Did you know there are many options to consider when selecting thermal fluids?

  1. Temperature is Everything – match your bulk temperature but also consider film temperature, heater type
  2. Controlling Oxidation – high temperature air exposure can destroy the wrong fluid quickly
  3. Maximizing Fluid Life – short-term or long-term use – invest wisely
  4. Availability is Critical – thermal fluids are often critical to production – how long can you wait for your thermal fluid to ship?
  5. Reliable Service & Support – thermal fluids are maintenance-intensive, but can your vendor help you if there are problem

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Open Bath Fluids

Open baths represent one of the most challenging applications for heat transfer fluids. Without careful consideration for operating temperatures and proper ventilation of the bath itself, the wrong fluid choice could prove unnecessarily costly and ultimately jeopardize workplace safety.

Oxidation is the number one cause of heat transfer fluid breakdown in open baths. It occurs when the hot fluid is exposed to the surrounding air. This unavoidable exposure to the atmosphere will result in the formation of sludge within the bath itself or gelling of the fluid. The hotter the bath’s operating temperature, the faster and more severe this reaction will be. Very few fluids will hold up under these extreme conditions for more than a few days, however, Duratherm has created a line of heat transfer fluids specifically engineered for this challenging application – see product chart below.

An important consideration in open bath applications is off-gassing, which can look like smoke accumulating and rising from the bath. It’s actually just the fluids lighter molecules being released as it’s heated, but these vapors can be hazardous and should not be inhaled regardless of the fluid being used. To ensure a safe workplace, all baths should have proper ventilation to protect the operator from the effects of fumes and off-gassing. It’s important to remember that as fluid temperatures rise, off-gassing increases so be sure to account for this when planning for and sizing your ventilation system.

The oxidation and off-gassing that is inherent in open bath applications will cripple most heat transfer fluids in a short period of time. Knowing the importance of choosing the right product that will withstand these harsh conditions, Duratherm has developed a complete line of fluids that have proven themselves – in real world applications – to be not only safe and cost effective but highly durable also. In the chart below you will find a range of fluids with a variety of characteristics to choose from but if for some reason you are unsure of what would work best for you, just give us a call – we’re here to help!

°F
°C
Viscosity cSt
Product Fluid Chemistry Max Use Temp Flash Point Smoke Point -30°C -22°F 20°C 68°F 40°C 104°F 100°C 212°F 200°C 392°F Safety Data Sheets Get Quote Links
Duratherm G Polyalkylene glycol 260°C 500°F 249°C 480°F 166°C 331°F 5429.06cSt 105.2cSt 42.1cSt 7.6cSt 1.95cSt Get Quote
Duratherm G-LV Polyalkylene glycol 204°C 400°F 181°C 358°F 135°C 275°F 3606.1cSt 41.52cSt 16.4cSt 3.21cSt 0.95cSt Get Quote
Duratherm S Polydimethylsiloxan
(silicone)
204°C 400°F 323°C 615°F 204°C 400°F 156.02cSt 50.63cSt 36.13cSt 16.66cSt 7.3cSt Get Quote