The Client
Rayne Precision Engineering Ltd is an engineering firm whose main business involves manufacturing parts from customer drawings – this can involve CNC machining of components, laser cutting, metal fabrication and welding. They also offer shot-blasting and powder coating services along with salt spray testing to ascertain how corrosion resistant customers’ metal parts are.
Around 15 years ago, Rayne won a contract to provide cleaning and leak testing services to a major supplier of “yellow goods” – machinery for the construction and agriculture sectors. The job involves thoroughly cleaning out hydraulic tanks and associated pipework. Any particles of rust or debris can wreak havoc in hydraulic systems, potentially damaging solenoid valves, control valves and pumps so Rayne’s job is to leave the inside of the tanks absolutely pristine and then carry out a test to ensure there are no leaks.
The Challenge
Following cleaning and testing, the tanks are returned to the client and are then stored outside – this can be for anything from a week to a couple of months. During that period, changes in temperature and humidity have the potential to cause condensation inside the tank which can then lead to the formation of rust which, in turn, could lead to particles in the system and potential damage. In order to complete the required service contract, Rayne needed to identify a product which would protect the cleaned, tested tanks from any corrosion starting during this period of storage exposed to the elements.
The Solution
The engineers looked into what products were available and decided to trial three different rust inhibitors. The most successful, by far, was a volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI) called Vaporol, made by Vapor-Tek. They carried out numerous tests to ensure that it gave the required level of corrosion protection and had an acceptable lifespan to allow for extended outdoor storage. This careful testing established that Vaporol was extremely reliable and completely effective at preventing metal corrosion in the system.
Since then Vaporol has been a vital part of the process – the hydraulic tanks are thoroughly cleaned to remove all residue and debris, then tested for leaks. Following this Vaporol is applied to the inside of the tank and all associated pipework. Its vapours immediately get to work, displacing any residual moisture and reaching all nooks and crannies within the system, inhibiting rust and ensuring everything remains in pristine, just-cleaned condition until it is put back into use.
The Benefits
Having relied on Vaporol for the last 15 years, Rayne Precision Engineering can continue to provide an excellent service to their client in full confidence that the system they have developed ensures their work is consistent and reliable and that once the systems are back with the client, they will remain in perfect condition until they are needed.
About Vapor-Tek
Vapor-Tek produces a range of high-performance corrosion preventatives from our premises in Bolton. As well as Vaporol, we offer a water-based Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI): Aquavap has all the benefits of Vaporol in an aqueous formulation, which can be rinsed away if required. Our contact corrosion inhibitor, Steelgard, is approved by the MoD and NATO and used by customers worldwide including Rolls Royce and JCB on diverse products from metal component parts to the nuclear submarine fleet.
Whatever your corrosion problem, we have a clean, simple and cost-effective product to prevent it. For friendly advice, further information or to place an order call Vapor-Tek today on 01204 521795 or e-mail colin@vapor-tek.co.uk
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