Cortec extends boiler protection portfolio
Cortec has expanded its corrosion‑control portfolio into the food and beverage sector with the launch of VpCI Chameleon, a new wet layup solution designed specifically for boilers whose steam may come into contact with edible products.
The technology, which carries NSF G6 certification (Reg. #172647), marks a significant step in bringing simplified, low‑risk corrosion protection to food manufacturing environments where chemical safety is paramount.
For decades, Cortec’s Boiler Lizard has been widely used for dry layup in industrial boilers. VpCI Chameleon now brings similar convenience to wet layup—an increasingly important need in food plants where steam systems are frequently cycled on and offline due to fluctuating production schedules or backup‑boiler requirements.
Corrosion control in food‑processing boilers presents unique challenges. Any treatment chemistry must not compromise food safety, yet idle boilers remain highly vulnerable to corrosion, tube pitting, clogging and water “poisoning” that can disrupt operations and shorten equipment life.
VpCI Chameleon is formulated to protect boilers during downtime without introducing contaminants into steam that may contact food. By maintaining corrosion protection throughout the entire wet layup period, the product helps ensure that boilers can be restarted quickly and safely whenever production demands shift.
Conventional wet layup typically requires operators to monitor boiler water several times a week, adjusting sulfite and caustic levels to maintain protection. This labour‑intensive process is often neglected, increasing the risk of corrosion damage.
Cortec positions VpCI Chameleon as a step‑change improvement. The product does not require frequent monitoring or reapplication and remains effective regardless of oxygen ingress levels. Its dual vapour‑phase and contact‑phase inhibitors protect metal surfaces below the waterline, above the waterline and at the air/water interface — areas where corrosion often begins.
At the end of the layup period, boilers treated with VpCI Chameleon do not need to be drained, enabling faster return to service and reducing downtime.
Uncontrolled corrosion in idle boilers can lead to high iron levels that neutralise water‑treatment chemistries, tube thinning, leaks and costly repairs. For food processors operating under tight production windows, these failures can cause significant operational disruption.
Cortec argues that investing in corrosion protection during layup delivers both immediate and long‑term value by extending boiler life, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring steam availability when needed.
