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!
Help is just a phone call or email away – our technical support team – not sales people – are readily available to learn more about your needs and application
Viscosity cSt
Product
Fluid Chemistry
Max Use
Temp
Flash
Point
Smoke
Point
-22°F
68°F
104°F
212°F
392°F
Safety
Data Sheet
Get a
Quote
Duratherm G
Fluid Chemistry: Polyalkylene glycol
Max Use Temp: 500°F
Flash Point: 480°F
Smoke Point: 331°F
Viscosity cSt @-22°F: 5429.06cSt
Viscosity cSt @68°F: 105.2cSt
Viscosity cSt @104°F: 42.1cSt
Viscosity cSt @212°F: 7.6cSt
Viscosity cSt @392°F: 1.95cSt
Safety Data Sheet: 
Safety Data Sheet: Download
Duratherm G-LV
Fluid Chemistry: Polyalkylene glycol
Max Use Temp: 400°F
Flash Point: 358°F
Smoke Point: 275°F
Viscosity cSt @-22°F: 3606.1cSt
Viscosity cSt @68°F: 41.52cSt
Viscosity cSt @104°F: 16.4cSt
Viscosity cSt @212°F: 3.21cSt
Viscosity cSt @392°F: 0.95cSt
Safety Data Sheet:
Safety Data Sheet: Download
Duratherm G-WS46
Fluid Chemistry: Polyalkylene glycol
(water soluable)
Max Use Temp: 500°F
Flash Point: 527°F
Smoke Point: 338°F
Viscosity cSt @-22%°F: 2542cSt
Viscosity cSt @68°F: 124cSt
Viscosity cSt @104°F: 51.91cSt
Viscosity cSt @212°F: 12.4cSt
Viscosity cSt @392°F: 1.45cSt
Safety Data Sheet:
Safety Data Sheet: Download
Duratherm S
Fluid Chemistry: Polydimethylsiloxan
(silicone)
Max Use Temp: 400°F
Flash Point: 615°F
Smoke Point: 400°F
Viscosity cSt @-22°F: 156.02cSt
Viscosity cSt @68°F: 50.63cSt
Viscosity cSt @104°F: 36.13cSt
Viscosity cSt @212°F: 16.66cSt
Viscosity cSt @392°F: 7.3cSt
Safety Data Sheet:
Safety Data Sheet: Download
