Cortec® Successfully Solves the Corrosion Conundrum of Hydrotesting

Date: 03/06/2025
Categorías: Casos de éxito
Photo: Conundrum of Hydrotesting

The VpCI®-649 Series from Cortec® offers a reliable and easy-to-use means of safeguarding your systems against corrosion—whether for short-term testing or long-term storage.

Hydrostatic testing is a vital procedure for verifying the structural integrity of pipes, valves, tanks, and vessels designed to carry various fluids, from water to crude oil. The very water used to detect leaks or weaknesses can also introduce corrosion risks, potentially undermining long-term performance. So, Cortec® offers a straightforward solution: simply dose the hydrotesting water with a corrosion inhibitor.

Cortec’s VpCI®-649 Series provides an effective and adaptable approach to preventing corrosion during and after hydrotesting. When added to hydrotest water, this inhibitor forms a protective film on metal surfaces in direct contact with the treated fluid. It also releases vapour-phase corrosion inhibitors that settle on exposed metal surfaces above the waterline, offering all-round protection.

A minimum dose of VpCI®-649 ensures corrosion protection throughout hydrotesting. Higher dosages can extend protection for up to six months—or even two years—after testing. The product is available with either a molybdate or PTSA tracer, which allows for easy concentration verification when reusing water for multiple test cycles. For applications involving potable water, VpCI®-649 HP meets ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certification for drinking water system components.

Having the right corrosion inhibitor is only the first step—effective use is just as crucial. The correct dosage must be confirmed based on water type and desired duration of protection. Each use case requires a tailored dosage to ensure full protection. Equally important are proper mixing and sufficient dwell time to allow the corrosion inhibitor to thoroughly treat internal surfaces.