Organic heat transfer fluids operated at elevated temperatures are all susceptible to oxidation due to contact with oxygen in air.

The degree of oxidation and the rate of reaction are dependent on the operating temperature and the amount of air which has mixed in the system. Undesirable byproducts like carboxylic acids would be formed, which may result in system operating problems.

Preventative measures should be taken to ensure that air is eliminated from the system, especially during start-up.

The thermal stability of a heat transfer fluid for a given set of operating parameters is the most important consideration in the selection of a fluid.

Thermal degradation, for all synthetic fluids and mineral oils, generally results in the formation of polymeric high viscosity fractions (high boilers) and volatiles (low boilers).

The amounts, ratio and solubility of high and low boilers formed are critical factors to evaluate fluid performance, top-up costs and risks of coking and scaling inside your system.

Routine monitoring of fluid properties is recommended.

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