Questions & Answers

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FAQ Question:
Q. How do I select the right Therminol Fluid for my application?

FAQ Answer:
A. Generally, a heat transfer fluid is selected based on its ability to provide long-term, reliable system operation and performance. Desired operating conditions of the heat transfer fluid system, particularly the maximum operating temperature will typically narrow the field of choices. If the system is used for heating and cooling or is operated outdoors in extremely cold climates, then one would need to consider the low temperature properties of the heat transfer fluid as well. Other criteria that may factor into your decision are environmental friendliness of the fluid, specific system design criteria, and cost. Your Therminol Specialist is always available for consultation in fluid selection.

Selecting a supplier is at least as important as the decision of which fluid to buy. When you select Therminol, you are choosing the world leader in heat transfer fluids. Therminol fluids are produced on four continents and stocked in strategic locations around the world. Therminol representatives with unmatched capabilities can be found in nearly every country in the world. The Therminol team will work to make you successful from the earliest conceptual design phases of the project right through detailed design, start-up and routine operation. We are with you all the way helping you to achieve your goal of safe, reliable, and cost effective operation.

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FAQ Question:
Q. Is there a standardized method for measuring thermal degradation?

FAQ Answer:
A. Similar testing methods have been used for many years by the major suppliers of heat transfer fluids around the world to measure thermal stability of fluids. There have been slight variations in equipment and analytical procedures used for these methods. Efforts are now underway in the United States to standardize an approved ASTM method for testing so results can be reproducible between laboratories. A method is also being proposed in Europe under the DIN standards.

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FAQ Question:
Q. Does Therminol form sludge?

FAQ Answer:
A. Therminol heat transfer fluids are synthetics and are non-fouling by nature. In systems which are properly designed and operated, they generally do not form coke or non-soluble tars and sludges. They are much more resistant to solids formation caused by oxidation than other types of heat transfer fluids such as mineral oils.

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FAQ Question:
Q. How do I know when to change the fluid?

FAQ Answer:
A. Heat transfer fluid life is time and temperature dependent. Most Therminol heat transfer fluids will last for many years. Actual fluid life is quite dependent on the total system design and operation and can vary from system to system. Significant overheating and fluid contamination will also effect the performance of a heat transfer fluid system. An in depth analysis of your fluid in the Therminol laboratory gives excellent guidance on the condition of the fluid and likelihood of continued reliable operation.

The most common reasons for suggesting fluid replacement are:

• elevated viscosity resulting in impaired low temperature fluid performance
• elevated quantities of high molecular weight degradation products approaching (or, in the worst cases, exceeding) their limit of solubility in the subject fluid
• contamination of the heat transfer fluid with foreign compounds.

Solutia recommends regular sampling and analysis of heat transfer fluid systems. By taking advantage of our complementary sampling program, you can monitor your system and plan ahead for fluid replacement before you experience a loss in system performance.

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FAQ Question:
Q. Does the color affect performance?

FAQ Answer:
A. Color is the least reliable indicator of fluid condition. Although Therminol heat transfer fluids are clear or slightly tinted when new, it is normal for them to darken in color when heated and exposed to minor contaminates such as iron oxide or mill scale in a heat transfer system. This change in color has no affect on their operational performance or overall fluid life.

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FAQ Question:
Q. When I do need to replace the fluid, can Solutia help?

FAQ Answer:
A. Of course! We offer several services that will help when it comes time to change your fluid. Solutia prides itself on being an environmental leader and in many areas we offer a Trade-In Program for used heat transfer fluids. Depending on the fluid and its condition, we will take back your old fluid and in return, offer you a credit towards the purchase of your new heat transfer fluid for your system. The trade-in program eliminates your disposal costs of spent heat transfer fluid.

Deposits from oxidized, thermally degraded or contaminated fluid can foul interior surfaces, making it necessary to clean the system prior to charging with new fluid. Based on the condition of your system, this may be recommended. If so, you may want to consider using Therminol FF. Therminol FF is the first and only flushing fluid for liquid phase heat transfer systems. In some areas, Solutia will even take back your used Therminol FF at no additional cost. Our cradle-to-grave approach eliminates expensive disposal costs.

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FAQ Question:
Q. What is a "synthetic" heat transfer fluid?

FAQ Answer:
A. A synthetic heat transfer fluid is one that is manufactured as a first intent heat transfer fluid which meets precise purity and performance specifications. Mineral oils, on the other hand, are by-products of lube oil production.

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FAQ Question:
Q. What do you mean by thermal degradation?

FAQ Answer:
A. All heat transfer fluids thermally degrade to what are called low and high boilers. These are chemical compounds of different molecular weights that boil at lower or higher temperatures than the original fluid. Therminol fluids have been lab and field tested at elevated temperatures to measure the rate of formation of these compounds. This is usually expressed as percent degradation vs. time. The maximum operating temperature recommended for each fluid which will provide long term trouble-free system operation is based on results from extensive laboratory and field testing.

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