Heat Transfer Fluid Maintenance: A Guide

 

Adequate and proper maintenance of your heat transfer fluids can lower costs, improve performance, and even extend the length of time between fluid replacements. When run properly, and with the right HTFs for your requirements, a heat transfer system will create a safe, economical, and low maintenance process for your business. But, overlook upkeep and maintenance and you could face wide-ranging and potentially business-critical issues. In this article, we will delve deeper into the importance of heat transfer maintenance and look at when, how and what to test.

Have questions about which heat transfer fluid is right for you? Contact a member of the CORECHEM team who will be happy to help.



How important is the heat transfer chemical supplier you choose?


Any heat transfer fluid will degrade over time, but the right supplier can help you to minimize degradation and extend the life of your system. When choosing a chemical supplier, look for a business that works with a customer-first ethos and will be with you throughout the lifecycle of your heat transfer fluids. Aim to choose a chemical supplier that provides an annual fluids analysis as part of the initial contract. All customers using CORECHEM’s Heat Transfer Fluids within their system are offered a free of charge system analysis each year.


Find out more about our free annual fluid check.




Why is it important to have a HTF maintenance plan?


A well-considered heat transfer fluid maintenance program will detect potential issues ahead of time so your business can proceed in a proactive rather than reactive manner. In addition to ensuring the reliability of your equipment, a maintenance plan can ensure operating efficiency, limit the impact of wear and tear and could even lower energy costs. What’s more, inadequate maintenance can be one of the primary causes of corrosion, freezing and system failure.




When should you test your heat transfer fluids?


All fluids should be tested within the first year of the initial fill or change to ensure a baseline sample is created for future testing. Following on from initial testing, larger systems will require annual or semi-annual inspections with some smaller systems requiring monthly checks. 


In addition to this minimum level of testing, it’s recommended to carry out regular internal inspections. As HTFs degrade their viscosity and heat transfer capabilities may be affected and system problems become more likely. Be sure to check your heat transfer fluids if you notice a decline in performance or if the system is modified or altered at any point. 




How to test Heat Transfer Fluids


There are infinite uses for HTFs and a huge selection of systems so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to testing. If you’re unsure which test to carry out, check with your chemical manufacturer. 


Existing CORECHEM customers: need advice on testing? Contact us today.


When testing your heat transfer fluids, samples should be taken from a live part of the system to ensure the most accurate results. A clean sample container is vital to guarantee the results aren’t compromised and a glass beaker or Nalgene™ plastic bottle is the optimal choice so the sample can be evaluated visually. At CORECHEM, we will ship a return-addressed sample test kit free of charge to all customers using our HTF products. 


Note: We can also offer this service to non-CORECHEM HTF customers for a small fee. 




What should a HTF test screen for?


A fluid inspection should include visual analysis of the general condition, checking the base fluid concentration and the pH level of the HTF. In addition to this routine analysis, screenings should check for:


    

  • Appropriate condition of filters and strainers
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  • Level of corrosion inhibitors – corrosion inhibitors can deplete over time. When these levels fall, the chance of damage to equipment rises. Additional inhibitors can be added to HTFs to extend the fluid life. Be sure to check with your fluid manufacturer to ensure the additional fluids are compatible with your base formula.
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  • Fluid degradation – some common HTF compounds including ethylene glycol and propylene glycol can be negatively affected by excess exposure to heat. A fluid analysis will reveal degradation, and this can then be rectified before damage to equipment occurs.
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  • Acids – these may form in HTFs as they begin to degrade and can cause system corrosion.
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  • Corrosive ions – such as chloride or sulfates can occur if water-quality is poor and will have a negative effect on system operations.
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  • Degradation products – such as copper or iron which could indicate corrosion in the system.
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The final word on HTF maintenance


By taking a proactive approach to your heat transfer maintenance, it will be possible to spot issues before they become problems. The information outlined above will help you to prolong the life of the Heat Transfer Fluids in your closed-loop HVAC system by allowing you to take preventative action. A high-quality HTF along with a dedicated maintenance program will help you to extend the life of your equipment and ensure it operates at peak performance.


If you’re looking for advice on how to create your own heat transfer maintenance plan or if you’re an existing customer and want to claim your free annual fluids inspection, get in touch with a member of the CORECHEM team today.