Heat transfer oil analysis

WearCheck's heat transfer oil test kit has been designed to enhance efficiency in thermal transfer machinery. Degraded or contaminated oil can cause reduced system efficiencies due to damaged pumps or fouled heat exchangers.

Compromised oil can become a fire or explosion risk, it is therefore vital that heat transfer oils be tested regularly.

Heat transfer oil analysis targets key areas of the oil's performance, contamination and degradation. For instance, oxidation of the oil will result in elevated acid levels as well as an increased viscosity, and the byproducts of this oxidation will lead to deposits in the system resulting in lower thermal efficiencies. Oxidation can be caused by excessive operating temperatures and/or the presence of metallic catalysts such as iron or copper, and over-extended fluid service.

A second area of concern is thermal cracking. Here the oil's chemical backbone is broken up into smaller, more volatile components. A significant variance between the closed cup and open cup flash point indicates a buildup of these volatile fractions which pose real fire and explosion risks.

Thermal cracking can also manifest itself with decreased kinematic viscosity. By providing a comprehensive test profile, not only the problem, but also the root of the problem, can be discovered.

The heat transfer oil test kit is convenient, cost-efficient and uniquely available from WearCheck on the African continent.