How to keep your parts in good condition with In-Process Corrosion Protection - Part 1 of 2-

What is the storage protection period?

Let’s look at storage periods and the common options for each under indoor storage conditions:

Up to 3 months protection period

In many cases, residual metal cutting fluid or forming compounds from upstream operations may suffice as the protective medium if parts are to be stored only during weekends or relatively short periods of downtime. The caveats for use of these fluids as corrosion protectants are partly based on composition:

• Chlorinated lubricants may not protect as well as chlorine-free materials
• Low operating concentration of water mixable lubricants may not provide sufficient protection
• Contamination of the fluid, and consequently the residual film with dirt or biological growth may render it unsuitable for protection

The lubricant supplier should be able to advise on applicability of their product based on its chemistry and your plant’s process and lube maintenance practices. If residual lubricant is not suitable, parts must be cleaned prior to storage.

In a single stage spray or soak cleaning system, a well-chosen cleaner may be suitable for short term protection if the cleaning solution is consistently filtered or otherwise maintained in a dirt and oil free condition. FUCHS US water based solutions include RENOCLEAN 102 LK 6, RENOCLEAN 6513 RP, and RENOCLEAN  9009, among others.
 
RENOCLEAN OL 5 MS is a good oil based dual cleaning / corrosion protection option.
 
Two stage cleaning systems provide additional options. The simplest is to use the same material for both cleaning and corrosion protection, where Stage 1 does the cleaning and accumulates the dirt and oil load, and Stage 2 stays relatively clean and provides the protective film. Alternatively, Stage 1 contains the cleaning solution, and Stage 2 contains a water based corrosion protection that leaves a nearly imperceptible protective film such as synthetic oil free fluid ANTICORIT AQ 1961 or light oil film emulsion fluids such as ANTICORIT OS 5200.
 
Light duty solvent or oil based corrosion protectants may be used but are not common for short term storage. While more effective as protectants, they are also generally higher cost options compared to water based products.
 
Regardless of the chosen product type for protection, parts must be clean at time of application, and thoroughly dry before storage. Residual dirt or contaminating oil will interrupt the protective film, and wet parts will aggressively drive corrosion reactions.