Cortec® VpCI® Corrosion-Inhibiting Emitting Devices

ECORR Systems offers Cortec® VpCI® emitting devices for protecting metal components inside electrical enclosures, control panels, cabinets, toolboxes, packages, storage containers, and other enclosed spaces.

As an Authorized Cortec® Distributor, ECORR Systems provides emitter cups, impregnated foam devices, adhesive emitter tape, pouches, and biobased emitting materials. We can help select the appropriate device based on enclosure volume, metal types, ventilation, environmental exposure, equipment configuration, and required protection period.

Corrosion Protection for Enclosed Spaces

Humidity, condensation, salt, airborne contaminants, temperature changes, and long periods of inactivity can cause corrosion inside electrical cabinets, control boxes, instrument housings, storage containers, and packaged equipment.

Applying a conventional coating to every internal surface may be difficult or inappropriate, particularly around electrical contacts, connections, circuit boards, controls, and complex assemblies. Cortec® VpCI® emitting devices provide a compact way to introduce corrosion protection throughout a properly enclosed space.

How VpCI® Emitting Devices Work

Cortec® emitting devices release Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors into the surrounding enclosed atmosphere. The protective molecules diffuse through the space and adsorb onto accessible metal surfaces, forming a thin molecular layer that helps interrupt the corrosion process.

Because protection travels through the vapor phase, it can reach contacts, connectors, cavities, crevices, recessed areas, and complex components without requiring direct application to every surface.

Common Applications for VpCI® Emitters

• Electrical control panels
• Control boxes and junction boxes
• Switchgear and relay cabinets
• Motor-control centers
• Instrumentation enclosures
• Communication and signaling equipment
• Printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies
• Marine and offshore electrical equipment
• Traffic, utility, and outdoor control cabinets
• Toolboxes and storage cabinets
• Spare-parts packages and shipping containers
• Stored or seasonally operated equipment

Types of Cortec® Emitting Devices

Self-Adhesive Emitter Cups

Plastic emitter cups contain a concentrated source of VpCI® protected by a breathable membrane. Their self-adhesive construction allows them to be mounted inside compatible cabinets, control boxes, toolboxes, and equipment enclosures.

Impregnated Foam Devices

VpCI®-impregnated foam devices provide corrosion-inhibiting vapor from a lightweight substrate. They are useful in small enclosures, packages, compartments, and cabinets where a thin or flexible device is preferred.

Adhesive Foam Tape

VpCI® emitter tape can be cut to the length needed for an enclosure or package. Its adhesive backing allows placement along cabinet walls, package interiors, equipment housings, and other enclosed spaces where a standard emitter cup may not fit.

Corrosion-Inhibiting Pouches

Breathable pouches release VpCI® protection into sealed packages, containers, crates, and larger enclosed spaces. Product size and quantity should be matched to the internal volume of the package.

VpCI® and Desiccant Pouches

Combination products use a desiccant to help manage moisture while VpCI® technology protects accessible metal surfaces. These products may be useful when both humidity control and corrosion inhibition are required.

Biobased Emitting Devices

BioPad® is a flexible corrosion-inhibiting device made with a primarily biobased nonwoven substrate. Its thin construction provides concentrated VpCI® protection while reducing the amount of material used compared with some conventional foam emitters.

Common VpCI® Emitter Sizes

The correct emitter is selected primarily according to the volume of the enclosed space. Common Cortec® options include:

• VpCI®-101 Device: Protects an enclosure up to approximately 1 cubic foot.
• VpCI®-105 Emitter: Protects an enclosure up to approximately 5 cubic feet.
• VpCI®-111 Emitter: Protects an enclosure up to approximately 11 cubic feet.

These coverage volumes assume an appropriately enclosed, non-ventilated space. Leakage, frequent opening, airflow, high temperatures, severe contamination, or complex internal geometry may affect product selection and performance.

Featured Cortec® Emitting Devices

» Cortec® VpCI®-101 Protective Foam Device
A compact, self-adhesive VpCI® device for protecting metal components in small enclosed spaces up to approximately 1 cubic foot.

» Cortec® VpCI®-105 Emitter
A self-adhesive plastic emitter with a breathable membrane for non-ventilated enclosures up to approximately 5 cubic feet.

» Cortec® VpCI®-111 Emitter
A larger emitting device for protecting compatible equipment and components inside enclosures up to approximately 11 cubic feet.

» Cortec® VpCI®-150 Protective Adhesive Foam Tape
Flexible adhesive emitter tape that can be cut and installed inside cabinets, packages, and other enclosed spaces.

» Cortec® BioPad®
A thin, flexible corrosion-inhibiting device constructed from a primarily biobased nonwoven material and impregnated with concentrated VpCI® technology.

» Cor-Pak® VpCI® Pouches
Breathable corrosion-inhibiting pouches for protecting ferrous and non-ferrous metals inside sealed packages and enclosed storage spaces.

» Desicorr® VpCI® Pouches
Combination pouches that provide desiccant moisture management together with Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor protection.

Selecting the Correct Emitter

Emitter selection begins by calculating the internal volume of the enclosure or package. Multiply the interior length, width, and height using the same units, then convert the result to cubic feet when required.

Additional considerations include:

• How tightly the enclosure is sealed
• Whether the enclosure is ventilated or exposed to airflow
• How frequently it will be opened
• Temperature and humidity conditions
• Salt, sulfur compounds, and industrial contaminants
• Metal types and surface conditions
• Internal partitions and restricted compartments
• Required protection period

Multiple emitters may be required for large enclosures or separated compartments. An emitter should not be expected to protect through a sealed internal wall or airtight partition.

Placement and Installation

Install the emitter inside a clean, dry enclosure where air can circulate around the device. When an adhesive-backed product is used, mount it to a clean surface where it will remain secure and will not interfere with moving parts, ventilation paths, electrical clearances, or equipment access.

Distribute multiple emitters throughout larger enclosures rather than grouping them in one location. Close the enclosure after installation so the protective VpCI® atmosphere can develop and remain inside.

Enclosure Conditions Affect Performance

VpCI® emitting devices are most effective in enclosed or substantially sealed spaces. Open vents, continuously operating fans, missing gaskets, cable openings, frequent door access, and large air exchanges can prevent the required inhibitor concentration from being maintained.

If an enclosure cannot retain vapor, another protection method—such as a compatible conformal coating, protective spray, sealed VpCI® bag, or improved enclosure seal—may be more appropriate.

Emitters for Electrical and Electronic Equipment

Selected Cortec® emitters are designed for use around compatible electrical and electronic equipment. However, installation must preserve required electrical clearances and should not block cooling, ventilation, sensors, drainage, or equipment operation.

Equipment temperature, energized-service requirements, manufacturer instructions, and the current Cortec® technical data sheet should be reviewed before placing an emitter inside operating equipment.

Benefits of Cortec® VpCI® Emitting Devices

• Protect metal without coating every internal surface
• Reach contacts, connections, cavities, and recessed areas
• Provide compact protection for complex equipment
• Support ferrous, non-ferrous, and multi-metal applications
• Install without specialized application equipment
• Require little space inside an enclosure or package
• Provide options for small and large enclosed volumes
• Support operation, storage, shipment, and equipment layup

Emitters, Desiccants, and Barrier Packaging

Emitters and desiccants perform different functions. A VpCI® emitter releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules that protect accessible metal surfaces. A desiccant absorbs moisture from the enclosed atmosphere.

In demanding storage or export applications, a packaging system may combine VpCI® emitters, desiccants, sealed barrier materials, cushioning, and humidity indicators. Each component should be compatible and properly sized for the package volume and exposure conditions.

Service Life and Replacement

Emitter service life depends on the specific product, enclosure tightness, temperature, airflow, humidity, opening frequency, and storage conditions. Replacement intervals should follow the current product documentation and the requirements of the protected equipment.

Replace an emitter if it is damaged, contaminated, removed for an extended period, or has reached the recommended service interval. The enclosure should also be inspected for water intrusion, failed seals, contamination, and active corrosion.

Related Cortec® Product Categories

» Electronics Corrosion Protection
VpCI® emitters, cleaners, conformal coatings, protective foams, and packaging for electrical and electronic equipment.

» Fabric and Foam Products
Flexible VpCI® materials for wrapping, cushioning, interleaving, and protecting metal inside packages.

» VpCI® Bags
Corrosion-inhibiting bags for enclosing metal parts, assemblies, tools, and equipment during storage and shipment.

» VpCI® Films
Protective films and sheeting for wrapping equipment, machinery, components, crates, and palletized loads.

» Aerosols and Sprays
Cleaner-protectors, conformal coatings, penetrants, lubricants, and corrosion preventative sprays.

Why Choose ECORR Systems?

ECORR Systems is an Authorized Cortec® Distributor helping electrical contractors, manufacturers, maintenance teams, equipment owners, parts suppliers, and packaging professionals select VpCI® emitting devices for specific enclosed spaces.

We can help evaluate enclosure dimensions, ventilation, metal types, environmental exposure, equipment configuration, access frequency, and protection duration to identify the appropriate emitter type, size, and quantity.

FAQ

What is a VpCI® emitting device?

A VpCI® emitting device is a compact product that releases Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors inside an enclosed space. The molecules diffuse through the enclosure and form a protective molecular layer on accessible metal surfaces.

What size emitter do I need?

The emitter should be selected according to the enclosure’s internal volume. Common coverage ratings are approximately 1 cubic foot for VpCI®-101, 5 cubic feet for VpCI®-105, and 11 cubic feet for VpCI®-111.

Does the enclosure need to be airtight?

It does not necessarily need to be hermetically sealed, but it must be enclosed well enough to retain the protective vapor concentration. Continuous airflow, open vents, and frequent air exchange can reduce effectiveness.

Can one emitter protect multiple compartments?

Only if air and protective vapor can move freely between the compartments. Sealed partitions or restricted sections may require separate emitters.

Can emitters be used in operating electrical equipment?

Selected Cortec® emitters may be suitable for compatible operating equipment. Installation must account for temperature, ventilation, electrical clearances, equipment design, and manufacturer requirements.

How quickly does an emitter begin protecting metal?

Protection begins as the emitter releases VpCI® molecules and the concentration develops inside the enclosure. The conditioning period depends on the device, enclosure size, temperature, airflow, and enclosure tightness.

Is an emitter the same as a desiccant?

No. An emitter releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules, while a desiccant absorbs moisture. Combination products are available when both corrosion inhibition and moisture management are needed.

How long does a VpCI® emitter last?

Service life varies by product and application. Enclosure leakage, temperature, ventilation, frequent opening, and environmental exposure can affect how long protection is maintained.

Can emitters protect multiple metals?

Many Cortec® emitting devices are designed for multi-metal protection. Compatibility should be confirmed for all metals and materials present inside the enclosure.

Can ECORR Systems help calculate the number of emitters needed?

Yes. Provide the enclosure’s interior dimensions, number of compartments, ventilation, operating temperature, environmental exposure, and protection period. ECORR Systems can help identify an appropriate emitter configuration.