Ultimate Guide for Heat Transfer Fluids

The heat transfer fluids have similar work as their name suggests. The HTF is used to channel the heat to the process path and stream. The heat transfer fluids are either mineral or synthetic-based.

When we look at different HTF it is very common to compare them. However, the selection of the right type of heat transfer fluids is not that easy as there can be numerous points that need to be addressed before selection.

The mineral and synthetic-based heat transfer fluids can be compared when looking for a completely new system of heat dissipation through fluids.
What is Thermal Management Fluid?

The heat transfer fluids are the core part of the heating system where fluids are used to remove or transfer the heat to another part.

The thermal fluids are in constant circulation to fulfill the process. The constant circulation provides the path to channel the heat for removal.

This heat transfer fluid remains liquid for the entire time but sometimes it can change the phase and turn into vapor. This is not very common and happens only in certain applications.

Thermal fluid management has a vast range of heat transfer fluids that are used to remove the heat. Let’s look at some of the fluids in thermal fluid management.
Types of Heat Transfer Fluids:

Several fluids are used in thermal management namely thermal oil, water, and water-glycol-based solutions. These are some of the most common and typical types of heat transfer fluids.

Heat transfer fluids have distinct benefits and advantages. These can be used in several applications depending on the appropriate temperature and performance that is required out of them. Each fluid can be the best option for dedicated applications or not for all.
Water -Glycol Solution

Water can be the best heat transfer medium. This is the best option if we look at the thermophysical properties it possesses. This solution can be corrosive for some contact materials, contain contaminants. It has a boiling point of 212ºF and a freezing point is at 32ºF.

If water is added with the glycol to make the solution, it increases the boiling point and decreases the freezing point, although that comes with some reduction in heat capacity.
Thermal Oil

Thermal oils can be appropriate to be used in higher temperatures applications. It can be an alternative to water-based solutions for the high-temperature process.

The thermal oils have the highest temperatures up to 600° F, if added some synthetics materials it will enable the solution to reach 800° F.

Thermal oils are also typically non-corrosive and don’t need to be treated like water to prevent hard water deposits from forming in the system.