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

• Published in: Petroleum science and technology 2005-11, Vol.23 (11-12), p.1499-1509
• Main Authors: Oyekunle, L. O., Susu, A. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; compatibility; Crude oil; Crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fluid flow; Fluids; Fuels; Heat transfer; heat transfer fluids; Mineral oils; Minerals; paraffinic oil; Petroleum products, gas and fuels. Motor fuels, lubricants and asphalts; physical characteristics; Processing of crude oil and oils from shales and tar sands. Processes. Equipment. Refinery and treatment units; Refineries; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering
• ISSN: 1091-6466; 1532-2459
• DOI: 10.1081/LFT-200038266

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.