Frequently Asked Questions
Can we still use our Nycote product beyond its shelf life/expiration date?
There are circumstances where a Nycote ®
product has not been applied prior to the end of its shelf life (Date of Expiration, or DOE). A customer can request an extension of the DOE. The maximum extension of the shelf life of our products is 30 days beyond the original date of expiration. In order to grant the extension we would request, and need to receive, very specific information from you, the customer, about the product prior to any extension.
This information includes:
- Your purchase order number.
- A copy of the packing list which was included with the shipment.
- If multiple containers were a part of the order, e.g., six quarts, we would need to know how many containers are part of the extension request, as an example, two of six quarts.
- A photo of the coating in the container.
- A photo of the front of the container which shows, Date of Manufacture (DOM), Batch Number, and Date of Expiration (DOE).
- The storage temperature of the product location. If the temperature varied, we would need to know the lowest storage temperature and the highest storage temperature, and the approximate time at each temperature.
Once we have this information, we review our internal documentation to determine the appropriateness of granting the extension. If the request is received after the DOE, an extension can still be granted. However, the extended period will still be limited to the number of days remaining until 30 days beyond the DOE is reached. In other words, if a customer sends us an extension request 11 days after the stated DOE, the maximum shelf life extension that could be granted would be 19 days.
Nycote’s storage temperature requirements appear inconsistent at times. Can you explain that?
One of the most important factors in ensuring that any of the Nycote® products is viable for the entire length of its assigned shelf life is the storage temperature of the product. Recognizing that not every customer is able to store the material in the same environment, (e.g., a warehouse, a temperature controlled room, etc.,) we have found through our research that there are, in fact, two basic storage temperatures that will accomplish the shelf life goal.
The first of these temperatures is the ideal temperature. This temperature, 70°F (21°C), is stated on each container label in two locations, on the front of the label in bold print and on the back of the label under the heading “Cure Timetable”.
The second storage temperature is termed the acceptable range of temperatures. On the SDS sheets (formally the MSDS sheets), under #7 Storage and Handling, in bold print, it says “Store between the following temperatures: 65°F (18.33°C) and 80°F (26.67°C). Keep from freezing.” The ideal temperature is within this range. If, because of the storage conditions, there is a range of actual temperatures, for example, during the day the storage temperature is 78°F (25.55°C) and at night it is 66°F (18.88°C), these two different temperatures are within the acceptable range and thus, there should be no issue with the quality use of your Nycote® product.
But what if, in the same type of example, e.g., day time temperature and night time temperature fall outside the acceptable range, 85°F (29.44°C) during the day and 50°F (10°C), what is the best way to work with the product? We would suggest the following: (1) make every effort to relocate the product to an area where the temperature is more controlled and can meet the acceptable range, (2) prior to use, the container should be opened and the product be inspected to ensure that it hasn’t become cloudy, gelled, or crystalized, and (3) contact the Nycote® technical staff for additional information.
Nycote ® Laboratories operates an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D Certified Quality Management System
