What to use for thermowell fluid in a pinch?

I know a heat transfer fluid like Duratherm S is probably best, but I don’t have any right now. Seems vacuum pump oil will work according to some comments here. I’ve also read that fine sand will work. I have plenty of vac pump oil (ultra 19 grade). Any downsides to using vac oil? Any better options?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point

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I’ve never used anything other then vac pump oil. Works okay for me.

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mineral oil will do fine if you’re under 200C. It might even be fine above 200C (up to some point), but I’ve never used it beyond that.

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Ive always used duratherm for the last 8 yrs, but before that all kinds were tried and avocado was the best we found.

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I should have asked this and not used olive oil lolololol…
PC thermal compound I was recommended by I think @Dred_pirate.
Easy to get overnight / same day on amazon

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Yep, that’s what I use!

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Did you recommend me ?
Who ever it was got me into researching Gallium.

Pure Gallium I’m going try next.

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The only gallium conversation I remember was using it in a heating mantle for an undersized flask but I don’t remember whose idea it was, maybe @Soxhlet. The thermal paste was probably me but who knows :man_shrugging:

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@squig was talking about useing babbitt metal

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I’ve used crude in the thermowell of my distillation head in a pinch. Wasn’t a brilliant idea, but it does work…

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Bet that was a bitchhhhh to clean lol

Nah, pretty sure one of the kids broke it before cleaning became an issue. Brand new crew, chewing through glass like there was no (run) tomorrow…

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Maybe white petroleum jelly (petrolatum)?

Boiling point 302°C

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I would fucking love to see the mess that would make :joy:

I think between crude (LOL) and vaseline ill take the one thats already been stripped of volatiles :volcano::boom:

then again anything will probably work as long as you use it repeatedly and establish a baseline

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Glycerin food safe bp 290 C

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