New concept of corrosion protection in the presence of water: V-active VCI. Concept and application

Abstract

Purpose – This work describes test results that were obtained using a newly-developed type of organic inhibitor: V-active VCIs. The findings demonstrate that is possible to eliminate or reduce the oxidizing action of water, thereby extending the allowable time before painting after hydrojetting, and that the new corrosion inhibitor technology does not interfere with the final quality of paint adhesion. Design/methodology/approach – Metallic specimens were treated/washed by hydrojet (35000 Psi). It was employed as a 2 per cent V-active VCI SPH 1,712 water solution by dilution of the inhibitor in industrial water. Metal sample plates were examined after blasting and after subsequent drying, and were submitted to the paint adhesion tests, to evaluate the duration of temporary protection, oxidation prevention and influence on the adherence of paint (pull off). Findings – Using the V-active VCI proposed technology, it was possible to minimize or eliminate the oxidizing action of the water when the metal is exposed to the saline moisture in a closed environment, extending the acceptable time before painting without interference in the final quality of painting. Practical implications – The proposed technology allows to the area of prepared (wet blasted) steel surface to be increased during cleaning and preparation, thereby reducing labor and product costs, and reduces water consumption during the preparation process. Practical applications in the shipbuilding, ship maintenance and oil and gas production industries, include the preservation of internal tubes and pipes, protection during hydrostatic test processes and cleaning with water and corrosion prevention in diesel tanks contaminated with water. Originality/value – The intent of this paper is to present the obtained results for a new formulation of organic chemical inhibitors that use water medium as the application method. In addition to this property, this group of organic inhibitors maintains the property of volatile inhibitors. Thus, these compounds are generically known as V-active VCI.