thermal oil

oil has a low specific heat value, low ability to absorb heat energy,
eg; water specific heat value is 100, oil specific heat value is 5.
The usual damage to heat transfer fluids is localised over heating because the watts density rating of the fluid has been exceed and the result is carbonising of the HTF.
as this heat damage occurs the flash point of the HTF lowers because the solid carbon precipitated out releasing a fluid simular to diesel in appearance and flashpoint lowering the HTFs Flash Point.
These lighter ends of the HTF can be removed with vacuum distillation and as an example when we completed trials the HTF flash point was 80°C, we completed vacuum distillation and the HTF flash point was returned to a reasonable 210°C
These lighter ends are Mercapitans, maybe incorrect spelling, these are a diesel like fluid with a pungent sulfur smell,
with HTF flash point should be monitored as is the flash point is reduced and a pipe ruptures could result in spontaneous ignition of the fluid in extreme instances.

The three main things to test for are viscosity, total acid number and distilation range. Other tests to consider are pentane insolubles, flash point, water. These values over time tell you what is happening in your system and point out potential problem areas. If you would like to discuss this further over the phone, please call me at 610-408-8361 (US). Best regards, Mark Smith - MultiTherm. Or visit our website at www.multitherm.com and check our out tech bulletins.

Does anyone have troubles operating their hot oil system? Is your fluid starting to break down? Have you done a fluid analysis in the last 6 months? Let MultiTherm help you get your system back up and running efficiently. Send me an e-mail, visit our website at www.MultiTherm.com or call me (Mark Smith) at 610-408-8361 to help get solutions you need on your hot oil heat transfer fluid (temperature controled) system.www.MultiTherm.comMSmith@MultiTherm.com

where can i find the heat characteristics of thermal oil (ie: a 100F temperature rise requires how many BTU's)?