Every year, corrosion damage impacts the largest industries more than most realize. In the Gas & Oil production industry, there is an estimated $1.37 billion in damages annually. For an industry that powers our everyday lives, that is a massive hit! One small part affected by corrosion can cause catastrophic results to the entire process and all of our wallets.
Heat exchanger tube bundles are used during the refining process in cracking units of natural gas. They separate oil from any water that forms during the process. The tube bundle and shell are pressure-containing elements, following the pressure and temperature requirements of the fluids that flow through them. If corrosion damage happens to this machine during storage, there could be massive problems down the line.
The Challenge
Earlier this year, we had an opportunity to show a manufacturer of heat exchanger tube bundles the power of protective packaging. Due to the weather in Texas, including high humidity, rain, wind and harsh sunlight, some of their products started to suffer from corrosion damage when left outside. Storage time could last up to two years, and a great deal of damage can be done over that time. That is why we were tasked with finding them a solution that would protect the expensive equipment from the outside elements but also stay intact against the sharp parts of the machine.
The Solution
Working hand in hand with the manufacturer and the crating service, we supplied a box bag with a loose base. This is a foil bag consisting of two pieces: a flat sheet that goes on the bottom of the crate under the machine and a box bag that covers the item and is heat-sealed to the base sheet. This creates a controlled environment under 40% relative humidity so corrosion cannot occur. Our barrier foil laminates have the lowest transmission rates of any flexible material, around 100 times lower than the thickest Polyethylene liner. This bag was made from our strongest Mil-PRF-131K Class 1 material (3D250) and fitted with a humidity indicator to monitor the humidity levels inside the bag.
Since the company needed to store this piece of equipment for two years, we were able to calculate and provide them with the correct amount of desiccant to add to the inside of the bag for the precise amount of time needed. Our 3D blue lid lining was added to the crate to waterproof it, in case it should be exposed to any adverse weather and to make sure any standing water did not get inside of the crate.
The Result
Since they had never used foil to protect their equipment before, we were able to walk them through the entire process to make sure the piece was fully protected. The box bag with a loose base made from our strongest material ensured them that the tube bundle would not be susceptible to oxidation and high levels of humidity, causing corrosion. Partnered with the correct amount of desiccant, we were able to allow for the appropriate time for storage, this time being two years. The humidity indicator makes sure that the levels inside the bag are correct over the next two years, and if the bag is compromised for any reason the indicator will let the customer know. And finally, to make certain that no outside elements can accelerate corrosion damage, the blue lid lining adds the added protection of waterproofing the crate. Thus, ensuring total climatic protection for the next two years!
3D Barrier Bags is an essential business proudly serving critical packaging to pharmaceutical, medical, diagnostic and food sectors industries. 3D Barrier Bags Inc is located in Orlando, Florida and our products are proudly manufactured in the USA. We have remained open and fully active throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic and will continue to serve essential industries. Call or email us today for a free quote.