Recommended Intervals for Fluid Sampling and Testing

Duratherm fluids are designed for long service life, and as part of our value-added commitment, we provide a complimentary analysis program to help protect your investment and maximize fluid performance in your application.

With thousands of possible uses for heat transfer fluids, and with every system applying the oil in a unique way, it is not possible to accurately predict a fluid’s service life.

To help you understand the condition of your fluid, we offer comprehensive testing that includes flash point, viscosity, and Total Acid Number (TAN). If needed, a full gas chromatograph distillation can also be performed.

Sampling Procedures

A 300 ml (8 to 10 ounce) sample of fluid is all that is required. While we can supply a sample kit, any clean, shipping-ready container is acceptable.

Samples should be drawn from a circulation point in the system to provide a representative snapshot of the overall fluid condition. For ongoing monitoring, a single sampling point should be identified and used consistently for all future samples.

To capture the full life cycle of the fluid, we recommend taking a baseline sample within a few days of commissioning a new system.

If an existing fluid is being replaced, a sample of the drained oil should be collected and analyzed.

Once the system has been filled with Duratherm, an initial baseline sample should be taken within a few days. Comparing this with the “before” sample of the old fluid will indicate the effectiveness of the oil change.

For continuous monitoring, we suggest working with our technical support team to establish a routine sampling program suited to your system. As a general guideline:

• For larger systems of 1900 liters (500 gallons) or more, an annual sample is usually sufficient.
• For smaller systems, semi-annual or quarterly sampling is often recommended.

Samples may be shipped in any clean container, or a Duratherm sample container can be supplied upon request.