Best methods to prevent corrosion of metals while shipping

It is said that metals like iron corrode five times faster in water, so it becomes a topic of discussion on how to keep metal parts rust-free while shipping overseas. Businesses always look to expand their reach in international markets, and it becomes necessary for manufacturers to export their products overseas. So in this article, we will discuss various methods to prevent corrosion of metals during ship transport. 

Shipping metal overseas is a unique challenge in itself due to the high humidity and salty water in the sea. Also, we know that when oxygen and water are present in the same shipping container where your metal product is placed, the chance of corrosion increases significantly. 

If you also transport your goods and products, such as heavy machinery, automotive parts, etc., by ship, then you must first understand what corrosion is and what causes it. 

What is corrosion, and what causes it?  

Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when metal products come into contact with air or water. Corrosion can completely damage metal products and lead to expensive losses. The corrosion of metal products costs India approximately 4 to 5 lakh crore rupees annually, accounting for about 4 to 5% of the country’s GDP. 

An estimated average of 10% of all goods shipped in containers are lost due to high moisture damage in the sea. Especially bare metal components are at high risk in seawater because moisture levels from external sources can also cause damage to material inside the container.  

Those dealing with ship transport might have also heard about container rain. For those who don’t know, container rain results from condensation in containers due to temperature and climate change, which increases the chances of metal parts being corroded in containers during overseas shipping. Some effective strategies must be implemented to prevent metal parts from rusting and corroding.  

Pre-shipment methods to prevent corrosion of metals

Cleaning metal parts 

It is important to ensure metals are well-cleaned and do not contain rust before shipping overseas. Dirt and grease can act as traps for moisture and increase the chances of corrosion during transit. Similarly, existing rust can also lead to more frequent and major corrosion in metal parts. This problem can be conquered by using appropriate agents and effective cleaning methods. Surfaces of metals can be prepared to improve the adhesion of protective coatings and inhibitors. This preparation reduces the risk of corrosion during shipping and also supports compliance with international standards and regulatory requirements.  

Drying metal parts 

Always dry metal parts before shipping because the moisture left on metal surfaces can accelerate the formation of corrosion, especially when metal objects are exposed to a humid and salty environment during shipment. We can reduce the risk of rust formation by drying metal parts thoroughly. Additionally, dry metals suffer less from issues such as mould growth or electrical conductivity problems. Proper drying of metal also ensures that protective coatings or inhibitors applied to the metal surface will remain effective.

Avoid bare hands

You might have seen that human skin naturally produces oils and sweat, which can transfer to metal surfaces and form a layer of dust particles. Also, the salt present in sweat can accumulate in the oxidation process.   

To avoid such cases, use gloves or other protective gear to maintain the cleanliness of the metal surface. Always make sure your metal surface does not have any type of oil or residue that can damage the product or reduce the efficacy of protective coatings. 

Avoid Overpacking 

Packaging metal parts too tightly can cause friction that can lead to several problems, such as scratches, dents, or other damages. Also, overpacking can tear the VCI film and expose the metal to moisture, which increases the chances of corrosion. VCI products require space to vaporise and form a protective layer on the surface. 

Methods to prevent corrosion of metals while shipping overseas 

Protective coatings

Protective coatings act as a shield against elements like oxygen and moisture that can cause rust. These protective coatings, such as oil, paint, or grease, create a physical layer that does not let moisture or air harm the metal surface. Some coatings also contain corrosion inhibitors that limit the growth of any chemical reaction that causes corrosion. Also, water-resistant coatings can minimize the exposure of metal to moisture.  

Suprabha’s rust preventative oil is super effective in fighting against rust and corrosion. Our rust-preventative oil can be used by brushing, dipping, and also as an air mist.

VCI Inhibitors

VCI stands for vapour corrosion inhibitor, they are effective in protecting metal parts during shipping overseas. These VCI inhibitors work by releasing protective vapours that form a layer on the surface of the metal. This layer protects the metal surface from moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements.  

We offer a range of SOVCI® products, such as SOVCI® Rustopaper, SOVCI® Rustofilm, SOVCI® Rustogel, and SOVCI® Rustopowder, at Suprabha. These products are organic, and they release organic VCI vapours that form an invisible barrier on the metal surface. Our VCI packaging materials are designed to protect materials in the harsh conditions of sea transport.

Our VCI products are not only organic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, but also fully compliant with REACH and RoHS standards. This ensures that our products are environmentally friendly and non-hazardous.  

We have intact proficiency in seaworthy packaging, as we have packed make in India Lion in just two days. Our organic SOVCI technology reduces the overall risk of rust and corrosion and ensures that the metal parts arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Things to keep in mind while shipping overseas

Choose the right route for shipping.  

Choosing the right route for shipping may prevent your goods from being damaged. As we know, seawater is salty, and due to the high humid temperatures, our goods can be damaged if we choose a long route for shipping. It is also important to check the region’s geographical condition to avoid shipping delays. Also, keep in mind to consider the climate changes before you ship your products because extreme weather can impact the integrity of the shipment.

Reduce storage time

It is obvious that if metal or any product stays in harmful conditions for a long time, there are more chances of being damaged due to environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature changes, and contamination. So it is important to reduce the storage time to avoid the risk of damage.  

Apart from this, reducing storage time can help us streamline our logistic process and benefit us with faster delivery. By improving the supply chain and minimizing delays in shipping, businesses can improve their operational efficiency.  

Conclusion  

The shipping process of goods is a challenging task, but you can still keep metal parts rust-free by making some smart decisions. As we have mentioned above in the blog, we can use rust preventive oils, desiccants, VCI films, VCI bags, and VCI sheets for the corrosion prevention of our metals and to increase their lifespan. 

For more detailed methods to prevent corrosion of metals shipping overseas in the monsoon, visit our website at www.suprabha.com or get in touch with our team at Suprabha Protective Products Pvt. Ltd. Our advanced SOVCI technology and products can help you ensure your metal parts travel long distances without losing their lustre and shine. Trust Suprabha for reliable protection at every step of the way. 

FAQs

Q.1: Why do metal parts rust during overseas shipping?

Metal parts get rusted easily when they are exposed to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Without appropriate protection and coating, they can react with oxygen and moisture, causing corrosion and rust. 

Q.2: How can packaging materials help prevent rust?

Packaging materials like SOVCI film release protective vapours that form a layer of protection on metal surfaces against rust-causing agents. It is essential to pack metal parts properly, as it helps maintain dry conditions and reduces the risk of rust formation during shipping. 

Q.3: What type of protective coating is effective against rust?

Several types of coating effectively work against corrosion, depending on the specific needs and conditions of the shipment. 

VCI technology

Galvanisation Process

Powder Coating

Paints and sealants

Desiccants 

Read Also: Best Rust Protection Spray To Prevent Corrosion