Therminol VP-3 Heat Transfer Fluid
Description
Therminol VP3 heat transfer fluid is a synthetic heat transfer fluid that was specially developed to allow vapour phase heat transfer at lower temperatures than are practical with traditional diphenyl oxide (DPO)/biphenyl constituted fluids like Therminol VP-1.
Performance Benefits
- Easy to Handle—Therminol VP-3 has a normal boiling point of 243°C (469°F), 14°C (26°F) below the normal boiling point of Therminol VP-1. Laboratory thermal stability testing suggests a recommended continuous operating temperature of 330°C (625°F) in the liquid or vapor phase. A crystallisation point of 2°C (36°F) makes Therminol VP-3 easy to handle and may eliminate the need for costly heat tracing in moderate climates.
- Low Odor—The odor of Therminol VP-3 is milder than other vapour phase organic heat transfer fluids. Therminol VP-3 is a mixture of phenylcyclohexane and bicyclohexyl. It contains virtually no biphenyl.
- Class III b Combustibility—With an open cup flash point of 104°C (219°F), Therminol VP-3 is a Class III b combustible fluid under the definitions of the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) . As with any other combustible material, proper system design and operation are important to safe operation. Leaks of vapour could condense into a stable mist suspension that may be explosive in certain concentrations in air.
Typical Properties
| Property | Test Method | Typical Value, Units |
| Appearance | Above 2.4°C (36°F) clear, sediment-free liquid | |
| Composition | Phenylcyclohexane + bicyclohexyl | |
| Recommended Bulk Temperature | 330 °C (625 °F) | |
| Maximum Film Temperature | 360 °C (675 °F) | |
| Normal Boiling Point | 243 °C (469 °F) | |
| Flash Point COC | ASTM D92 | 104 °C (219 °F) |
| Autoignition Temperature | ASTM E659 DIN 51794 | 360 °C (680 °F) 351 °C (664 °F) |
| Heat of Vaporisationa | 263.9 kJ/kg (113.6 Btu/lb) | |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion @ 200°C | 0.001204 /°C (0.000669 /°F) | |
| Viscosity, Kinematic @ 40°C | ASTM D 445 | 2.04 cSt, mm2/s |
| Liquid Density @ 15ºC @ 25°C | ASTM D 4052 ASTM D 4052 | 935 kg/m3 (7.8 lb/gal) 930 kg/m3 (7.76 lb/gal) |
| Acidity | ASTM D 664 | <0.2 mg KOH/g |
| Molecular Weight (Average) | 161 | |
| Pseudocritical temperature | 406 °C (764 °F) | |
| Pseudocritical pressure | 38.5 bar (558.4 psia) | |
| Pseudocritical density | 352 kg/m3 (22 lb/ft3) | |
| Copper Corrosion | ASTM D 130 | <<1a |
| Moisture Content, maximum | ASTM E-203 | 150 ppm |
| Dielectric Constant @ 23°C | ASTM D-924 | 2.48 |
| Surface Tensiona @ 25°C | 43.2 dynes/cm |
Key Attributes
- Low odour
- Easy to handle
- Class III b Combustibility
Applications
- Extruding
- Fibers
- HTF – fine chemicals
- Polyamide
- Polyester (PET)
- Specialty and batch chemical production
- Specialty chemicals
- Specialty heat-sensitive polymers