PRESS RELEASE: Cortec® Awarded Patent for Innovative Fire Sprinkler Corrosion Mitigation Technology!

Cortec® is pleased to announce its newest US patent for corrosion mitigation inside dry sprinkler systems!
While sprinklers are designed to fight fire, they themselves are at elevated risk for corrosion during their service life. Sprinkler corrosion problems are serious enough that National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards for sprinklers call for corrosion risk evaluation at installation and periodic corrosion monitoring thereafter.* Cortec
® has developed its patented sprinkler protection process as a simple, cost-effective solution to this problem.

A Practical Solution for Hard-to-Reach Void Spaces
Cortec’s patent covers a comprehensive system of protection that relies on Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors (VpCI® or VCI). This technology does not require the direct application of the corrosion inhibitors to every metal surface that needs protection. Rather, the vapor pressure of the corrosion inhibitors, delivered in powder or fluid form, will allow them to vaporize and disperse throughout the piping voids to access even difficult to reach spaces. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors are attracted to metal surfaces, where they adsorb in a protective layer that interferes with the normal corrosion reaction fostered by the presence of oxygen and an electrolyte (e.g., residual water). These Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors are able to work in both the liquid phase and the vapor phase, allowing them to protect both wet and dry surfaces within the pipe.

Customizable Application Options
At least two methods of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor application exist. One option is to use VpCI® fogging fluid to deliver the corrosion inhibitors immediately through the dry pipes. The other employs more gradual vapor dispersion by placing dry Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in a housing connected to a pressurized air system that constantly circulates the protective vapors through the piping. This comprehensive system also includes efficacy monitoring methods such as corrosion coupons or sensors.

Benefits of Cortec® Patented Fire Sprinkler Protection
The primary benefit of Cortec’s fire sprinkler protection system is the mitigation of corrosion inside dry sprinkler pipes, helping the sprinklers last longer with less likelihood of failure. This significantly reduces the risk of leakage and clogging due to corrosion, in turn reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming repairs or pipe replacements. At the same time, the system is easy to install, requires little to no maintenance, and is economical and effective. These benefits are a huge advantage over traditional nitrogen purge, which can be expensive and difficult to maintain, and for which failure is not uncommon.

Another Example of Corrosion Technology Leadership
Cortec® strives to be a leader in developing practical solutions for corrosion needs in all industries. This fire sprinkler corrosion mitigation system is an excellent example of how Cortec® has provided a cost-effective, comprehensive, groundbreaking solution that departs from the status quo. It is an important technology to consider as an effective alternative to traditional protection processes that can easily fail or be difficult to maintain. Contact Cortec® to learn more about this exciting cost-effective sprinkler maintenance technology: https://www.cortecvci.com/contact-us/

Keywords: fire sprinkler corrosion, US patents, Cortec, corrosion mitigation, fire sprinklers, fire sprinkler protection, NFPA, National Fire Protection Agency, fire sprinkler maintenance, nitrogen purge alternatives

For a PDF version please click here.

NEWS ALERT: Meet Luke Stone – Our Newest Technical Service Engineer!

We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our product technical support staff! Luke Stone joined the Cortec® Technical Service team in November, bringing with him a technical background and an eagerness to help people.

Luke received a B.Sc. in Science Education from UWStout with majors in Education and Chemistry and a minor in Environmental Science. He has worked in the fields of education, transportation, and construction. Now turning his focus to the corrosion control sector, Luke says, “I’m most interested in helping to create a more sustainable future. Less corrosion means less need for replacement and repair, benefiting both our clients and the environment they live in.”

Luke is determined to learn as much as he can to become a strong communication link and use creativity and levelheaded problem-solving to help Cortec® clients arrive at the best solution for their needs. His focus areas will be Cortec® Water Treatment, Coatings, and MCI®. Join us in welcoming him to the team!

Luke Stone, Technical Service Engineer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-429-1100 Ext. 1189

Keywords: Cortec, Cortec Technical Service, sustainable future, corrosion protection, corrosion control, corrosion problem solving, Cortec Water
Treatment, Cortec Coatings, Cortec MCI

For a PDF version please click here.