For electric and gas-fired heating systems, safeguarding efficient operations and avoiding costly equipment damage is a top priority. A key component in achieving this is the use of high-quality heat transfer fluids, such as Paratherm.
Paratherm specialized fluids play a crucial role in maintaining precise temperature control within industrial processes, ensuring the longevity of equipment and the integrity of the products being produced.
But what exactly is Paratherm – and how can it help your operations?
What Is Paratherm Heat Transfer Fluid?
Paratherm heat transfer fluid is an exceptionally refined oil specifically engineered for use in electric and gas-fired heating systems. These versatile fluids play a key role in a wide range of heating processes such as injection molding, cooking vats of ready-to-eat chicken, or managing the temperature of vats containing asphalt.
In industrial applications where precise temperatures are essential, Paratherm brings an unmatched level of efficiency and control. Not only are Paratherm fluids efficient, they’re also classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and are non-toxic, making them the ideal choice for use in food processing plants.
Efficiency in Heating Solutions
In addition to traditional heating systems that generate heat on-site, Paratherm fluids allows for a centralized boiler to heat the fluid, which is then distributed through piping to the precise location where it is needed. This centralized heating strategy can result in substantial energy savings and long-term cost efficiency.
While some may attempt to substitute alternative oils in their equipment, heat transfer fluid is the only oil that is explicitly designed for this purpose. Using any other oils, such as motor oil or hydraulic oil, is not advised as they will rapidly degrade under high temperatures, ultimately breaking down into carbon that can cause extensive equipment damage. While better than alternative oils, silicone-based products are still less effective in transferring heat and cost 3-5 times more per drum than Paratherm.
Avoiding Costly Repairs with Paratherm
Equipment typically requires repair when heat transfer fluid breaks down due to using poor quality fluid or by not maintaining the heat transfer fluid. Any fluid in a thermal heating system must be tested and replaced on a 1-2-year schedule (intervals dependent upon run hours). If the need for a cleaning arises, there are available options, but if the degradation of the fluid is drastically deteriorated, then it may be too late for system cleaners.
An effective approach involves the following:
- Draining the fluid
- Running a Paratherm cleaning fluid through the system
- Filtering the fluid to capture particulates
- Refilling the system with fresh Paratherm fluid
In many cases, if the system is badly contaminated with carbon, the best practice is to dismantle the equipment and manually clean it. However, even manual cleaning or using system cleaners can never entirely remove particulates of oil that have broken down into carbon, causing potential wear and tear to pumps and valves.
For optimal performance, a proactive approach to maintenance must be taken for these types of systems. Engineers can take samples of the fluid and send them to Paratherm for analysis, allowing for early detection of issues. Alternatively, a maintenance schedule can be established, ensuring that the fluid is replaced every 12-24 months, depending on usage. Continuous 24/7 operations may necessitate annual changes, while intermittent usage may extend the interval.
Exploring Paratherm’s Product Lineup
Paratherm offers a range of heat transfer fluids, including Paratherm NF – their signature and most popular product. In its raw form, NF is crystal clear and delivers exceptional performance in closed-loop liquid-phase systems up to 600° Fahrenheit in fuel-fired heaters and 630° Fahrenheit in electric immersion heaters.
In addition to NF, Paratherm provides MR heat transfer fluid for a range of applications, including batch reactors, laminating lines and plastics mold temperature control, and Paratherm OR, designed for short-run-job shop conditions where open reservoirs, blowback procedures, and quick connects are used. These fluids can efficiently operate within temperature ranges spanning from 36°F to 600°F, making them suitable for an extensive array of industrial applications.
Although Paratherm heat transfer fluid may not be as commonly utilized in plastics processing, it finds widespread application in the food and chemical industries. Its versatility and reliability make it a valuable asset in maintaining consistent temperatures and optimizing various heating processes, ensuring quality and efficiency.
Let Plastixs Help Guide Your Heat Transfer Processes
Not sure which fluid to use – or how to get the most benefits from it? Plastixs stands as your trusted partner for sourcing Paratherm heat transfer fluids for your industrial heating systems. With decades of experience in Paratherm products, our team can offer:
1. Industry Expertise: our resident Paratherm expert (and President of Plastixs), Mickey Blyskal, has been a dedicated Paratherm distributor since 1992; Mickey’s extensive experience guarantees that you receive the perfect product tailored to your specific needs
2. Comprehensive Knowledge Base: while Paratherm offers an extensive library of technical information and resources about products (including proper shutdown, testing, cleaning, and degradation), Plastixs can simplify and streamline this for you, providing holistic understanding of the right heat transfer fluids for your needs
3. Exceptional Technical Support: Plastixs and Paratherm collaborate to offer you exceptional technical support whenever the need arises
4. Swift Service & Delivery: we understand the urgency of your requirements so, through our drop-shipping arrangements with Paratherm, we can deliver products to your doorstep in as little as 1-2 days (as opposed to 1-2 weeks)
5. Competitive Pricing: Plastixs pricing mirrors that of Paratherm, ensuring that you receive the best value for your investment
Safeguarding your equipment from damage and ensuring the reliable operation of electric and gas-fired heating systems remains a top priority for industrial facilities. Paratherm heat transfer fluids, available through Plastixs, offer a dependable and cost-effective solution.
By adhering to best practices and selecting the appropriate fluid for your specific application, you can effectively prevent costly repairs and enjoy consistent performance.
Contact us to learn more about Paratherm heat transfer fluid