Heat Transfer Fluid Testing

A proactive HTF Fluid Maintenance Program is essential for maintaining peak performance in your heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems. By identifying potential issues early through routine heat transfer fluid testing, you can prevent costly downtime, protect business operations, and ensure consistent comfort in your facility or home. Regular HTF testing also improves system efficiency, reduces wear and tear, minimizes corrosion and freezing risks, and helps extend equipment lifespan, ultimately lowering maintenance expenses and overall energy costs.

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. As these fluids 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. Additionally, you should consider testing your fluids prior to the winter season, to ensure adequate freeze protection.

To order your CORECHEM FLUID TEST, please:

1. Click the button above titled ‘Request Test Kit’
2. Draw fluid sample in kit supplied by CORECHEM.
3. Print the email you receive and enclose with the sample.
4. The ‘Ship To’ address will be noted on the email.

How does CORECHEM Fluid Testing work?

Getting the best results from your sample.

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. CORECHEM’s test kit (supplied using the above form) includes a 500-mL Nalgene™ bottle for your convenience. 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 does a CORECHEM HTF test screen for?

Visual Analysis

We conduct a visual analysis of the general condition, checking the base fluid concentration and the pH level of the heat transfer fluid.

Level of Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion inhibitors can deplete over time. When these levels fall, the chance of damage to equipment rises.

Fluid Degradation

Some common antifreeze fluids 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.

Acids & Corrosive Ions

Acids may form in heat transfer fluids as they begin to degrade and can cause system corrosion. Corrosive ions such as chloride or sulfates can occur if water-quality is poor and will have a negative effect on system operations.

Degradation Products

Elements such as copper or iron can indicate corrosion in the system.

Want to find out more about our bulk fill service?

Fill in the form below and we’ll get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Who is responsible for shipping costs? 

Customers are responsible for all shipping costs associated with sending samples to CORECHEM. Shipments must be sent with prepaid postage, as any packages received with unpaid or insufficient postage will be rejected upon delivery. 

Will my sample be rejected if it is not properly labeled or sealed? 

Yes. Samples that are not properly labeled or securely sealed will be rejected upon receipt. Accurate labeling is required to ensure correct identification and traceability, and containers must be tightly sealed to prevent leaks, contamination, or loss during transit. CORECHEM reserves the right to reject any sample that does not meet these requirements, as improper samples can lead to unreliable or invalid test results 

Where should I take my sample from? 

Samples should always be taken from a live, circulating part of the system to ensure they accurately represent the fluid condition. The best locations include a sample port on the main loop, the discharge side of the pump, or an active flow line. Sampling from drain valves, dead legs, expansion tanks, or the bottom of the system should be avoided because these areas do not reflect the true condition of the fluid. 

Do you provide sampling kits? 

CORECHEM can provide sampling kits to ensure proper collection and handling of heat transfer fluid samples. Customers are encouraged to follow the Request a Kit link on the website or contact our team for more details.

What if I do not have all the required information for the submission form? 

All fields marked with a red asterisk must be completed to the best of your knowledge. If certain information is not available at the time of submission, please enter “N/A” in those fields. Providing as much accurate information as possible helps ensure proper analysis and more meaningful test results. 

How much sample volume do I need?

A standard sample size of approximately 500 milliliters (16–17 oz) is recommended to ensure there is sufficient volume for a complete testing panel and any repeat or additional analyses if needed. The sample should be collected in a clean, appropriately labeled sealed container to maintain accuracy and reliability of the results. 

Contact Us

Name(Required)