The primary role of a heat transfer fluid (HTF) is to relocate thermal energy efficiently from one area to another.
The aim of this is either to heat or cool a selected part of a system involved in a process or an industrial application. Water is regarded as the most affordable and efficient HTF, yet it has many physical and chemical characteristics that limit its capabilities.
These shortcomings can impact a range of operating requirements, including system reliability, thermal performance and maintenance costs. As a result, specialist manufacturers of HTFs like Paratherm have formulated alternative fluids that can facilitate effective and advanced heat transfer, by building upon and enhancing the basic properties of water.
Today, Paratherm’s range of HTFs are engineered specifically to meet different applications and temperature range requirements. Its expert fluid engineers balance multiple factors like base chemistry, refinement level (purity), proprietary formulation and physical properties including density, thermal conductivity and viscosity levels, to produce heat transfer fluids of the highest quality available in the world.
Its comprehensive collection of products includes nine different HTFs, an additive that acts as an oxidation inhibitor and three dedicated system cleaners. Its diverse fluid chemistries range from all natural organic hydrocarbons to high-temperature synthetic hydrocarbons, to answer different operational needs.
Benefits of Paratherm HTFs compared to HTFs produced by other companies
The Paratherm heat transfer fluid collection supplies HTFs that have a far wider temperature range than conventional HTFs.
Temperatures range from -88°C all the way up to 357°C., which means that its HTFs not only answer most customers’ requirements, but in many cases, exceed them.
Paratherm’s HTFs are compatible with most of leading lubricant maker’s fluids, however its research and development has enabled it to produce HTFs that are more thermally stable at higher temperatures. As a result, Paratherm’s fluids have the advantage of lasting longer when exposed to the same operating conditions as its competition.
What makes Paratherm HTFs superior to low-cost traditional HTFs, like steam and water?
Today, most plants operate with a steam-based system.
Consequently, water and steam play a key role in the realm of heat transfer fluids. However, steam adoption has safety concerns, and some limitations when used under extreme pressure at high temperatures.
As a result, a full-time operator is required at cost to operations. Unlike water and steam, Paratherm HTFs allow systems to run at a far lower pressure of one atmosphere (atm) or less, meaning they don’t require the watchful eye of a full-time operator.
Paratherm HTFs benefit a wide range of different industries
A diverse array of industries have found advantages from using Paratherm HTFs. These include asphalt paving, engineered wood, chemical processing, gas processing, plastics, industrial laundry and the poultry and meat production industry.
Paratherm customers benefit from its service-oriented supply mentality that keeps their applications continuously running while extending the lifespan and maintaining their equipment.
Paratherm can help detect and fix fouling and oxidation issues in HTFs
Oxidation is among the most common problems when deploying oil based HTFs. However, other fouling problems, such as increased high and low boilers, are always a concern as well.
As a result, Paratherm advises yearly fluid testing at a minimum. It assesses the Total Acid number, or TAN for short, to check for oxidation issues, but also tests for viscosity and distils HTF samples to check for high and low boilers. Paratherm reviews every test with its customers, compares results with fluid baseline data, and makes recommendations founded on its findings. This process can include onsite visits and a complete review of the HTF system design to assist its customers in getting the longest lifespan possible from the fluids it supplies.
Regular fluid analysis and maintenance of HTF systems is critical, and is comparable to blood tests in medical diagnosis. Routine analysis can identify issues early before they become larger, and more expensive, problems.
How to select a HTF for an application
To maximise the use of any HTF, it must be matched perfectly to requirements.
Multiple factors are involved in selecting a HTF. First, you must assess your operation’s temperature needs, and whether your system involves cooling, heating or both. Do you require a dual-purpose fluid that can help with heating and cooling tasks, or a separate solution for each?
Next, look at your heating method. Is your system using waste heat, a gas fired heater or an electric heater? For each different heat source, there is a varied thermal impact on the HTF at a molecular level. Consider if your installation will be outside or inside, and whether you require a low temperature (cold) start up. During operation, does your process involve frequent shutdowns and start-ups, or is it continuous?
Economic factors can also affect selection of a HTF. Paratherm HTFs are designed to provide optimised performance and enhanced safety and capabilities compared to conventional fluids, offering a significant return when you invest in them.
