Characteristic Properties of a Locally Produced Paraffinic Oil and Its Suitability as a Heat-Transfer Fluid

The thermo-physical properties of a paraffinic mineral oil produced in a local refinery were experimentally determined over a wide temperature range of 30-360°C to determine its suitability for use as a heat-transfer fluid. The effect of temperature on the physical characteristics of the oil and two synthetic organic heat transfer fluids was evaluated at high temperatures (180-360°C). Comparison of the main properties of the mineral oil with other heating fluids revealed its compatibility with synthetic organic fluids, some other paraffinic and mineral oils employed as heat-transfer fluids. The study further confirmed that the investigated mineral oil which was produced locally can be used to replace the imported synthetic oils in heat transfer systems operating at a maximum application temperature of 310°C, as indicated by the thermal stability test.