As hundreds of aircraft remain grounded owing to plummeting air travel demand amid pandemic restrictions, the question arising is how airlines can preserve as much value as possible, while high-dollar assets sit idle for an indefinite period.

To address this critical need, corrosion solution provider Cortec Corporation has designed an aircraft preservation guide based on the practical advantages of vapour phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI) technology.This technology protects by forming a molecular corrosion inhibiting layer on metal surfaces to which it is directly applied (contact-phase protection).

In many cases, it also encompasses vapour phase action. This is when vapour phase corrosion inhibitors diffuse through the air to deliver protection to all exposed metal surfaces within a void space, even those to which they are not directly applied.

This is particularly useful for airplane internals such as cockpits, baggage compartments, passenger seating areas, and electronic systems, where VpCI molecules can be used to condition entire enclosures with a protective atmosphere.

VpCI preservation does not require continuous monitoring and, in many cases, eliminates or reduces the need to remove preservation materials upon commissioning.

Cortec’s aircraft preservation guide recommends externally washing down jets and helicopters with VpCI-415 prior to layup. This flash-corrosion inhibiting cleaner conforms to Boeing D6-17487 Rev P and is also an MIL-PRF-87937D Qualified cleaner/degreaser.

After cleaning, VpCI additives should be added to fuel tanks, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems. VpCI-111 Emitters, VpCI-308 Pouches, and VpCI-337 fogging fluid should be applied in electronic systems, and engines, respectively.

Some components, such as engines, may also benefit from shrink-wrapping in VpCI-126 HP UV, with VpCI dosed into the flow path. A temporary coating such as VpCI-369D will provide lubrication and corrosion protection for moveable joints such as wing flaps, ailerons, door hinges, and landing gear.

Cortec also suggests biological odour control solutions in the form of biological industrial cleaning provider Bionetix International’s ECO-SEP and PORTA-TREAT for toilet and holding tank systems.

Cortec Corporation is on call to answer customers’ preservation questions and assist in design- ing practical, effective, and user-friendly preservation methods.