Heat Transfer Fluids

There are several different types of heat transfer fluids (HTF) including: paraffinic, polyalkylene glycol, silcone, synthetic hydrocarbon and formate based chemistries. Also referred to as coolant, thermal oils and thermic fluids; HFTs are used in numerous applications and by many industries.

Considerations

What is the maximum operating temperature of your process?
Does your process require both heating and cooling?
Will your system be exposed to extremely low temperatures, i.e. will it be stored outdoors?
How important is environmental safety?
Does your system have a tendency to produce coke or nonsoluble tars and sludge?

Selection

There are several factors to consider when selecting a heat transfer fluid.

Operational temperature range cushion -- process temperature should be in middle of the operational temperature range
Cost Consideration -- in general, the higher the maximum bulk fluid operating temperature, the more the HTF will cost
Life expectancy -- longer life fluids require less process down time and therefore less maintenance and fluid replacement expense
Manufacturer Service -- fluid reprocessing, testing and technical support should all be considered when selecting a HTF
Additive Package -- customizable proprietary additive packages allow users to tailor a heat transfer fluid to their specific needs and offer the highest levels of system protection fluid performance.

Additives

Protect your system with a custom additive fluid package.

Corrosion Inhibitors
Seal and Gasket Extender
Metal Deactivators
Anti-Oxidants
Suspension Agents
Defoaming Agents

Operational Temperature Range

The operational range of a heat transfer fluid is the range between the pumpability point (low temperature) and the maximum bulk fluid operating temperature (high temperature). At the low end of the operational temperature range, HTFs become too viscous to be easily pumped through the system and therefore reduce the fluids ability to transfer heat. The high temperature point is normally determined based on the fluids ability to withstand thermal cracking. Thermal cracking is the temperature at which thermal degradation occurs.

Factors Impacting Heat Transfer Fluid Life

Process operational temperature and fluid age are two primary factors effecting life expectancy. Fluid contamination and frequent overheating negatively impact fluid life. Most heat transfer fluid manufacturers have the capability to test fluid and determine its remaining life and its ability to protect your system.

Heat Transfer System Cleaners

System cleaners are used to purge your system of deposits caused by the use of oxidized, contaminated and thermally degraded heat transfer fluids.

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