An oscillating container-diffuser for a volatile corrosion inhibitor

Abstract: An oscillating container-diffuser for a volatile corrosion inhibitor includes an outer body (4) and an inner body (6) containing a volatile corrosion inhibitor in granules or powder (G). A spring element (12) causes the granules or powder to be mixed during transport of the object with which the oscillating container-diffuser of volatile corrosion inhibitor is associated. Sublimation of the granules or powder (G) is increased thanks to the forced passage of air, produced by the oscillating movement caused by the spring element (12).

Description: The present invention relates to an oscillating container-diffuser for a volatile corrosion inhibitor. An inherent problem with the transport and storage of metals and/or metal products in general is the prevention of rust forming on them. Conventional solutions to this problem involve covering the material to be protected with a coat of grease or with oiled paper. Other methods of protection use products known in the trade by the English initials VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor). Generally available in the form of spherical granules, powders, tablets, liquids, plastics or sponge materials incorporating the compounds, such products sublimate, saturating the air with the anti-corrosive substance. One technique used in the art is to place the VCI, in one of the forms listed above, into the containers holding the materials to be protected, or simply near them or directly on them. One problem with use of the VCI as described above consists in the fact that the sublimation effect is limited, since the air surrounding the sublimating product is substantially constant, thereby extending the time it takes to saturate the environment containing the product to be protected. It is also possible for the VCI to agglomerate, thus further reducing its sublimation. The object of the present invention is to provide a container-diffuser for a volatile corrosion inhibitor which overcomes the aforesaid problems, while being simple to manufacture and inexpensive. This object is achieved according to the invention by providing an oscillating container-diffuser for a volatile corrosion inhibitor having the characteristics specifically claimed in the following Claims. Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows, provided purely by way of non-limitative example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which Figure 1 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the device of the present invention, in a closed condition, Figure 2 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the device of the invention in an open condition, Figure 3 is an exploded cross section of the device of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a container fitted with a device according to the present invention. With reference to the drawings, a container-diffuser device according to the present invention is generally indicated 2. The device 2 includes an outer body 4, an inner body 6 which is slidable, by screwing/unscrewing for example, within the outer body 4 and has apertures 8. Around the perimetral part of the end of the hollow inner body 6 towards the closed end of the hollow outer body 4, are small travel-limiting and retaining teeth D for preventing the two bodies 4 and 6 from becoming detached accidentally. The internal section of the outer hollow body 4 is substantially the same as the external section of the inner hollow body 6. A spring element 12 is secured to the outer surface 10 of the internal hollow body 6 and has a hook or suspension device 14 (a plate with through-holes 16 in the example illustrated) which, in use, serves to fix the container-diffuser device to a surface of a container C, for example, in which metals are held which are to be prevented from oxidizing. The inner hollow body 6 contains a volatile corrosion inhibitor in granules or powder G, possibly mixed with a dehumidifying product (not shown). Before being used, the device 2 of the invention is in the condition shown in Figure 1. The volatile corrosion inhibiting material is enclosed in the device 2 and there is substantially no sublimation since it is not in contact with the air. In use, the container 2 is opened by unscrewing or sliding the hollow inner body 6 out from the outer hollow body 4 and then fixing it either by screws, adhesive or any other known method to a wall of a container C holding metal material M or fixing it directly to the metal material M Thanks to the apertures 8, the granules or powder G come into contact with the air and begin to sublimate. Assuming that the container C or the metal material M is transported on a truck or other means of transport with the device 2 of the present invention in the open condition of Figure 2, the spring element 12 causes the device 2 to oscillate, thereby shaking and mixing the granules or powder G and preventing the agglomerating. At the same time, the amount of air coming into contact with the inhibitor is increased, thereby increasing sublimation of the latter. The advantages of the container-diffuser device of the invention are apparent from the above description. When the container is not in use, and therefore in its closed position, the granules or powder G of volatile corrosion inhibitor are not "consumed" since the device is substantially air tight. On the other hand, once it has been used, that is at the end of a journey transporting a container or metal material, the container-diffuser 2 can be closed again, thus inhibiting sublimation and saving the volatile corrosion inhibiting material for another occasion. Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining unchanged, embodiments and manufacturing details may vary widely from those described and illustrated, without departing thereby from the scope of the present invention.

Claims: An oscillating container-diffuser fora volatile corrosion inhibitor contained therein, characterised in that it includes an outer hollow body (4) containing an inner hollow body (6), the said inner hollow body (6) being slidable, screwable/unscrewable within the said outer hollow body (4), the said outer (4) and inner (6) hollow bodies being coaxial with the internal section of the outer hollow body (4) being substantially equal to the outer section of the inner hollow body (6). A container-diffuser device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the perimetral part of the end of the hollow body (6) nearer the closed end of the outer hollow body (4) has small travel-limiting and retaining teeth (D) for preventing the two bodies (4, 6) from becoming detached accidentally. A container-diffuser device according to Claim 2, characterised in that the said inner hollow body (6) is perforated. A container-diffuser device according to Claim 3, characterised in that the said inner hollow body (6) is movable inside the said outer hollow body (4). A container-diffuser device according to Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it includes a spring element (12) fixed to the outer surface (10) of the said inner hollow body (6). A container-diffuser device according to Claim 5, characterised in that the said spring element (12) has a hook or suspension element (14). A container-diffuser device according to Claim 6, characterised in that the said hook or suspension element (14) includes a plate with at least one through-hole (16)

Inventors: VAULA DANTE, VAULA, DANTE
Applicants: PROPACK S P A, PROPACK S.P.A.
Application year: 2001
Main classification: C23F11
IPC codes: B65D81, C23F11