Biofuel

Heat Transfer Fluid for Biofuel Applications

Nearly every step of biofuel production requires efficient heating at temperatures that can be maintained for long periods of time. Plant managers should consider how selecting the right heat transfer fluid and efficient maintenance can help to improve productivity in these applications.

Application

The most popular high temperature, synthetic heat transfer fluid. Suitable for operation up to 345°C (653°F) and can pumped to -3°C (27°F) and delivers exceptional performance. Primary applications are chemical industries, plastics processing and biodiesel.

About Globaltherm® Syntec

  • Globaltherm® Syntec uses the hydrogenated terphenyls chemistry of the most popular high temperature liquid phase heat transfer fluid. No other heat transfer fluid delivers a higher degree of customer satisfaction.

  • Globaltherm® Syntec HTF is used in a wide variety of applications in systems all over the world and delivers ultimate performance to ensure your system is running at maximum capacity and optimum efficiency.

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Parameter Unit Code (ASTM/ISO) Result
Appearance N/A N/A Clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odour
Operating Range °C (°F) N/A -3° to 345 (27 to 653)
Density @25°C kg/m³ ASTM D4052 1005
Kin. Viscosity @40°C mm²/s (cSt) ASTM D445 29.6
Kin. Viscosity @100°C mm²/s (cSt) ASTM D445 3.80
Flashpoint PMC °C (°F) ASTM D93 170 (338)
Flashpoint COC °C (°F) ASTM D92 184 (363)
Coeefficient of thermal expansion °C NTR 0.000819/°C
Autoignition point °C (°F) ASTM E659 374 (705)
Pour point °C (°F) ISO3016 -32 (-25.6)
Neutralisation Nr (acid), TAN Mg KOH/g ASTM D664 <0.2
Maximum Bulk Temperature °C (°F) NTR 345 (653)
Maximum film temperature °C (°F) NTR 375 (707)
Boiling point at mbar °C (°F) NTR 359 (678)
Average molecular weight NTR NTR 252 (485.6)
Moisture content PPM ASTM E-203 150 ppm
Parameter Unit Code (ASTM/ISO) Result
Appearance N/A N/A Clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odour
Operating Range °C (°F) N/A -3° to 345 (27 to 653)
Density @25°C kg/m³ ASTM D4052 1005
Kin. Viscosity @40°C mm²/s (cSt) ASTM D445 29.6
Kin. Viscosity @100°C mm²/s (cSt) ASTM D445 3.80
Flashpoint PMC °C (°F) ASTM D93 170 (338)
Flashpoint COC °C (°F) ASTM D92 184 (363)
Coeefficient of thermal expansion °C NTR 0.000819/°C
Autoignition point °C (°F) ASTM E659 374 (705)
Pour point °C (°F) ISO3016 -32 (-25.6)
Neutralisation Nr (acid), TAN Mg KOH/g ASTM D664 <0.2
Maximum Bulk Temperature °C (°F) NTR 345 (653)
Maximum film temperature °C (°F) NTR 375 (707)
Boiling point at mbar °C (°F) NTR 359 (678)
Average molecular weight NTR NTR 252 (485.6)
Moisture content PPM ASTM E-203 150 ppm

Note: The information given in the typical data does not constitute a specification but is an indication based on current production and can be affected by allowable production tolerances. The right to make modifications is reserved. This edition supersedes all previous editions and information contained within them. Typical values should not be construed as a guaranteed analysis of any specific lot or as specifications for the product. Abbreviations: OC, open cup test; COC, Cleveland open cup test; and, NTR, no test reported.

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Product 200kg barrel Bulk 1000kg IBC 25kg drum
Globaltherm® Syntec (-3°C – 345°C) Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF

Contact us for more information on high temperature synthetic thermal oils

We provide advice on how to choose the most appropriate oil for your heat transfer applications and provide our customers with continued technical support.

Call us on +44 (0)1785 760555 for more information

Application

Globaltherm® S is a high performance heat transfer fluid for use in closed loop, non-pressurised heat transfer systems. Primary uses are chemical industries and plastic processing applications.

About Globaltherm® S

Globaltherm® S is recommended for use in an upper temperature range from 250°C (482°F) to 350°C (662°F), but can be used intermittently at film temperatures as high as 380°C (716° F).

  • Globaltherm® S heat transfer fluid is non-corrosive and can be used in non-pressurised heat transfer systems

  • This heat transfer fluid can be used in systems requiring start-up temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) without the need for heat tracing

  • Globaltherm® S thermal fluid is thermally stable up to 300°C (572°F) and can be used for several years below this temperature with no adverse impact on performance

  • Low viscosity 17cSt @ 40°C (104°F) with a pumping limit at -5°C (23°F)

  • This thermal fluid has a high ASTM D93 flash point at 200°C – the highest in class

  • Globaltherm® S has high thermal stress resistance in the bulk temperature range  from 60°C-350°C (140°F - 662°F)

  • Globaltherm® S has a highly aromatic structure with a boiling point range of 385°C -395°C (725°F -743°F) - the highest in class

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Product 214kg barrel 25kg bag
Globaltherm® S (-5°C – 350°C) Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF

Contact us for more information on high temperature thermal oils

We provide advice on how to choose the most appropriate oil for your heat transfer applications and provide our customers with continued technical support.

Call us on +44 (0)1785 760555 for more information

Application

Marlotherm® SH is the ideal heat transfer fluid for a range of common applications, such as chemical and plastics processing.

Marlotherm® SH high temperature heat transfer fluid is designed for use in closed loop, non-pressurised heat transfer systems. It delivers ultimate performance to ensure your system is running at maximum capacity and optimum efficiency.

 

Marlotherm® SH is a high performance dibenzyltoluene heat transfer fluid for use in closed loop, forced circulation heat transfer systems.

This non-corrosive HTF can be used in systems requiring start-up temperatures as low as -5°C without the need for heat tracing. Marlotherm® SH is recommended for use in the temperature range from 250°C (482°F) to 350°C (662°F), but can be used intermittently at film temperatures as high as 380°C (716°F).

This thermal fluid is also thermally stable up to 300°C (572°F) and has a high flash point of 200°C — one of the highest in its class.

Key facts about Marlotherm® SH

  • Marlotherm® SH has an operating temperature range of -5° to 350°C (23°F to 662°F)

  • Marlotherm®  SH HTF can be used without being pressurised

  • Marlotherm® SH is non-corrosive

  • It has a high flash point 200°C – one of the highest in its fluid class

  • • It can be used in systems requiring start-up temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F) without the need for heat tracing

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Product 214kg barrel 25kg bag
Marlotherm SH (-5°C – 350°C) Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF

Choosing the correct heat transfer fluid

Thermal fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer stocks and delivers a wide range of premium quality heat transfer fluids, including Marlotherm® SH. The company also provides the complete solution for global thermal fluid supply and management.

If you want advice on how to choose the optimal heat transfer fluid for your application, get in touch by calling +44 (0)1785 760 555. Find contact details for our other offices here.

Marlotherm® LH is a high temperature heat transfer fluid designed for use in closed loop, forced circulation heat transfer systems.

This high performance heat transfer fluid is predominantly used in pharmaceutical and plastics processing.

What are the advantages of Marlotherm® LH?

  • The fluid can be used in both liquid and vapour form due to its narrow boiling range of around 4°C

  • Marlotherm® LH is a non-corrosive benzyltoluene HTF

  • This thermal fluid has low viscosity for excellent heat transfer efficiency

  • Marlotherm® LH is a benzyl aromatic with excellent thermal stability

Marlotherm® LH operating temperature

  • Marlotherm® LH is recommended for use in the temperature range from -30°C (-22°F) to 280°C (536°F)

  • This heat transfer fluid can also be used intermittently at film temperatures as high as 380°C and used in pressurised systems up to 360°C

  • Marlotherm® LH has a high auto-ignition temperature of 450°C (842°F)

  • This heat transfer fluid has low pour point and a pumping limit of -30°C (-22°F)

Thermal fluid specialist Global Heat Transfer stocks and delivers a wide range of premium quality heat transfer fluids, including Marlotherm® LH. The company also provides the complete solution for global thermal fluid supply and management.

If properly maintained and routinely tested, heat transfer fluids will provide good service over extended periods.

Engineers should follow a preventative maintenance programme that includes regular sampling to monitor fluid condition. Engineers should take the sample when the system is hot, closed and circulating to get an accurate representation of the fluid inside the system. Global Heat Transfer provides a complete thermal fluid analysis service to analyse fluid samples, track degradation and offer maintenance support.

For more extensive support, manufacturers should consider Global Heat Transfer’s Thermocare programme, a comprehensive maintenance strategy that includes regular sampling and systems checks as well as engineering services.

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Product 200kg barrel
Marlotherm LH (-30°C – 360°C) Tick | Global Heat Transfer HTF

Choosing the correct heat transfer fluid

If you want advice on how to choose the optimal heat transfer fluid for your application, get in touch by calling +44 (0)1785 760 555. Find contact details for our offices here.

Biofuels are a commonly used alternative to fossil fuel for vehicles. Biofuels are produced using contemporary biological processes, such as agriculture, rather than geological processes such as coal and petroleum.

The most common types of biofuels are ethanol, biodiesel and fuels produced by gasification of biomass. Another form of biofuel is biogas — a mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic digestion).

The initial production, transport, refining and recycling of oil and gas products such as biofuels require the use of heat transfer fluids. Refineries also use heat transfer systems to heat reboilers and columns for the distillation process.

Heat transfer fluids can operate efficiently at high temperatures for the extended periods of time required in these processes. Thermal fluids also offer precise temperature control and thermal stability when used for large applications.

Industrial waste heat refers to any energy that is generated in industrial processes and not used. This waste is often dumped in the environment. Engineers can benefit from recovering and using this energy to improve sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint.

Heat recovery technologies such as Organic Rankine Cycle systems, capture the heat from biomass systems, geothermal sources or waste heat from other processes to produce electrical energy. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can also effectively capture and use waste heat energy during power generation.

To effectively recover low-grade heat in both applications, engineers should choose a heat transfer fluid with precise temperature control, excellent thermal stability and a low boiling point.

 

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) and the ATEX directive are the most important regulations to adhere to when working with thermal oils.

These regulations set out how to minimise risk in facilities where flammable materials are handled that can create explosive atmospheres. Plant managers should ensure that they have managed any risk to employees, the site is maintained and safe and that all employees are trained on how to safely operate the heat transfer system.

Global Heat Transfer has worked with companies in biofuel manufacturing for over 25 years to understand what fluids will best suit these applications.

Globaltherm® heat transfer fluids ensure the high thermal stability and precise temperature control required for optimum yield without compromising product quality.

Global Heat Transfer is a key supplier supporting the growth of heat transfer fluids for biofuels. We also stock Marlotherm fluids so that manufacturers can decide what thermal fluid is best for the application.

All heat transfer fluids will eventually degrade because they are operating at elevated temperatures for long periods of time.

As heat transfer fluids degrade, they produce corrosive oxidation by-products and a mixture of heavier and lighter fractions as a result of thermal cracking. The formation of heavier hydrocarbon chains results in carbon deposits called coke.

Heavy ends increase the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, causing a reduction in heat transfer and overall efficiency. If left untreated, heavy ends lead to solid carbon baking onto the internal surfaces of the system, which reduces flow rate and creates hot spots, increasing the potential risk of fire.

Thermal degradation also causes the build-up of lighter hydrocarbon chains called light-ends. The build-up of light-end components is a potential fire risk because they decrease the ignition temperature of the HTF.

Proactive fluid sampling can help to extend its lifespan and ensure that degradation is monitored so that it does not cause unexpected downtime or safety risks to employees.

Maintenance engineers should take a sample every three months and send it for analysis to understand what is happening inside the system. They can then track these results over time to accurately monitor fluid condition and look for trends. If they detect any signs that the condition could negatively impact production, engineers can schedule any maintenance to keep the system running safely and efficiently.

Maintenance engineers should take a hot, closed sample of the fluid when the system is circulating to ensure it gives a representative view of what is happening inside the heat transfer system.

Global Heat Transfer engineers can visit a facility and takes samples for analysis. Most thermal fluid companies offer a seven-point test to determine the overall condition of the fluid, but we offer more extensive analysis. Our eleven-point test looks at the sample in greater detail to ensure the results completely reflect reality.

Once they have interpreted the data engineers can give the plant manager a clear analysis of the condition of the fluid and make any recommendations about future maintenance.

 

It is important to carry out regular inspections of the entire heat transfer system to check the condition of the pipework, pressure gauges, gaskets and seals.

Engineers can also check gauges to monitor efficiency and detect if there are any internal problems in the system. Noticing any problems early on can reduce the risk of downtime because parts can be cleaned, fixed or replaced.

Implementing a preventative maintenance programme is the best way to reduce unplanned downtime, maintain a safe facility and extend fluid lifespan.

At Global Heat Transfer we provide a condition based thermal fluid lifecycle maintenance programme, Thermocare. Our expert engineers will work with you to improve accuracy when monitoring fluid, provide technical interventions when necessary, organise maintenance schedules and train staff.

Do you want to know more about heat transfer fluids for biofuel applications?

Global Heat Transfer’s team of engineers have worked with biofuel manufacturers for over 30 years to help improve operations and maintenance

To speak to one of experts call us on +44 (0)1785 760 555 or visit our contact page.

 

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