Cortec VpCI® 338 VpCI® 338 SC for Indoor Corrosion Prevention

Cortec VpCI-338 is a ready-to-use, water-based corrosion inhibitor specifically designed for indoor applications. It employs advanced vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI) technology, which means the active ingredients vaporize and then condense on all exposed metal surfaces within an enclosed space, forming a protective, invisible molecular layer that actively prevents rust and other forms of corrosion. This unique mechanism ensures protection even in hard-to-reach areas where traditional methods might struggle.

Unlike some contact-only inhibitors, Cortec VpCI-338 utilizes vapor phase technology. This means that while direct contact is effective, the vapor components are released into the air, traveling and condensing on all metal surfaces, even those not directly sprayed or coated. This ensures a comprehensive, self-healing protective barrier, particularly beneficial for complex geometries or enclosed spaces.

Cortec VpCI-338 is particularly effective for safeguarding ferrous metals, such as steel, as well as aluminium and tin-plated steels. It provides excellent multi-metal protection, making it a versatile choice for a variety of metal components and assemblies found in indoor environments.

Yes, a handy feature of Cortec VpCI-338 is its ability to also function as a mild cleaner and degreaser. This dual-purpose capability can streamline processes, especially in environments like food processing where both cleanliness and corrosion prevention are crucial.

One of the key benefits of Cortec VpCI-338 is that it leaves behind a very thin, virtually undetectable, and self-healing protective film on the metal surfaces. This means that protected items are typically ready for immediate use without the need for additional cleaning or degreasing, saving valuable time and effort.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec Ecoline ELP 19ltr Pail Drums
• Cortec BioCorr 19ltr Biodegradable Rust Preventative
• Cortec VpCI-377 19ltr Rust Preventative
• Cortec VpCI-337 19ltr Corrosion Inhibitor Coating

Cortec VpCI-338 is widely used for protecting coils, stacks, and sheets of metal. It's particularly effective for edge treating, as its vapor action can penetrate interior surfaces susceptible to moisture attack. It's also excellent for fogging the interiors of various containers, such as rail cars, truck trailers, and even rooms, to provide temporary but effective protection for stored metal.

For most applications, Cortec VpCI-338 is applied as a fine mist, sprayed uniformly onto the surfaces requiring protection, especially on laps and edges of metal stacks. Its unique vapor action then takes over, penetrating and safeguarding interior surfaces. It can be applied using conventional manual or automated spray equipment.

Absolutely! Cortec VpCI-338 is quite versatile and can be applied in-process. It's often used between pickling and cold rolling, and also after temper rolling, quenching, drawing, stamping, slitting, wet stacking, and even hydrotesting, providing continuous protection throughout various manufacturing steps.

Indeed, the vapor phase action of VpCI-338 makes it ideal for protecting intricate equipment internals, complex assemblies, and hard-to-reach cavities where direct application of other rust preventatives might be challenging or impossible. The vapors reach all surfaces within an enclosed space.

By providing immediate and long-lasting protection without the need for degreasing or stripping, Cortec VpCI-338 significantly reduces labor time and associated costs. It minimizes rework, reduces rejects due to rust, and streamlines operations, ultimately leading to improved product quality and extended equipment life.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-325 Corrosion Protection Liquid
• Cortec CorShield VpCI-369 19ltr Pail
• Cortec CorShield VpCI-368 19ltr Outdoor Corrosion Protection Coating
• Cortec VpCI-423 EcoAir 14oz (400ml) Aerosol Cans - Biodegradable Rust Removal Spray
• Cortec VpCI-414 19ltr Cleaner Degreaser

Yes, Cortec VpCI-338 is perfectly suited for temporary protection of metal during shipping and storage indoors. When used to fog the interiors of containers or applied to packaged goods, its vapor action creates a protective atmosphere, ensuring items remain rust-free until they reach their destination or are ready for use.

A major advantage of Cortec VpCI-338 is that the protective layer it forms does not typically require removal. Protected parts are ready for immediate use, and the film does not usually interfere with subsequent processes like welding or painting, which again contributes to time and cost savings.

While specific shelf life can vary, Cortec VpCI-338, when stored in its original sealed container under recommended conditions, generally maintains its effectiveness for a considerable period. Always refer to the product data sheet for the most precise information, but it's designed for stable storage.

The duration of protection from Cortec VpCI-338 for indoor storage depends on several factors, including the sealed nature of the environment, ambient humidity, and initial application. However, it is designed to provide long-lasting protection, often for extended periods, especially when used within an enclosed space where its vapor action can effectively saturate the atmosphere.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-126 HP UV Blue Shrink Film Rolls
• Daubert Cromwell MasterShield VCI Paper Rolls
• Daubert Cromwell Premium Metal Guard VCI Heat Shrink Film Rolls
• Daubert Cromwell Premium MetalGuard VCI Film Rolls
• Daubert Cromwell Metalguard VCI Bags

Yes, Cortec VpCI-338 has been consistently successful in providing excellent protection even in challenging conditions such as wet stack and high humidity testing. Its vapor phase inhibitors are specifically designed to address these moisture-prone environments.

For optimal performance and storage, Cortec VpCI-338 should be kept from freezing, with recommended storage temperatures typically not exceeding 60°C (140°F) and not going below 1°C (34°F). It's best to keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.

Yes, all grades of cold and hot-rolled steel, aluminium, tinplate, and precoated steels can be effectively treated with Cortec VpCI-338 for corrosion prevention.

No, the thin, self-healing film deposited by Cortec VpCI-338 does not affect the welding process on the treated metal surfaces, allowing for seamless integration into manufacturing workflows.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec BioCorr EcoAir Anti-Rust Coating Spray
• Cortec VpCI-377 EcoAir 14oz (400ml) Aerosol Cans
• Cortec VpCI-337 EcoAir 14oz (400ml) Aerosol Cans

Cortec VpCI-338 is a waterborne product, which generally makes it a more environmentally sound choice compared to traditional oil-based rust preventatives. Cortec, as a company, emphasizes the development of products that are useful, non-hazardous to the environment, and often recyclable.

Cortec VpCI-338 is formulated without chromates, other heavy metals, phosphates, or chlorinated hydrocarbons. This reflects Cortec's commitment to providing environmentally acceptable and safer corrosion protection solutions.

While Cortec VpCI-338 is designed with safety in mind as a waterborne product, it is always prudent to consult the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information on handling and recommended PPE. Generally, good industrial hygiene practices, including adequate ventilation, and wearing eye protection and gloves, are advised.

Yes, based on its ingredients, Cortec VpCI-338 is accepted for use on steel or tinplate in food packaging by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under CFR 21, §178.3300. Its ingredients are also accepted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use on packaging material in indirect contact with meat and poultry food products, which is a significant assurance for certain applications.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-126 Gusset Bags
• Cortec VpCI-126 Zip Lock Bags
• Cortec VpCI-126 Vacuum Bags
• Cortec VpCI-126 Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor Film Rolls
• Cortec VpCI-126 Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor VpCI Gusset Bags

In the event of a spill, it's recommended to absorb the spill with inert material, such as sand or earth, and dispose of it as waste material in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Non-salvageable liquid should be contained and disposed of properly. Always refer to the SDS for comprehensive spill response procedures.

Cortec VpCI-338 is typically described as having no added fragrance and a low odor threshold. While any spray application should ideally be performed in a well-ventilated area, it's not known for producing strong or offensive fumes.

Cortec VpCI-338 offers several advantages over traditional oil-based rust preventatives. Being waterborne, it's generally cleaner to work with, environmentally friendlier, and eliminates the messy removal steps often associated with oils. Crucially, its vapor phase action provides comprehensive protection to all surfaces, including hard-to-reach internal areas, which can be a limitation for contact-only oils.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec VpCI-326 Top Tier Corrosion Inhibitor Oil
• Cortec Eco-Spray VpCI-325 16 fl oz (473 ml) Bottles - General Purpose Corrosion Protection Spray
• Nox-Rust Transit Coatings
• Cortec M-529 Oil-Based Corrosion Inhibitors

While desiccants absorb moisture, Cortec VpCI-338 actively inhibits corrosion by forming a protective molecular layer. In many enclosed indoor storage scenarios, the vapor phase protection of VpCI-338 can offer a more proactive and comprehensive solution, often eliminating the sole need for desiccants, though synergistic use might be considered in extremely challenging environments.

Yes, Cortec VpCI-338 is highly compatible with other Cortec VpCI products, including VpCI papers and films. Using them in conjunction can create a multi-layered, synergistic protection system, particularly for packaged goods, enhancing overall corrosion prevention during storage and transit.

While Cortec VpCI-338 is primarily a preventative measure, its VpCI molecules can help to passivate existing rust and prevent further corrosion. However, for severely rusted items, pre-cleaning and rust removal may be necessary before applying VpCI-338 for effective long-term protection.

Cortec VpCI-338 is designed for indoor and enclosed applications. For outdoor exposure or situations requiring a more robust, long-term barrier coating that withstands direct weather elements, other Cortec products or alternative corrosion prevention methods specifically engineered for such environments might be more appropriate.

Relevant products you may want to consider:

• Cortec CorShield VpCI-369 Outdoor Corrosion Inhibitor Spray
• Cortec CorShield VpCI-368 Outdoor Corrosion Protection Spray

Businesses in the UK can reliably source Cortec VpCI-338 from authorised distributors like Valdamark Direct, who specialise in supplying a range of high-performance packaging and corrosion prevention solutions.