Anti-Corrosion Packaging
Corrosion Prevention Information
Corrosion is a term that refers to the gradual wearing away of metal through the electrochemical process of oxidation (or rusting). This condition readily occurs while products made from metals and alloys are in transit or storage if not properly protected.
Iron and other steels are made from natural occurring Iron Oxide. Steel is an alloy of iron made by combining iron, carbon and other trace elements. Rust is actually Iron Oxide that is created on the surface of iron or steel by an electrochemical process that occurs when the metal is in the presence of water and oxygen. The water-oxygen combination forms a thin film of electrolytes on the surface of the metal. The electrolyte film causes an electrical circuit to be completed that allows the metal to exchange electrons and revert back to its natural state or Iron Oxide. This electrolyte film is formed when a critical humidity level is reached. For iron the critical level is 60% relative humidity, (in unpolluted atmospheres). Temperature, pollutants and deposits on the surface all play in the process. The resulting corrosion that occurs causes wide spread damage to products ranging from cosmetic blemishes to severe surface degradation. The effects can also cause non-performing contact points on electrical components. $300 billion dollars is spent by US industries every year combating the formation of or cleaning oxidation from products made from iron and its alloys. Prevention is the least expensive method of combating corrosion damage. The cost of protective packaging is many times less than the cost to clean and remove rust once a product is at the customers site. The general rule is to maintain less than 40% relative humidity to keep oxidation to a minimum.
What Are VCI’s?
VCI stands for volatile corrosion inhibitor which is actually a formulation of elements that act to prevent volatile corrosive gasses from reaching a metal surface. Examples of those gasses are oxygen, moisture vapor, and hydrogen sulfide which are abundant in the atmosphere. VCI chemistry works at the molecular level. VCI molecules will condense onto a metal surface and form a protective layer that insulates the metal from corrosion-causing contaminants.
How VpCI’s Work
VpCI stands for Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibitor. This is a type of volatile corrosion inhibitor whose molecules migrate out of a source material and vaporize into the surrounding atmosphere. When the vaporization occurs inside of a sealed package a high concentration of VpCI molecules conditions the interior atmosphere of that package for metal preservation. Metals attract VpCI molecules to their surfaces where a reaction takes place that coats the metal surfaces with a one molecule thick layer of VpCI molecules. This coating of molecules prevents corrosion causing elements, such as moisture or salts, from contacting the metal surfaces and thus prevents corrosion. The VpCI molecules are small and highly attracted to metals. They will maneuver around other substances such as salts, oxygen, and water to reach the metal’s surface. Thus, pinholes and small rips in a cover will not greatly diminish the effectiveness of the VpCI chemistry if the air exchange between the interior of the cover and the exterior environment is limited. The diagram below illustrates how VpCI’s work inside of a barrier package.
BluGuard-VCI™
Anti-Corrosion Barrier Lamination With VpCI Technology (Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibiting Technology)
Description
BluGuard-VCI™ is a three layer, 5 mil structure that sandwiches a foil barrier layer between an outer layer of clear PET and an inner sealant layer of VCI impregnated film. Bluguard-VCI™ is a unique product because it is the only corrosion inhibiting structure that employs a foil barrier layer to trap its VpCI chemistry inside of a package or cover. The VpCI chemistry that is trapped in the sealed environment by the foil barrier layer remains in high concentrations for extended periods of time (multiple years under proper conditions) because no gas exchange between the external environment and internal package environment takes place.
Application
BluGuard-VCI™ is designed to provide exceptional long-term protection from corrosion to ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It is an excellent material choice for crate and carton liners, small part preservation pouches, large equipment export and storage covers or any other application requiring long term asset preservation. It also provides excellent draw-down characteristics for vacuum packaging applications. For outdoor storage applications use the heavy duty, UV stabilized BluGuard-VCI-Outdoor™ anti-corrosion lamination.
 Three Dimensional Bag |
 Vacuum Packed Pallet Load |
 Flat Pouch |
Features
- Protects ferrous and nonferrous metals
- Flexible, heat-sealable (vacuum-sealable)
- MVTR & OTR are both less than 0.003g/100 in2 /24hrs
- Utilizes Vapor-phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI) technology
- Sturdy medium duty structure providing ample tear and puncture resistance
- Provides excellent barrier properties to moisture vapor, oxygen and other gasses
- Eliminates the need for costly desiccants while providing complete corrosion protection
- Can be fitted with a one-way vacuum valve for the removal of harmful elements in an airtight cover system or package
NOTE: These values are typical for this structure and should not be construed as performance specifications.
Packaging & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place until ready for use. To obtain optimum performance from roll stock or converted items it is best to leave the BluGuard product wrapped as it was received.
Available Configurations
- Pouches
- Bags
- Covers
- Liners
- Single Wound Roll Stock
- Edge-Sealed V-Sheeting on rolls
- Large Blankets
- Continuous edge-sealed tubing
Limited Warranty
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based upon tests that Heritage Packaging believes to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed.
Heritage Packaging warrants that its products will be free from defects when shipped to customer. Heritage Packaging’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to replacement of product that proves to be defective. To obtain replacement product under this warranty, the customer must notify Heritage Packaging, in writing, of the claimed defect within three months after the shipment of product to customer. All freight charges for replacement products shall be paid by the customer.
Heritage Packaging, having no control over the use of its products shall have no liability for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of or the inability to use its products.
BEFORE USING, USER SHALL DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT FOR ITS INTENDED USE AND USER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY WHATSOEVER IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. No representation or recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in a written document signed by an officer of Heritage Packaging.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO CASE SHALL HERITAGE PACKAGING BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
BluGuard-VCI-OutDoor™
For Long Term Outdoor Storage and Preservation Applications
Anti-Corrosion Barrier Lamination With VpCI Technology (Vapor Phase Corrosion Inhibiting Technology)
Description
This unique structure uses an outer layer of PET to cover a layer of ultra-violet inhibiting cross laminated HDPE film, foil, and a sealant layer of VpCI (vapor phase corrosion inhibitor) impregnated PE film. This multi-layered, high performance, laminated structure was developed to meet the demands of the harshest environments such as “on-deck” export shipping and long term outdoor storage. It offers superb puncture and tear resistance while also providing excellent moisture vapor and oxygen barriers. The anti-corrosion protection provided is unmatched by any other barrier lamination available. The foil barrier layer prevents the VpCI chemistry from escaping the sealed package, thereby drastically increasing the preservation properties of the package.
Application
BluGuard-VCI-Outdoor is designed to yield unmatched controlled environment protection for moisture and oxygen-sensitive metal parts. Its tough cross laminated HDPE layer makes it the right material choice for use in harsh environments such as long term outdoor storage and export shipment of large equipment and other valuable assets. While the cross laminated HDPE layer lends unmatched puncture and tear resistance, its UV inhibiting properties ensure that the material will not be degraded by exposure to sunlight. Results from accelerated testing show that BluGuard-VCI-Outdoor will prevent corrosion on properly packaged assets for many years in adverse climates and harsh outdoor conditions. BluGuard-VCI-Outdoor will withstand temperatures to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Features
- Protects ferrous and nonferrous metals
- Flexible, heat-sealable (vacuum-sealable)
- High degree of puncture and tear resistance
- MVTR & OTR are both less than 0.003g/100 in2 /24hrs
- Utilizes Vapor-phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI) technology
- Provides excellent barrier properties to moisture vapor, oxygen and other gasses
- Eliminates the need for costly desiccants while providing complete corrosion protection
- Can be fitted with a one-way vacuum valve for the removal of harmful elements in an airtight cover system or package
NOTE: These values are typical for this structure and should not be construed as performance specifications.
Packaging & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place until ready for use. To obtain optimum performance from roll stock or converted items it is best to leave the BluGuard product wrapped as it was received.
Available Configurations
- Pouches
- Bags
- Covers
- Liners
- Single Wound Roll Stock
- Edge-Sealed V-Sheeting on rolls
- Large Blankets
- Continuous edge-sealed tubing
Limited Warranty
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based upon tests that Heritage Packaging believes to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed.
Heritage Packaging warrants that its products will be free from defects when shipped to customer. Heritage Packaging’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to replacement of product that proves to be defective. To obtain replacement product under this warranty, the customer must notify Heritage Packaging, in writing, of the claimed defect within three months after the shipment of product to customer. All freight charges for replacement products shall be paid by the customer.
Heritage Packaging, having no control over the use of its products shall have no liability for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of or the inability to use its products.
BEFORE USING, USER SHALL DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF THE PRODUCT FOR ITS INTENDED USE AND USER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY WHATSOEVER IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. No representation or recommendation not contained herein shall have any force or effect unless in a written document signed by an officer of Heritage Packaging.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO CASE SHALL HERITAGE PACKAGING BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Other VCI Films & Accessories
Heritage Packaging realizes the divergent needs of our customers. Thus we offer a full line of anti-corrosion products from many Industry Leading VCI Companies such as Grofit Plastics, Northern Technologies, Caliburn Industries and Cortec. Heritage Packaging converts films from many of these businesses into various cover configurations and other products. Additionally, we utilize emitters and other accessories in our larger covers and shrouds.
Critical Spares Part Preservation Pouches
VpCI Technology Ensures 100% Part Protection In Any Environment
Featuring BluGuard-VCI™ Anti-Corrosion Barrier Laminations
BluGuard-VCI™ Laminations employ an aluminum foil layer buried in the laminate structure that provides unmatched barrier properties against gaseous and vaporous permeation. Through the utilization of a VpCI impregnated film as the sealant layer and the foil layer in the lamination, harmful external moisture and oxygen are blocked from entering a sealed package while the protective VpCI chemistry is indefinitely held inside the sealed package.
Unlike other VCI films BluGuard-VCI™ Films readily release gaseous VpCI chemistry from sub-zero temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This gaseous chemistry reacts with all metal surfaces regardless of material to metal surface contact. Thus expensive preservation techniques such as grease coating and consequent cleaning are avoided.
Part Preservation Pouches Are Available In Any Size or Format, With Any Closure or Quantity and Available with Vacuum Fitments.
Also Inquire About:
- Machine Run, Flat, Three Seal, Barrier Pouches
- Three Dimensional Box and Carton Liners
- Side Gussetted Barrier Bags
- Contoured, Platten Sealed Barrier Bags
- Air-Tight Zip-Track and PSA Closures