I refuse to pay 800$ a 5 gallon bucket and spend more on the heating fluid then the heater cost.
Which is what summit USA labs and a lot of these guys charge.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
(USA lab said ONLY USE SILICON OIL OR IT WILL CORRODE)
I’ve been using cheaper variants for years and never rly had a problem…
Caldera 7 - $650
This knocks the socks off of Duratherm S which cracks/turns black right away. Been running it at temps of up to 240C.
What temps are you running?
Have a hard time believing that an oil based thermal fluid would cause corrosion. I don’t run rotos anymore but when I did we used plain white mineral oil for the thermal fluid and it was a lot cheaper than $650 or $800 for a 5 gallon bucket. Was used for temps up to 115*c in an open bath 50l roto
I have used this without issue for years
above 200C ?
Ya if the OP’s process doesn’t require over 120C, mineral oil would work just fine.
That is super upsetting. I was just looking into getting some heating fluid.
How far will propylene glycol get you as a substitute?
I use super lube silicon oil 100cst
any other cst burn your shit up…
Ive got brand new 55 gal of dynalene HC50 as well as 55gal of mineral oil, both of which I will sell for cheap if anyone wants any I can ship it out in 5 gal pails
how long was it running at 240??
Yikes!! thats gross!!
Are you sure it wasnt the duratherm g and not s?
I ordered s from xtractor depot once and received g and had to return it, i feared that would happen since its right at the edge of the limit.
Dow Syltherm 800
I dont think OP specified above 200C. If I wasn’t going above 200C I would stick with Duratherm S for price, but Caldera has an excellent product and tbh you’re the first person I’ve come across who’s heard of them. They have a ton of fluids for different ranges, but the “7” has an enormous range and is specified for open bath use. I would suggest to anyone that if they intend on working with a fluid at its lowest advertised temperature to look at the viscosity chart in the technical data and make sure any pumps they’re using are rated for those viscosities. Just because a fluid is rated to flow at a low temperature doesnt mean your pumps necessarily are.
and pave the streets with gold? That’s gotta be one of, if not THE, most expensive fluid - am I mistaken?
It’s Dow branded silicone oil so I’m sure they are charging more than other brands, but they probably also produce a better product. I think all these fluid should be optimally blanketed with an inert gas while at elevated temperatures to extend shelf life but Syltherm 800 has a 10 year or longer life span. I haven’t run side by side comparisons but I would bet Syltherm 800 would outlast any other silicone oil.
I was under the impression S800 was a closed system fluid, certainly at that price I would treat it as such just like you said. I reckon no one’s out here running inert on an open bath, its not practical.
ohhh, looks tasty!
What temps are you looking to use the oil at?
