High Quality Heat Transfer Fluids

The chemical composition of a thermal fluid is integral to its performance. Engineers often choose between two main types of fluid — mineral based or synthetic thermal oils. Chemical based heat transfer fluids can also be based on several chemicals, including silicone, terphenyl and alkylated aromatic compounds.

Note that chemical composition impacts how suitable a fluid is for an application. So correctly matching the fluid to the thermal oil system and application can help preserve fluid life when paired with a robust approach to condition monitoring and maintenance.

You should consider purchasing synthetic heat transfer fluids because they have a lower propensity to form carbon than mineral based oils, offering better heat transfer efficiency and thermal stability. They are also more resistant to fouling, which means they tend to form less coke on the internal pipework and heater.

Thermal fluids must operate at the correct temperature for prolonged amounts of time, so you should pick a heat transfer fluid that is stable at the temperature required for your application.

You should look at both the highest and lowest operating temperatures, and the boiling point, when selecting a mineral or synthetic thermal fluid. The fluid must be able to work efficiently at the highest temperature but should also work at the lowest temperatures required during a system start up or if any of the system is outside of the facility.

State of matter

Heat transfer fluids can operate in liquid phase or vapour phase, depending on the application. Manufacturers should consider that changing the state of the fluid also changes its stability and operating temperatures. When purchasing a fluid, manufacturers should find out its minimum and maximum operating temperatures in both phases to know if it is the best heat transfer fluid choice.

Viscosity

Fluid viscosity can influence your choice, as it impacts how easy it is to pump around the system and therefore how much energy is used. Synthetic thermal fluids tend to have a higher thermal capacity and lower viscosity than mineral-based fluids, so if you're looking to reduce energy costs, you may prefer this option.

In certain industries, including food and beverage, fluid choice may be influenced by heat transfer fluid legislation. In food manufacturing, for example, you should opt for a food grade fluid because it is certified non-toxic.

Our Globaltherm FG fluid, for example, has outstanding thermal oxidation stability to meet the demands of food, beverage or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

You should also consider the fluid’s base to ensure consumers are safe from toxicity. For example, in applications where there is a chance of ingesting the product, you should consider purchasing a propylene glycol-based fluid, as it has a lower toxicity than other options.

Heat transfer fluids are formulated for long-lasting, reliable performance, even in high-temperature environments. With the right care and attention, they can continue to deliver consistent results over an extended service life.

Effective fluid management starts with a preventative maintenance programme and regular system monitoring. Taking a hot, closed sample ensures the most accurate representation of the fluid’s condition. Analysing this sample allows you to gain valuable insights into what’s happening inside the system and take action before any issues arise.

To support this, we offer Thermocare, our condition-based thermal fluid lifecycle maintenance programme. Our experts work closely with your team to monitor fluid health more accurately, develop a customised maintenance schedule and train staff to confidently manage the system.

With proactive management, you can maximise performance, extend fluid life and maintain the efficiency of your entire operation.

Once you have chosen your fluid, you should consider how you will introduce it to the system. You cannot simply remove one thermal fluid and replace it with the next. Instead, you must drain, flush and refill the entire heat transfer system. This will increase the lifespan of the new fluid and keep the system running efficiently for longer.

Globaltherm® C1 is specifically designed to remove harsh by-products of any heat transfer fluid, such as carbon deposits, volatile light ends or loose debris to ensure there are no contaminants that may compromise the new heat transfer fluid.

Price will always be important when purchasing a new heat transfer fluid for an application. The price of a fluid will depend on its properties, so the more specialised the fluid, the higher the price.

You should choose a thermal fluid that is cost efficient for the facility without compromising on the most important properties required for the application.

Selecting the correct heat transfer fluid is important. Taking the time to carefully consider what fluid will work best for your application will help improve efficiency and increase the lifespan of the fluid and system.