Heat Transfer Oils (HTO) are specialized fluids engineered for transferring heat efficiently within closed or open heating systems in industrial processes. They provide stable thermal performance, ensuring operational safety, longevity, and precise temperature control across a broad spectrum of industries.
Applications
Heat Transfer Oils are critical in processes requiring indirect heating. Typical industrial applications include:
| Industry |
Application Examples |
| Chemical Processing |
Reactors, distillation units, polymerization processes |
| Textile Manufacturing |
Dyeing machines, printing rollers, fabric dryers |
| Plastic & Rubber Processing |
Extruders, injection molding, calenders |
| Food Industry |
Cooking, baking, frying systems (with food-grade oils) |
| Pharmaceuticals |
Reactor heating, crystallization, solvent recovery |
| Asphalt & Bitumen Processing |
Storage tank heating, pipeline heating |
| Paint & Resin Manufacturing |
Heating of mixers, reactors, storage |
| Renewable Energy |
Solar thermal systems, heat storage tanks |
| Die Casting & Metal Molding |
Mold heating, holding furnaces |
| Oil & Gas Refineries |
Process heating, heat exchangers |
Key Additives in Heat Transfer Oils
| Additive Type |
Function |
| Oxidation Inhibitors |
Prevent thermal degradation and oil breakdown at high temperatures |
| Anti-foaming Agents |
Reduce foam formation in circulation systems |
| Anti-wear Additives |
Protect pump and system components from wear (as needed) |
| Corrosion Inhibitors |
Protect metal surfaces against corrosion and rust |
| Deposit Control Additives |
Minimize carbonaceous deposits, sludge, and varnish formation |
| Anti-rust Agents |
Prevent rusting during idle periods or moisture ingress |
Key Features & Performance Characteristics
- Excellent Oxidation Stability: Resistance to thermal cracking and long operating life
- High Thermal Conductivity: Efficient and rapid heat transfer
- High Flash Point & Fire Resistance: Reduced fire risk in high-temperature systems
- Low Vapor Pressure: Minimizes evaporation losses, essential for closed-loop systems
- Good Low-Temperature Fluidity: Easy pumpability and circulation in cold start-ups
- Minimal Carbon & Sludge Formation: Prevents fouling in heat exchangers and pipes
Broad Operating Temperature Range
| Oil Type |
Temperature Range |
Base Oil |
| Mineral-based HTO |
-10°C to 300°C |
Refined mineral oil |
| Synthetic HTO |
-50°C to 400°C |
PAO, Esters, Aromatics |
| Food Grade HTO |
-10°C to 250°C |
White mineral oil or synthetic |
Typical Industrial Systems Using Heat Transfer Oils
- Closed-loop circulating heating systems
- Indirect heating in process reactors, dryers, extruders
- Tank, vessel, and mold heating
- Boilers & hot oil generators
- Solar thermal heating systems
Advantages of Using High-Quality Heat Transfer Oils
| Benefit |
Description |
| Extended Oil Drain Intervals |
Reduced oil change frequency and lower operating costs |
| Energy Efficiency |
Superior thermal conductivity improves heat transfer performance |
| Equipment Protection |
Corrosion inhibitors and deposit control additives enhance system longevity |
| Lower Maintenance Costs |
Prevention of system fouling and wear reduces downtime |
| Environmentally Friendly Options |
Biodegradable synthetic fluids available for sensitive environments |
Commercial Heat Transfer Oil Brands (For Reference)
| Brand |
Product Line |
| Shell |
Heat Transfer Oil S2 |
| ExxonMobil |
Mobiltherm Series |
| BP |
Transcal N |
| Dow |
Dowtherm Synthetic Fluids |
| Caldera |
Heat Transfer Fluids |
| Others |
Total Seriola Series, Eastman Therminol, Paratherm Products |
Heat Transfer Oil Selection Guide
| Product Type |
Base Fluid |
Features |
| Mineral-based HTO |
-10°C to 300°C |
General heating systems
Refined mineral oils |
| Synthetic HTO |
-50°C to 400°C |
High-temp or extreme environments
PAO, Esters, Aromatics |
| Food Grade HTO |
-10°C to 250°C |
Food & pharmaceutical processing
White mineral oil or synthetic |
