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VAPOROL - Frequently Asked Questions
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To
begin with, work on one litre per cubic metre of space to be protected
(0.1% by volume). If fuel, lubricating or hydraulic oil is present,
(eg. in fuel tanks, hydraulic systems, engines, etc), add an extra
5% Vaporol based on the volume of the oil or fuel.
-
Do protected spaces need to be
completely sealed?
No.
It is only necessary that the space should be 'enclosed' to minimise
loss of protective vapour. Examples of an 'enclosed' area would be
a fuel tank (with the cap on), engine cylinders and crankcases, axle
housings, packing cases and similar.
- How
long does protection last?
This
will depend on the conditions and degree of enclosure. To give guidelines:
engines have been found to be corrosion-free after five years of storage,
and in laboratory tests, mild steel test pieces are still in perfect
condition after ten years at 100% relative humidity.
This
depends on the circumstances. For example, Vaporol is best sprayed
or fogged into voids such as fuel or storage tanks. Although it is
not necessary to coat all the internal surfaces, it is advisable to
distribute the protective oil throughout the tank in such a way that
areas that do not receive a coating are as close as possible to the
areas that have been coated. In this way the vapours will quickly
diffuse from the coated to the uncoated areas to give protection.
Best results are achieved with complete surface coverage since Vaporol
contains 'contact' inhibitors as well as vapour phase inhibitors.
- Does
Vaporol leave a residue when burned?
No. Vaporol is
ashless in combustion. This means that there is no need to remove
Vaporol from the inside of engines or fuel tanks when they are put
into service or returned into service in the case of items that have
been laid up for long periods.
- Is Vaporol
compatible with other oils?
Generally, yes.
Mineral oils, vegetable oils and most synthetic oils are compatible.
Some speciality oils such as silicones, fluorocarbons or glycols may
be incompatible and should be tested.
- What effect
does Vaporol have on non-ferrous metals?
Vaporol gives
positive protection to aluminium and is neutral to most non-ferrous
metals. However, Vaporol vapours can cause discoloration on copper,
brasses, bronzes and zinc. This effect is generally only cosmetic
and does not cause structural damage. Consult Vapor-Tek and/or carry
out suitable tests if there is a suspected problem.
- What effect
does Vaporol have on non-metals?
As a general rule,
rubbers, plastics. polymers, and paints, etc, which are classed as
oil or solvent resistant, will be unaffected by Vaporol. If there
is any doubt, appropriate tests should be carried out - usually by
the supplier of the non-metal item. Hydrocarbon rubbers such as natural
rubber, SBR, EPDM, Buna and butyl rubber should be avoided.
- Can
Vaporol be used in conjunction with desiccants?
Yes. Many export
packers use both to preserve parts for deep sea transportation.
- Are there
any hazards associated with Vaporol?
Vaporol is not
classed as as hazardous for use or for transportation. However, users
should study the 'Health & Safety Data Sheet' carefully.
All materials are potentially dangerous - there are only non-hazardous
ways of using them.
- What is
the storage life of Vaporol?
When stored in
closed, preferably steel, containers, (for example, as received from
Vapor-Tek), the storage or 'shelf-life' under normal conditions of
storage is essentially indefinite.
- Does Vaporol
conform to any specifications?
Yes. It meets
the requirements of US specifications MIL-P-46002A (MR) and MIL-I-23310A
(AS). However, it has not actually been officially approved since
it has not been submitted to the US authorities. It has also been
tested according to Federal Test No. 101C, Method 4031, which it passes
with ease.
For
further information contact:
Dr
A R Parkinson
Vapor-Tek Limited, Fairclough Street, Bolton BL3 2AF.
Tel: +44 (0) 1204 521795. Fax: +44 (0) 1204 364576.
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