LIQUID PHASE HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM FLUID
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Objectives:
- Remove the used heat transfer fluid from the system.
- Solvate sludge and other degradation products as much as possible for removal by draining.
Radco offers an aromatic solvent (Xceltherm® FF) for synthetic fluid systems. For system flush of moderately sludge or viscous systems of synthetic aromatic based heat transfer fluids. Add 80% of the system volume, operate up to a week or more and drain before refilling. Time saving and economic. Compatible with Dowtherm™ A and most other synthetic heat transfer fluids.
• Most effective carbon/sludge removal circulating for up to two weeks.
• Run up to 650°F with maximum cleaning performance.
• Non-hazardous, non-toxic.
• Compatible with all common materials of construction.
• No system flush required after use.
Note: Prior to using Xceltherm® FF System Flush Fluid, a fluid analysis should be completed by Radco on the current in-use heat transfer fluid.
PROCEDURE: PARTIAL FILL & DRAIN
- Radco Industries recommends a 100-micron system filter.
- Based on fluid analysis, replace 80% of the system volume of heat transfer fluid with Xceltherm® FF.
- System can be continuously operated as long as 2 weeks up to 650°F (345°C) for maximum cleaning performance.
- Drain system from all low points to prevent settling of carbon or sludge. System should be drained between 150°F to 180°F.
- Follow Radco Industries’ start-up procedure for charging the new Xceltherm® heat transfer fluid.
PROCEDURE: SYSTEM FLUSH BEFORE FILL
- Drain system including any obvious low points such as the bottom of jackets, etc.
- Break the lines at the pump intake and discharge. Air blow the system to remove any “heel”.
- Charge the system with flushing fluid and circulate at approximately 400 degrees F for approximately 8 hours. If system design permits, the flushing fluid should be run through the expansion tank for approximately two hours of this eight-hour period. The volume of flushing fluid should be sufficient to ensure that the pump does not cavitate on start-up. Although this volume is ultimately determined by system configuration, a good rule of thumb is that the flushing fluid volume should be approximately 80 % of the system fluid volume.
- Again, drain system including any obvious low points.
- Again, break the lines at the pump and air blow.
PROCEDURE: LIQUID PHASE HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM START-UP
The objective is to vent any moisture which may have condensed in the system and any residual light ends remaining from a system flush.
In this procedure, the fluid should be run through the expansion tank if possible, as the lights will be vented more quickly. In any event, a watch should be maintained on the expansion tank vent or the system pressure gauge. It is not unusual to see puffs of vapor from this vent or an increase in system pressure as the fluid is heated and the lights escape. However, if an increase in the rate of vapor generation is observed, the temperature should be maintained or even slightly reduced until the rate of venting lessens. Only then should the temperature be increased.
- At a temperature rate increase not to exceed 1°F (½°C) per minute bring the system temperature to 200°F (93°C) and circulate for approximately the length of time necessary for the heat transfer fluid (HTF) to cycle once through the system. For example, if the pump output is 180 gallons/minute (680 Liters/minute) and the system fluid volume is 1800 gallons (6800 Liters), the HTF cycle time is 10 minutes.
- At the above temperature rate bring the system to 230°F (110°C) and circulate for 1 HTF cycle while observing the expansion tank vent/pressure gauge.
- At the above temperature rate bring the system to 260°F (127°C) and circulate for 1 HTF cycle while observing the expansion tank vent/pressure gauge.
- At the above temperature rate bring the system to 300°F (149°C) and circulate for 1 HTF cycle while observing the expansion tank/pressure gauge. At this point, if everything is running satisfactorily and you have been running through the tank, the expansion tank may be bypassed, and the system put in its normal fluid flow configuration.
- The system temperature may now be raised to operating temperature in 50°F (25°C) increments with each incremental rise followed by an HTF cycle time observation period.
Typical Properties
Key Temperatures |
Recommended Maximum Operating Temperature |
<450°F |
<232°C |
Flash Point (PMCC) (ASTM D93) (min) |
245°F |
118°C |
Flash Point (COC)(ASTM D92) (min) |
260°F |
126°C |
Pumpability, 300 mm2/s (cSt) |
-47°F |
-44°C |
Normal Boiling Point, 10% Fraction |
510°F |
265°C |
Physical Properties |
Appearance |
Straw yellow, clear liquid |
Odor |
Mild |
Composition |
Radco blended aromatic-based flush fluid |
Moisture Content (max) |
300 ppm |
Density, at 77°F/25°C |
8.34 lbs/gal |
999 kg/m3 |
Specific Gravity, at 60°F/15.5°C |
1.0 |
Kinematic Viscosity, at 104°F/40°C |
2.71 cSt |
Kinematic Viscosity, at 212°F/100°C |
1.02 cSt |
Vapor Pressure, at 77°F/25°C |
0.002 mm Hg |
0.27 Pa |
Vapor Density |
6.5 (Air = 1) |