Cortec VpCI®-418 L / VpCI®-418 LM Cleaner & Degreaser
Cortec VpCI®-418 L / VpCI®-418 LM Cleaner & Degreaser
Stock TBD
Couldn't load pickup availability
- International Delivery
- Bulk Buying Discounts
- Best-in-Class Products
This VpCI® is a formidable, heavy-duty alkaline cleaner and degreaser. It doesn’t foam. These exceptional solutions have been tailored for the cleaning of machinery through power-washing and high-pressure spraying.
VpCI 418L & 418LM effectively circumvents the disposal challenges frequently linked with conventional phosphate-based cleaners. A remarkable attribute of these formulations is the inclusion of specialised inhibitors, thoughtfully integrated to safeguard metal components against post-cleaning corrosion.
Notably, VpCI® 418L & 418LM displays an unparalleled aptitude for eliminating difficult deposits, heavy hydrocarbons, tenacious greases, resilient drawing, and buffing compounds, as well as persistent mill and machinery oils.
Features
These advanced cleaning solutions go above and beyond to cater to a range of industrial and commercial needs.
- Nitrite-Free: One of the standout features of these formulations is their nitrite-free composition, ensuring an environmentally friendly approach to cleaning while maintaining the highest standards of performance.
- Preservation of Paint Adhesion: The excellence of these inhibitors lies in their ability to clean without compromising the adhesion qualities of painted surfaces. This ensures that the aesthetic and protective aspects of painted equipment remain intact even after cleaning.
- Compatibility with Diverse Materials: Offering versatility in application, these solutions are safe to use on glass and most plastics, providing a convenient and efficient solution for various surfaces without causing any damage or deterioration.
- Minimal Foam Formation: A unique feature of these formulations is their non-foaming nature, ensuring a clear and hassle-free cleaning process. This feature becomes particularly advantageous when dealing with sensitive equipment or in situations where excess foam is undesirable.
- Residue-Free Performance: In the case of the 418LM, its specialised formulation is silicate-free and guarantees a residue-free finish after cleaning. This leaves surfaces immaculate and free from any unwanted deposits.
- Industrial Cleaning Powerhouse: Engineered for heavy-duty applications, these two are the ultimate solutions for equipment used in commercial, marine, industrial, oil field industry. Their robust formulations are tailored to tackle the most stubborn deposits and contaminants.
- Adaptability to Varied Cleaning Methods: These formulations are designed to excel in a variety of cleaning processes in power washers, spray washers in high-pressure and high-agitation washers for parts. This adaptability ensures that the products can be seamlessly integrated into existing cleaning setups.
- Safety and Environmental Considerations: VpCI® 418 L/LM boast the crucial advantages of being non-flammable and free from nitrites. This not only enhances their safety during application but also addresses disposal concerns often associated with traditional phosphate cleaners.
- Corrosion Protection: These solutions are not just cleaners. They are protectors. By incorporating inhibitors, they offer robust post-cleaning corrosion protection for metal parts, extending the lifespan and reliability of equipment.
- Rigorous Deposit Removal: Their exceptional cleaning capabilities are evident in their ability to eliminate tough deposits. These include greases, heavy hydrocarbons, oils (in mill and machineries), and buffing compounds.
Benefits
- Effective Hydrocarbon Deposit Removal: VpCI® 418 L/LM offers an exceptional cleaning action and eliminates hydrocarbon deposits from various surfaces.
- Flash Rust Prevention: This solution goes beyond standard rust prevention by actively inhibiting the occurrence of flash rust, thus maintaining the integrity and appearance of surfaces exposed to moisture or adverse environmental conditions.
- Comprehensive Multi-metal Protection: With its advanced corrosion protection capabilities, VpCI®-418 L and LM safeguards a variety of metal types, ensuring that valuable equipment and assets remain shielded from corrosion-related damage, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing longevity.
Application
- Degreasing Machinery and Engine Blocks: VpCI® 418 L/LM is recommended for cleaning engine blocks, forgings and machineries, engine blocks coated with grease or oil deposits, effectively removing these contaminants and preparing the surfaces for further processing.
- Preparing Metal Surfaces for Painting or Pickling: This corrosion inhibitor can treat sheet metals with oily films. Other applications included preparing plate and metal castings. It assists in eliminating oily films and creating a suitable surface for subsequent treatments.
- Decontaminating Metal Parts: VpCI® 418 L/LM is employed for decontaminating metal parts exposed to compounds used in buffing, drawing and stamping. By removing these compounds, the solution helps restore the integrity of the metal parts.
- Pressure Washing and Cleaning: The corrosion inhibitor is employed in pressure washing applications. It aids in the cleaning process by effectively removing contaminants and residues from various metal surfaces. You can use VpCI® 418 L/LM with sprayers and power washers. However, it should be noted that its effectiveness relies on mechanical action.
Product Specifications (.PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
• What exactly is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM?
Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is a heavy-duty, alkaline cleaner and degreaser specifically formulated for tackling tough industrial grime. What makes it special is its non-foaming characteristic and the inclusion of corrosion inhibitors, ensuring your metal surfaces are not only clean but also protected after use.
• Is there a difference between Cortec VpCI-418 L and VpCI-418 LM?
Yes, there's a subtle but important distinction! Both are fantastic heavy-duty cleaners, but VpCI-418 LM is specifically designed to be silicate-free, which means it leaves behind absolutely no residue, giving you maximum surface cleanliness. VpCI-418 L, while excellent, may leave a slight film.
• What types of contaminants can Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM effectively remove?
This cleaner is a powerhouse when it comes to removing a variety of challenging deposits. Think heavy hydrocarbons, stubborn greases, drawing and buffing compounds that cling to surfaces, and even various mill and machinery oils. It's truly built for tough jobs.
• How does Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM stand out from typical degreasers on the market?
Unlike many conventional degreasers that just clean, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM offers a unique two-in-one benefit: it effectively cleans and provides multi-metal corrosion protection. Plus, it's non-flammable and nitrite-free, addressing common concerns with traditional chemical cleaners.
• Is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM suitable for use in high-pressure cleaning systems?
Absolutely! This product is specifically engineered for optimal performance in power washing machinery, high-agitation parts washers, and high-pressure spray washers. Its non-foaming nature is a huge advantage in these applications, preventing messy overflows.
Relevant products you may want to consider:
• What metals can be safely cleaned with Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM?
You can confidently use this cleaner on a wide range of common industrial metals. This includes carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, galvanized steel, brass (with less than 30% zinc content), and copper, providing versatile cleaning options.
• Does VpCI-418 L/LM leave any residue after cleaning?
VpCI-418 LM, in particular, is formulated to be silicate-free and leaves behind no residual film, which is crucial for applications where a perfectly clean surface is required, for instance, before painting. VpCI-4418 L is also non-residue forming and will not affect paint adhesion qualities.
• How should I dilute Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM for different cleaning tasks?
The dilution ratio depends on the cleaning intensity needed. For light cleaning, aim for a 5% concentration (around 6.4 ounces or 190ml per gallon/litre of water). Medium cleaning would be 10% (12.8 ounces or 380ml per gallon/litre), and for heavy-duty cleaning, you'll want to go up to 20% (25.6 ounces or 760ml per gallon/litre). Remember to always mix it thoroughly with water until fully dissolved.
• Can I use this product for cleaning engine blocks and other machinery components?
Yes, it's highly effective for machinery, including engine blocks or forgings, especially when they are coated with heavy grease or oil deposits. The powerful cleaning action makes light work of these stubborn contaminants.
• Is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM suitable for preparing metal surfaces before painting or pickling?
Definitely! It's an excellent choice for cleaning plate, sheet metal, and metal castings that have oily films, ensuring a clean and optimal surface for subsequent painting or pickling processes without affecting paint adhesion.
Relevant products you may want to consider:
• What's the best way to apply Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM for effective cleaning?
For optimal results, VpCI-418 L/LM should be applied using power washers and sprayers. It's important to remember that mechanical action is crucial for its effectiveness, so a good scrub or high-pressure spray will help it do its job.
• Can this degreaser be used to clean metal parts contaminated with stamping or buffing compounds?
Absolutely. Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is specifically formulated to remove challenging residues like stamping, drawing, and buffing compounds, making it ideal for cleaning parts in manufacturing and fabrication environments.
• What temperature range is recommended for using Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM?
For the best performance, it's recommended to use Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM in temperatures ranging from 95∘F to 160∘F (35∘C to 71∘C). This temperature range helps activate the cleaning agents for maximum efficacy.
• Can I use this product for steam cleaning applications?
Yes, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is suitable for steam cleaning. For this application, a dilution of 3-5% by weight in water is typically recommended.
• How long does the flash rust protection last after cleaning with VpCI-418 L/LM?
The integrated VpCI® technology in this cleaner is designed to prevent flash rust immediately after cleaning, providing temporary protection. While it doesn't offer long-term corrosion prevention, it buys you valuable time before applying a dedicated rust preventative coating or packaging.
Relevant products you may want to consider:
• What steps should I take after cleaning with VpCI-418 L/LM?
After cleaning, it's generally good practice to rinse the surfaces thoroughly. Since the product contains inhibitors, it will leave a protective layer to prevent flash rust, but for long-term protection, consider applying appropriate VpCI® packaging or coatings.
• Is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM environmentally friendly?
Yes, it's designed with environmental responsibility in mind. It is non-flammable and nitrite-free, and importantly, it doesn't present the same disposal problems often associated with traditional phosphate cleaners, making it a more eco-conscious choice.
• Does this product contain any nitrites or phosphates?
No, a key benefit of Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is that it is formulated without nitrites and also doesn't contain phosphates, which simplifies disposal and reduces environmental impact.
• Is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM safe to use on delicate surfaces like glass and plastics?
Absolutely! This cleaner is formulated to be safe for use on both glass and most types of plastics, ensuring you can clean a wide range of equipment components without worry of damage.
• Is the product non-flammable?
Yes, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is proudly non-flammable, which significantly enhances safety during storage, handling, and application, reducing fire risks in industrial environments.
Relevant products you may want to consider:
• What is the pH of Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM when diluted for use?
When diluted to a 1% aqueous solution, the pH of VpCI-418 L typically falls between 11-12, and VpCI-418 LM ranges from 10.0-10.5. These alkaline properties are crucial for its powerful cleaning and degreasing capabilities.
• How should I store Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM to ensure its effectiveness?
To maintain peak product performance, it's best to store Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM in its original, unopened packaging, indoors, and away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature range is 40−100∘F (4−38∘C).
• What is the shelf life of Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM?
When stored correctly under the recommended conditions, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM boasts a generous shelf life of two years, ensuring you have ample time to utilize the product effectively.
• Can Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM help prevent flash rust after cleaning?
Yes, this is one of its standout features! The VpCI® (Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor) technology integrated into the cleaner actively works to prevent flash rust from forming on freshly cleaned metal surfaces, which is a common problem with many other degreasers.
• Is this cleaner effective for rust removal, or just for preventing flash rust?
Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is primarily a cleaner and degreaser with flash rust prevention properties. While it cleans thoroughly, it's not designed as a dedicated rust remover. For existing rust, you would typically use a separate rust removal product, then follow up with VpCI-418 L/LM for cleaning and flash rust protection.
Relevant products you may want to consider:
• In what industries is Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM commonly used?
Given its heavy-duty cleaning and corrosion inhibiting properties, it's widely used across various sectors including industrial manufacturing, oil fields, commercial applications, and marine environments. It’s ideal for maintaining a wide range of equipment.
• Does this product inhibit paint adhesion on surfaces after cleaning?
No, quite the opposite! One of the key features of Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is that it will not negatively affect the paint adhesion qualities of surfaces, making it a reliable choice for pre-painting preparation.
• Can it be used on galvanised steel without causing damage?
Yes, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is safe and effective for cleaning galvanized steel, alongside other common industrial metals, without causing any adverse reactions or damage to the galvanized coating.
• Is VpCI-418 L/LM suitable for cleaning large industrial equipment or smaller parts?
It's versatile enough for both! Whether you're power washing a massive piece of industrial machinery or using a high-agitation parts washer for smaller components, Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM performs effectively in both scenarios.
• Where can I purchase Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM in the UK?
You can purchase Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM cleaner/degreaser directly from Valdamark Direct, who are a reputable supplier of Cortec VpCI® products in the UK. They offer it in various sizes, including 5-gallon pails and 55-gallon drums.
• Does Valdamark Direct offer technical support for this product?
As a trusted distributor of Cortec products, Valdamark Direct typically provides comprehensive product information and can assist with technical inquiries, ensuring you have the support needed for successful application.
• What packaging sizes are available for Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM?
Cortec VpCI-418 L/LM is conveniently available in 5-gallon (19-liter) pails and larger 55-gallon (208-liter) drums, as well as liquid totes and bulk options, catering to a range of industrial needs and consumption levels.
