The effectiveness of two commercially available vapor phase
corrosion inhibitors (VCIS) and one industrial desiccant wheel (DEW)
dehumidifier are evaluated for the corrosion protection of advanced
double hull (ADH) compartments on naval ships. Small-scale ADH
compartments were constructed to simulate the environmental conditions
likely to be encountered in service. The three simulated environments
of interest were (1) air filled, sealed compartments, (2) compartments
with a leak allowing humid air ingress, and (3) compartments with a
seawater spill or leak. Commercial grade steel weight loss coupons
and galvanic couples of steel copper-nickel 90-10 (UNS C70600) ,
steel/stainless steel 304 (UNS S30400), and steel/aluminum alloy 6061-
T6 (UNS A96061) were installed in each box, along with atmospheric
corrosion probes, thermocouples, and relative humidity probes. The
test chambers were exposed to the marine environment on test racks
located approximately 200 feet from the ocean in Dania, Florida. Six
and 12 month weight loss, corrosion rate, temperature and humidity
data are presented along with visual observations. Of the three
corrosion control methods under test, the dehumidifier is providing
the best environmental and corrosion control. The VCIS show promise
unable to provide long-term protection under the severe air leak and
seawater spill/leak test conditions.
Keywords: vapor phase corrosion inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors,
inhibitors, dehumidification, DEW dehumidifier, advanced double hull,
atmospheric corrosion, steel