Choosing the Best DELF Fluid for Your Oil Unit

With spring in full effect, you may be feeling the sense of change that accompanies the season. If you’re looking for a new fluid that keeps your oil-based temperature control system clean and long-lasting, consider our Duratherm Extended Life Fluids (DELF fluids). Read on for ways to pick out the best DELF fluid for your system.

What is DELF Fluid?
DELF fluids are thermal fluids for oil-based heat transfer systems. They provide superior oxidation protection, thermal stability, and low-sludging properties to maintain high performance and longevity. With its blend of antioxidants, proprietary additives, metal deactivators, a seal/gasket extender, and defoaming and particle-suspension agents, DELF fluids ensure a longer life for components like pumps and rotary seals.

DELF fluids are highly refined, utilizing naturally resilient, severely hydro-treated paraffinic oils. These petroleum-derived liquids are stable at high temperatures, offering excellent oxidation resistance. Paraffinic oil resists thermal cracking, sludge, and carbon deposits. The hydro-treatment process refines the petroleum by removing nitrogen, sulfur, and unsaturated compounds.

Choosing the Best DELF Fluid
Oil-based temperature control systems typically last 20–30 years (some, like Mokon’s, up to 50 with maintenance). DELF fluids maintain these systems. When choosing a DELF fluid, consider properties from appearance (colorless, bright liquid) to temperature-variable factors: flash and fire point, viscosity and density, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, vapor pressure, and distillation range. While our systems can reach process heating requirements up to 650ºF (343ºC), yours may have a different threshold. As such, do not choose a DELF fluid whose maximum heating capacity is lower than that of your oil system.

Complementary Fluid Analysis
For existing Mokon systems, we offer a complimentary fluid analysis to optimize DELF fluid life. For new systems, we take a baseline sample upon the first fill and provide a detailed report. For older systems, save a sample of the old fluid for comparison with the new DELF fluid. For both new and old systems, we determine the optimal analysis schedule and provide a report and discussion after each analysis. You can consider this free service like a type of spring cleaning for your system.

Our DELF Fluids
We offer a variety of DELF fluids, which are all environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-hazardous, non-reportable, and feature proprietary dual-stage antioxidants to ensure long system lifespans. Take a look below for a brief overview of some fluids we offer:

DELF LT
An oxidative- and thermally stable, high-performance, long-lasting, environmentally friendly heat transfer fluid for applications requiring process temperatures from -30ºF to 437ºF (-34ºC to 225ºC).

DELF G
A polyalkylene glycol-based fluid with an exclusive additive system for high-demand applications like those found in open baths. The optimum temperature range is 200ºF to 500ºF (93ºC to 260ºC).

DELF 600
Engineered for temperature control up to 600ºF (315ºC). With a high flashpoint, low vapor temperature, and an initial boiling point above the maximum operating temperature, it offers safety and performance for many diverse applications.

DELF 450FG and DELF 600FG
The former is rated for use up to 450ºF (232ºC), and the latter is rated for use up to 600ºF (315ºC). These fluids comply with the demands of food-grade applications and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for incidental food contact.

Mokon’s Resources
Mokon’s circulating oil temperature control systems meet process heating requirements up to 650ºF (343ºC). Our durable, high-quality oil systems are available with heating capacities up to 600 kW and flow rates of 5 to 120 GPM. Single- and multiple-zone configurations, portable or stationary designs, positive or negative pressure flow, heating/cooling designs, and custom-engineered systems are also available.

At Mokon, we know about temperature control systems. If you’re looking for how to extend the life of your oil system, we have the blog for you. Or if you need to inquire about parts, sales, or service, reach out to us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.