping maintenance costs in the oil and gas industry stemfromCUI-relatedexpenses. Evenworse, undetected CUI on pipes carrying hazard ous liquids may lead to leaks and potential explosions. To tackle this dangerous and costly prob lem, Cortec ® Corporation has developed CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection, a new vapour phase corrosion inhibitor technol ogy that simplifies protection for insulated pipes operating at high temperatures. CUI occurs when moisture and other corrosivemedia enter insulation oncewater barrier wraps or jackets are compromised or when condensation builds up, often unnoticed, beneath the insulation. This is especially problematic with piping that un dergoes wet-dry or high-low temperature cycling. The threat of CUI is potentially even greater on offshore platforms or in other marine environments where chloride-rich sea spray can infiltrate the insulation. The longer CUI goes unnoticed, themore serious it becomes. So preventing or arrest ing corrosion without disturbing insulation or equipment in operation is ideal. CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection is a new high-temperature 100% vapour-phase corrosion inhibitor (VCI/VpCI ® ) for protec tion against corrosion under insulation (CUI). As its name implies, CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection can be injected directly into insulating material. The corrosion in hibiting vapour migrates from the injection point along the pipe to form a hydrophobic protective layer on metal surfaces beneath the insulation. This passive layer is long lasting, protects in the presence of chloride containing moisture, and can withstand temperatures of up to 350 °C. CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection of fers significant advantages over traditional methods of CUI protection that can only be applied after removing insulation or before insulating new pipes. Maintenance person nel now have the convenience of applying protection under existing insulation, even on surfaces that reach high temperatures. This results in a wider timeframe in which

CUI occurs when moisture and other corrosive media enter insulation once water barrier wraps or jackets are compromised or when condensation builds up, often unnoticed, beneath the insulation.

Undetected CUI on pipes carrying hazardous liquids may lead to leaks and potential explosions.

to apply preventative measures, increasing the chances of inhibiting and arresting cor rosion before it gets too serious. CUI has been an elusive enemy for years. Once piping is installed and insulation is in place, it is difficult to see and correct the problems that may be going on be neath the surface. Now, thanks to Cortec ® Corporation, a more viable option exists to mitigate corrosion without removing insu lation or seriously disturbing operations. CorroLogic ® CUI Inhibitor Injection has the potential to help pipes last longer and minimise cumbersome repairs on insulated surfaces. Best of all, it reduces the risk for

corrosion-related failures, thus increasing overall plant safely while reducing mainte nance costs. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, Cortec ® Corporation is the global leader in innovative, environmentally re sponsible VpCI ® andMCI ® corrosion control technologies for packaging, metalworking, construction, electronics, water treatment, oil & gas and other industries. The company is dedicated to unrivalled sustainability, quality, service and support for industry and manufactures over 400 products that are distributed worldwide. www.cortecvci.com

January-February 2023 • MechChem Africa ¦ 35