ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Packets

While it is possible to use ActivDri™ packets with non-ZERUST® VCI bags, we do not recommend doing so due to concerns about the compatibility between VCI chemistries. Always test before use if you intend to use ActivDri™ packets with other non-ZERUST® VCI products. We would also highly recommend using both ActivDri™ packets and ZERUST® VCI bags concurrently, providing more robust corrosion protection for the metal components. Note that the ActivDri™ packets are a long-term (up to 12 months^‡ depending on application and humidity levels) fast-acting corrosion prevention and moisture control product, while the ZERUST® VCI bag provides longer-term protection (for many months to years^‡). If your company decides to use non-VCI bags, such as plain LDPE bags, with ActivDri™ packets, be sure to check the usage level and increase the number of ActivDri™ packets whenever necessary to ensure ample corrosion protection for your application.

ActivDri™ packets have been extensively tested for compatibility with our ZERUST® family of rust preventative oils and coatings (Axxanol™, Axxatec™, & AxxaCoat™) and found that most are compatible except for Axxatec™ 80C, which caused some staining on the metal surface. We, however, cannot claim that all non-ZERUST® branded oils and coatings have been tested. Therefore, we highly recommend that you test before using with non-ZERUST® products. Additionally, for the use of ActivDri™ packets with rust preventative oils/coatings, precautions must be taken to ensure that the ActivDri™ packets are not soaked, stained, or covered with rust preventative oil, as this will prevent the VCI from diffusing out of the ActivDri™ packets.

Assuming that the metal surface is not coated with any oils, then yes, ActivDri™ packets do not interfere with the physical, chemical, or structural properties of the metal protected.

Since Axxanol™ 718-ESS is a stand-alone corrosion inhibitor product that creates a coating on the metal surface, the VCIs may not reach the metal surface, so it will not provide any additional corrosion protection. However, if there are hard-to-reach metal surfaces that are not coated by Axxanol™ 718-ESS and are in a sealed enclosure, ActivDri™ packets may be used to provide VCI protection to those surfaces.

In general, we may prescribe using more ActivDri™ packets than usually needed to provide better ferrous (carbon steel, silicon steel, stainless steel, cast iron) metal protection – especially when there are concerns of process fluid contaminants or a high risk of corrosion.

It depends on the enclosure size, the amount of ActivDri™ packets used, temperature, and humidity. But, typically, the VCI is detectable, and the moisture is controlled in the package after a few hours.

We may prescribe using more ActivDri™ packets than usually needed to provide better ferrous metal protection – especially when there are concerns of process fluid contaminants, high metal surface roughness, tightly packed components in the enclosure, high corrosion risk concerns, air leakage in the enclosure, challenging environment, etc. Additionally, we may prescribe using more ActivDri™ packets than usually needed if the humidity level in the enclosure is very high or requires a fast reduction of moisture within the enclosure.

Many reasons affect the duration of the protection, but there are a few common ones: the amount of ActivDri™ packets used in a specific enclosure, the airtightness of the enclosure, the type of material the enclosure is made of, temperature fluctuations during shipment/storage, relative humidity on the metal surface inside the enclosure, cleanliness of the metal surface, etc. Therefore, with multiple factors affecting the rate of corrosion of metal surfaces and the moisture control properties, it is always recommended to conduct field trials to determine the optimum amount of ActivDri™ packets to use.

For corrosion protection requirements beyond the indicated ActivDri™ protection period, use ActivDri™ packets with other ZERUST® products (such as ZERUST® ICT® VCI bags, ZERUST® Axxanol™ A35CD-32, ZERUST® Axxanol™ 33CD, etc.) as part of the total corrosion protection system. For electrical components, Axxanol™ 718-ESS may be considered (See How to Use ZERUST® ActivDri™ PWA Packets for more information).

Not acceptable for use: Wet/damp material, sachets stuck together, material leaking out of the sachet, broken seal, or hardened packets, as this indicates the packets have been exposed to moisture and should be disposed of.

Yes, ActivDri™ packets may be used with standard clay and silica gel desiccants for aggressive environments with extreme humidity. However, it’s recommended that you keep the desiccants as far away as possible from the ActivDri™ packets in your enclosure, as the desiccant will adsorb the VCI from the ActivDri™ packet, resulting in a shorter protection period. In addition, we also recommend adding more ActivDri™ packets than stated in the ActivDri™ Usage section when used with standard clay and silica gel desiccants. Contact your ZERUST® representative for specific ActivDri™ usage recommendations for your application with additional clay and silica gel desiccants.

For the ActivDri™ packets to work, they must be allowed ample time to diffuse and saturate the inside of the enclosure with their VCI chemistry, thereby reducing moisture. This chemistry temporarily bonds to the metal surfaces inside the enclosure to protect them from corrosion. An enclosure that restricts or prevents air movement/leakage will allow the ActivDri™ to reach the equilibrium saturation concentration inside the enclosure faster and to start protecting the metal surface. If air leaks into or out of the enclosure, the ActivDri™ will have to diffuse and re-establish the equilibrium concentration inside the enclosure to resume protection. Excessive air leakage will also deplete the ActivDri™ sooner (thereby shortening the protection period) as VCI escapes into the environment outside the enclosure, as well as excessive moisture entering the enclosure, resulting in the ActivDri™ packet becoming fully saturated. Therefore, keeping the enclosure airtight (no air leakage) is ideal by heat sealing the plastic bag opening or using hermetically sealed containers. When this is not possible, folding over and taping the plastic bag opening shut to create an airtight enclosure or adding tape to seal any openings or gaps in a rigid container will improve results significantly.

Yes, moisture barrier material will extend the protection period of ActivDri™ packets by providing a barrier to moisture, thereby limiting the amount of moisture that can enter the package. A moisture barrier material will also restrict air movement/leakage in the enclosure, allowing the ActivDri™ VCI to reach the equilibrium saturation concentration inside the enclosure faster and longer, protecting the metal surface for an extended period of time.

It will depend on the metal surface and the condition of the metal. In general, it’s best practice that ActivDri™ packets are not placed in direct contact with metals, if possible.

Since there is a wide variety of paints, we cannot claim compatibility with all paints. Therefore, we recommend testing before use if ActivDri™ packets are placed in direct contact with painted surfaces at temperatures above 122°F (50°C).

ActivDri™ packets were specifically designed to outperform traditional VCI and desiccant products that lose effectiveness at constant high-humidity (above 80%RH) in enclosures for an extended period of time. Therefore, at high humidity, ActivDri™ packets control the moisture in the air, bringing the relative humidity down to a safe level and maintaining it at that level for longer than typical desiccants like clay and silica gel due to their higher capacity. In addition to adsorption capability, multiple corrosion-inhibiting chemicals continuously diffuse from the ActivDri™ packet, resulting in a molecular thin, temporary layer of VCI chemistry that protects the metal surfaces from corrosion and neutralizes corrosive contaminants on the surface.

Yes, a mixed acid gas test (IEC 60068-2-60 Method 4) was completed by an independent lab, which showed ferrous metal protection against acid gases and compatibility with yellow metals and silver.

The VCI diffusing from the ActivDri™ packets has an “ammonia” smell. The amount of VCI diffused is within the acceptable US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limit. Please review the ActivDri™ Safety Data Sheet for details. As a precaution to users who are particularly sensitive to certain odors, the newly received case of ActivDri™ packets should be opened in well-ventilated areas of the factory/warehouse before transferring for use beside the assembly/work station. The initial accumulation of the ActivDri™ VCI inside the box may be overwhelming for some people – especially if stored in a warm warehouse or rack.

Yes. However, we recommend consulting with local and state regulations before disposal, as policies may differ between cities or change over time.

ZERUST® ActivDri™ packets control moisture in the air, bringing the relative humidity down to a safe level and maintaining it at that level for longer than typical desiccants like clay and silica gel due to its higher capacity, while also simultaneously diffusing vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCI). When a typical desiccant is fully saturated or when there is fluctuation in temperature and humidity (going from a high-temperature and humidity environment to a low temperature and humidity), the desiccant will start giving off the moisture it has ad-sorbed back into the environment, which dramatically increases the risk of corrosion. In the case of using ActivDri™ packets, the moisture is treated with a corrosion inhibitor. Another advantage of these unique packets is that the desiccant used is inherently not corrosive, unlike the majority of silica gel and clay desiccants in the market, reducing the risk of corrosion if ActivDri™ packets come in contact with the parts.

ZERUST® Vapor Capsules are diffuser products that provide long-term (up to 1 to 2 years^‡ ) corrosion protection via ZERUST® vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCI). ZERUST® VCIs are slowly released into an enclosed airspace, actively preventing corrosion by forming strong bonds with a metal surface and promoting and maintaining the metal’s natural and healthy passive oxide layer. Compared to ActivDri™ packets, which control moisture in the air, bringing the relative humidity down and maintaining it at a safe level while simultaneously diffusing a relatively smaller amount of VCI (when compared to ActivPak® product), providing long-term (up to 12 months^‡) corrosion and moisture control.

ZERUST® ActivPak® packets are sachet diffuser products that provide long-term (up to 1 to 2 years^‡) corrosion protection via super fast-acting ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) combined with a Volatile Flash Corrosion Inhibitor (FCI™). ZERUST® fast-acting VCI and FCI™ are quickly released into an enclosed airspace, actively preventing corrosion by forming strong bonds with a metal surface, promoting and maintaining the metal’s natural and healthy passive oxide layer, as well as providing neutralization power that deactivates corrosive residues left on the metal surface from manufacturing processes and fluids. Compared to ActivDri™ packets, which control moisture in the air, bringing the relative humidity down and maintaining it at a safe level while simultaneously diffusing fast-acting VCI, providing long-term (up to 12 months^‡) corrosion protection.

No, ActivDri™ packets are not reusable. However, ActivDri™ packets are good for up to 12 months^‡ when in use (depending on application and humidity levels).

Test data and a review of corresponding scientific literature show that there are no inhalation or contact risks with ZERUST® ActivDri™ packets. In addition, ActivDri™ packets have been reviewed and cleared for factory, government, and military personnel use by the appropriate occupational health departments, including those of most major automotive manufacturers worldwide.

No, even under extremely humid conditions in an enclosure, we found no formation of white crystals on the ActivDri™packet and/or on surrounding areas near the ActivDri™ packet.

A mixed acid gas test (IEC 60068-2-60 Method 4) was completed by an independent lab, which showed ferrous metal protection against acid gases and compatibility with yellow metals and silver. Contact your ZERUST® representative for questions about ActivDri™ testing.

Yes, when the sachet experiences friction, some of the sachet material may rub off, resulting in small strands of non-woven plastic coming from the sachet.

ZERUST® ActivDri™ packets are proudly made in Circle Pines, U.S.A.