Technical Bulletin 7299690 +400 °C

Version A

+700 °F

+350 °C

+600 °F

+300 °C

+500 °F

+250 °C

+400 °F
+200 °C

+150 °C +300 °F

+100 °C
+200 °F

+50 °C

+100 °F

0 °C

0 °F

-50 °C

-100 °F
Therminol® vapor phase heat transfer fluids are specifically designed to meet the

demanding requirements of vapor phase systems. They combine exceptional heat

stability and low viscosity for efficient, dependable, uniform performance.

PHYSICAL AND Therminol VP-3 is a proprietary vapor phase fluid.

Laboratory thermal stability testing suggests a maximum
CHEMICAL continuous operating temperature of 330 °C (625 °F) in
CHARACTERISTICS the liquid or vapor phase. With a normal boiling point of
Three distinctly different Therminol vapor phase heat 243 °C (469 °F), it permits vapor phase heat transfer at
transfer fluids allow users to select the one that best lower temperatures than diphenyl oxide/biphenyl fluids.
matches their needs. A freeze point of 2.4 °C (36 °F) makes Therminol VP-3
easy to handle and may eliminate the need for costly
Therminol VP-1 is a eutectic mixture of 73.5% diphenyl heat tracing in moderate climates. Therminol VP-3 has
oxide and 26.5% biphenyl. It is usable as a liquid or as a mild odor and contains virtually no biphenyl.
a boiling-condensing heat transfer medium up to 400 °C
(750 °F). It is miscible and interchangeable (for top-up Therminol LT delivers the uncommon combination of
or design purposes) with other similarly constituted exceptionally wide operating range and good thermal
diphenyl oxide/biphenyl fluids. Therminol VP-1 delivers stability. Therminol LT remains liquid down to -75 °C
the highest thermal stability available in any synthetic (-103 °F) and may be used as a liquid or as a boiling-
organic fluid. condensing heat transfer medium up to 315 °C (600 °F).
The normal boiling point of 181 °C (358 °F) is the lowest
of the Therminol vapor phase heat transfer fluids.

Users should consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for

toxicity and handling information. Material Safety Data
Sheets may be obtained from a Therminol representative
or by visiting our Web site at www.Therminol.com.

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Physical and Chemical Characteristics Inside Front Cover

Typical Vapor Phase Systems 1

Auxiliary Systems 4

Instrumentation of Vapor Phase Systems 6

Fire Safety Considerations 7

Start-up and Shut-down Procedures 7

Converting to a Vapor Phase Heat Transfer Fluid of Different Chemical Composition 8

Fluid Parameters Which Influence Design T Y P I C A L VA P O R
The physical characteristics of the heat transfer fluid PHASE SYSTEMS
should be considered in the general arrangement of
The following diagrams illustrate the arrangement
any heat transfer system in which it is to be used.
principles for vapor systems operating on Therminol heat
All Therminol vapor phase heat transfer fluids have low transfer fluids. The text and illustrations explain the over-
viscosity between their melting points and the tempera- all system characteristics required by the nature of the
tures at which they vaporize. In geographic areas where heat transfer medium in its liquid and vaporized states.
the system may be exposed to temperatures below the
melting point, heat tracing should be considered for all Primary Systems
piping that may contain the fluid in its liquid state. The least complex and most easily operated system
is diagrammed in Figure 1.
Therminol heat transfer fluids are exceptionally heat
stable. However, care must be taken to avoid overheat-
Figure 1 Vaporizer with Hartford Loop
ing, which could lead to deposition of solids on the
heating surfaces of the vaporizer. Circulation rates in
the heater should be selected to limit skin temperatures
below recommended maximum values, with due consid-
eration to the cost of replacing damaged fluid and the
cost of maintaining an adequate heat flux. This is
normally accomplished by the vaporizer or heater manu-
facturer in the course of recommending a particular unit
and its operating parameters.

Under normal operating conditions, a vapor phase fluid

will accumulate low-boiling contaminants such as air,
1
water and degradation products. These noncondensables
must be vented from the system to avoid aberrations
in temperature control. Each user, or group of users if
arranged in series, that operates after the same control
valve should have at least one vapor accumulator
The user can be process equipment (jacketed or coil-
installed for detecting and venting noncondensables. This
heated vessels, ovens, etc.), reboilers transferring heat
is especially true if close temperature control is needed.
to secondary systems, or a combination of these.
The physical and thermodynamic properties of Therminol
This simple primary system operates with a gravity
heat transfer fluids can be found in their respective
return of condensate. In such an arrangement, the
product bulletins.
dimension of “H1” must provide a hydrostatic pressure
somewhat greater than the total system pressure drop
to allow for a gravity return of the condensate.

With direct fired or electrically heated vaporizers, a

Hartford Loop should be installed in the condensate return
line, as shown in Figure 1, whenever the condensate is
returned to a point in the vaporizer below the lowest safe
liquid level. This prevents unexpected siphoning of the
liquid medium. In an electrically heated unit, if there is
no liquid in contact with heating element surfaces, over-
heating will occur, and the heat transfer medium will be
decomposed rapidly. This could also cause structural
damage to the heater and greatly increase the risk of fire.
 Figure 2 Primary System with Gravity Return

A more complex system is shown in Figure 2. This drop across the combined control valve and the user
arrangement includes several users operating at various with the highest pressure drop. In practical terms, such
temperatures. The control valves regulate pressure, a system is often difficult to design because of space
which in turn controls the user temperature. If gravity is limitations. More commonly, a pumped return of the
used for condensate return, the distance “H2” must give condensate is employed.
rise to a hydrostatic pressure greater than the pressure

2 Figure 3 Primary System with Pumped Return

There are two basic ways to handle a pumped return Here, the dimension “H3” must provide a hydrostatic
system. The first is used when the temperature limits at pressure greater than or equal to the maximum pressure
the user stations must be precisely controlled, as is com- difference between the user stations. An alternative
mon with many kinds of process vessels. The arrange- would be to provide individual pumps to handle each
ment shown in Figure 3 exemplifies this type of system. condensate return.
Figure 4 Primary System with Pumped Return

Where the temperature control for the users may not Primary/Secondary Systems
be as critical (e.g., in users such as reboilers where it is Figure 5 outlines typical components of a primary/sec-
acceptable to flood with condensate), the arrangement ondary system, indicating the reboiler, flash tank, primary
shown in Figure 4 could be followed. Here, the distance and secondary vapor lines, and a combined condensate
“H3” must simply provide hydrostatic pressure greater return system. The condensate return arrangement of
than or equal to zero. Figure 4 is commonly used in the primary loop. 3

Figure 5 Primary/Secondary System

 Figure 6 Secondary System with Reboiler Figure 7 Integral System

In the secondary system, heating vapor is generated in a

A U X I L I A RY S Y S T E M S
reboiler and then transferred to one or more users. The
user stations may be processing equipment, jacketed pip- Charge System
ing, etc. One section of a secondary system might appear A charge system can be common to several vaporizers and/
as in Figure 6. A gravity return to the reboiler, as shown or reboiler loops. Its function is threefold: to provide a
4 in this diagram, is common in such secondary loops. way to introduce the initial charge of Therminol heat
As before, the dimension “H4” must provide a hydro- transfer fluid, to top up heating loops in operation, and
static pressure greater than or equal to the pressure drop to allow for external storage capacity for fresh fluid.
across the total secondary system. To avoid upsets, the fluid generally should be introduced
Multiple users can be grouped in a secondary system into the operating loops at a temperature which is near the
if their operating temperature is the same. Users in a operating temperature. This can be done by charging from
single secondary system should be stopped and started another system’s pumped hot condensate stream or by
at the same time. It is not possible to start a cold user providing an independent charge system which maintains
in a multiple user system without drastically affecting an adequate amount of liquid at an elevated temperature.
the temperature of an operating user. Drain System
Integral Systems For maintenance, it may be necessary from time to time
For many plant layouts, an integral system (as many as to evacuate the charge from a heating loop. A standby
needed) might be the simplest or most practical arrange- vessel should be provided to receive the charge. One way
ment. An integral system, as illustrated in Figure 7, to remove the fluid is by pressure-draining with inert gas.
combines the vaporizer and the user in a single piece
of equipment.

Electrical vaporizing elements make such systems

practical for a variety of chemical and synthetic fiber
processing operations.
Vacuum System Relief Systems
The vacuum system serves a number of purposes: to It is imperative that vapor phase heating systems be
evacuate the heating loop prior to start-up, to collect properly safeguarded with pressure-relief devices.This
noncondensables during operation, to empty individual is because of their high operating temperature, pressurized
user stations for maintenance, and to take off any excess operations and the potential for overheating. Relief ports
fluid from a heating loop that is over-charged. All the can constitute danger points if they do not discharge away
connections necessary for these functions should be from areas where people could be exposed to contact.
designed and installed between the heating loops and
All possible heat sources must be recognized and evalu-
the vacuum header. The header itself connects with
ated in order to properly select the locations for relief
the vacuum pump and a condenser that collects fluid
valves. The three sources that must be prominently con-
and discharges it by gravity into a collection tank, as
sidered are: the source of heat for vaporizer, reboiler or
shown in Figure 8.
fluid heating; user stations where exothermic reactions
Figure 8 Typical Vacuum System
may attain temperatures higher than the heating vapor;
and accidental fire.

In general, all sections of the system that are subject

to heat exposure and can be isolated should be relieved
separately. Obviously the fewer valves in a system, the
fewer locations that require a relief device. Isolating
valves for a user station should be provided only if the
entire heating loop serving it cannot be drained for
maintenance.
5
Heat Tracing System
Since Therminol VP-1 heat transfer fluid solidifies at
12 °C (54 °F) and Therminol VP-3 solidifies at 2 .4 °C (36 °F),
precautions must be taken to ensure lines do not freeze,
particularly in outdoor installations. Heat tracing must be
installed wherever lines run a danger of cooling below a
The vacuum header should be sloped toward the con- fluid’s melt point. All pipelines and equipment which
denser so any liquid that collects at low points will drain may contain stagnant liquid should be traced, including
off. If there is a long upward run in the vacuum header in all charge and drain lines, all vacuum lines and any
which liquid can collect, it will reduce or eliminate the pumped liquid streams. Vapor lines, vent lines and free-
effective vacuum. draining condensate lines generally need not be traced.

Therminol vapor phase heat transfer fluids are normally

hotter than the tracing line. If steam is used, the possi-
bility exists that water condensed in a tracing line could
become overheated and rupture the tracing. To avoid this,
the tracing should be open to the condensate header, to
the steam header or to the atmosphere at all times.
 I N S T R U M E N TAT I O N O F Vent Accumulator Temperature Indicators
VAPOR PHASE SYSTEMS Concentrated noncondensables are at a lower tempera-
ture, despite being at the same pressure as vaporized
There are many ways to instrument a vapor phase heating
Therminol heat transfer fluid. Consequently, their
system, and they will vary depending upon the complexity
presence in vent accumulators can be detected by
of the system and the degree of control deemed necessary.
temperature indicators. Remote indicators allow an
Process heat control at user stations can be monitored
operator to monitor a system in which there are many
by temperature, pressure or by various combinations of
vent accumulators, without having to visit each one.
these measurements.
Pressure Indicators and Alarms
Pressure Control
A local indicator of system pressure is necessary for
The suggested instrumentation for a basic system is
start-up and shut-down, and it should be located near
illustrated in Figure 9. Pressure control is recommended
the vaporizer. This should register vacuum, as well as
because it results in a safer and more stable system.
positive pressure.
If the system is controlled by temperature alone, the
presence of noncondensables in the system may result High- and low-pressure alarms should be installed
in an over-pressure condition when the heat source in each heating loop to warn of system malfunction. The
controller attempts to add enough heat to bring the high-pressure alarm is of particular importance because
noncondensables up to temperature. If temperature it will ensure attention to pending over-pressure in
control is needed, the temperature controller can be the system.
used to choose the set point for the pressure controller,
Level Indicators and Alarms
and the pressure set point can thus be limited to a safe
Vaporizers, condensate collectors and liquid pre-heaters
6 operating range.
should be fitted with level indicators. Vaporizers especially
Figure 9 Suggested Instrumentation should have level indicators in order to charge them and
to maintain the proper liquid level in the heating space.
Particularly with electrically heated vaporizers, there is
always danger of overheating if an adequate liquid level
is not maintained in contact with the heating elements.
Low-level alarms, as well as low-level power cut-offs,
are essential on the vaporizer.
FIRE SAFETY S TA RT- U P A N D S H U T-
C O N S I D E R AT I O N S DOWN PROCEDURES
Leaks from pipes, valves or joints that saturate insulation Vapor System Start-up
are potentially hazardous because of the wicking effect
There are several ways to start up vapor phase heating
and large surface exposure. Under such conditions,
systems, but they generally contain these basic steps:
along with high temperatures, many organic liquids can
spontaneously ignite. Leaks should be promptly repaired 1. Open the vacuum system connection to the vapor sys-
and the contaminated insulation replaced. tem and wait until a steady-state vacuum is reached.
2. Close all valves to isolate the vapor system from
Leaks from a direct-fired vaporizer into the fire chamber
the vacuum system.
normally result in burning of the vapor. Obviously, this
3. Wait approximately 15 minutes and note any signifi-
should be avoided.
cant increase in pressure in the system. (This step is
When vapor leaks from a pressurized system to the necessary to ensure that the system is fully closed.)
atmosphere, it is condensed by the relatively cold air 4. Introduce the proper Therminol vapor phase heat
which it contacts. This causes formation of a fog of tiny transfer fluid to the vaporizer (or reboiler) and gradu-
liquid droplets. Fogs of combustible liquids, of sufficiently ally heat to operating temperature. Periodically open
high concentration in air, will burn if ignited. The fogs are the vacuum connections on the vent accumulators to
flammable even though the overall temperature of the evacuate the noncondensables. Continue venting until
fog-air mixture may be below the flash point of the liquid the temperature indicators show that hot vapor has
and even though the vapor saturation concentration is reached the vent accumulators.
below the flammable level.
System Shut-down, Vacuum Draining
The combustion of a fog-air mixture can result in an 7
When the system is to be drained to a vacuum vessel,
explosion, much like the combustion of a flammable the shut-down procedure is as follows:
vapor-air mixture. Such a fog-air mixture, however, does
1. Cut off the heat source from the system.
not normally ignite spontaneously. An ignition source
is necessary, together with a sufficient concentration of 2. Open the drain line to the vacuum vessel. (The liquid
in the system will continue to flash into the drain until
the combustible fog.
the vapor pressure of the liquid reaches the vacuum
Good safety practice in design, maintenance and being pulled.)
operation can circumvent the potential dangers associated 3. When the liquid level stops dropping, introduce
with pressurized organic vapor systems. In addition, nitrogen to break the vacuum. The remaining liquid
further safeguards can be provided through the installa- will drain relatively quickly.
tion of special safety systems.
System Shut-down, Pressure Draining
For further information on such safety devices for
For draining into a pressure vessel, the procedure is only
vapor phase systems, refer to the Monsanto Central
slightly different:
Engineering Study on this topic, available in reprint from
from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers* 1. Make sure the available nitrogen pressure is less than
(CEP Technical Manual, Volume 10, “Loss Prevention”). the relief pressure of the vapor system.
2. Cut off the heat source.
*1. G. C. Vincent and W. B. Howard, Hydrocarbon Mist Explosions, 3. Introduce nitrogen to the system.
Part I – Prevention by Explosion Suppression.
4. Open the drain line to the pressure vessel.
*2. G. C. Vincent and R. C. Nelson, W. B. Howard and W. W. Russell,
Hydrocarbon Mist Explosions, Part II – Prevention by Water Fog. 5. Close the drain line after the system is drained.
6. Open all high-point vacuum connections to purge
and help cool the system.
 C O N V E RT I N G T O A 4. Overpressure-relief system design – In the event of
an upset, proper operation of the overpressure-relief
VA P O R P H A S E H E AT system may be vital to prevent equipment damage
TRANSFER FLUID OF and serious safety consequences. Any change in
system configuration, including a change in working
DIFFERENT CHEMICAL fluid, should include an evaluation of the relief system
COMPOSITION design by a qualified engineer.
5. Fluid handling systems – Pumps and piping systems,
Converting a heat transfer system to a vapor phase fluid
especially condensate return systems, should be
of different chemical composition requires careful evalua-
evaluated for impacts caused by changes in operating
tion of system design issues. Users should consult with a conditions or fluid properties.
qualified engineer before changing fluids. The following
list of considerations should be reviewed on every fluid 6. Heat tracing – Some vapor phase heat transfer fluids
are subject to freezing at temperatures as high as 12 °C
change. Depending on the specific system, there may be
(54 °F). Users should evaluate the need for heat tracing
additional considerations to those listed below.
of their heat transfer fluid system.
1. Eliminating traces of previous fluid – A precisely known
7. Material compatibility – Elastomers, polymers and
boiling point is required for most vapor phase heat
gaskets should be evaluated for compatibility with
transfer systems. When converting from a fluid of one
the new heat transfer fluid.
chemical composition to another, care should be taken
to thoroughly remove all of the previous heat transfer 8. Electrical classification – Flash points vary among
fluid since mixing vapor phase heat transfer fluids with the vapor phase heat transfer fluids. Users should
different boiling points will result in a boiling point that evaluate the design of their system with respect to
differs from either of the fluids. Multiple flushes with the flash point of the selected heat transfer fluid.
8 the new heat transfer fluid may be required to remove
9. Procedures, training and communication – Consideration
the previous fluid. After transition, users are encour-
should be given to procedures, training or communica-
aged to submit a sample of the operating fluid to
tions that may be necessary for use of a different heat
Solutia to confirm that previous fluid residues have
transfer fluid.
been eliminated.
2. Film temperature limits – The vaporizer should be
evaluated to assess whether the film temperatures
are within the limits recommended for the new heat
transfer fluid.
3. Instrumentation – Recalibration of level and flow
measuring instruments throughout the heat transfer
fluid system will likely be required.
SAFETY AND HANDLING: Material Safety Data Sheets may be obtained from Environmental Operations, Industrial Products
Group, Solutia Inc. Heat transfer fluids are intended only for indirect heating purposes. Under no circumstances should this
product contact or in any way contaminate food, animal feed, food products, food packaging materials, food chemicals, phar-
maceuticals or any items which may directly or indirectly be ultimately ingested by humans. Any contact may contaminate
these items to the extent that their destruction may be required. Precautions against ignitions and fires should be taken with
this product.

NOTICE: Although the information and recommendations set forth herein (hereinafter “Information”) are presented in good
faith and believed to be correct as of the date hereof, Solutia Inc. makes no representations or warranties as to the complete-
ness or accuracy thereof. Information is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make their own
determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. In no event will Solutia Inc. be responsible for damages of any
nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon Information or the product to which Information refers. Nothing
contained herein is to be construed as a recommendation to use any product, process, equipment or formulation in conflict
with any patent, and Solutia Inc. makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, that the use thereof will not infringe
any patent. NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE HEREUNDER WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION OR THE PROD-
UCT TO WHICH INFORMATION REFERS.
W O R L D W I D E S A L E S O F F I C E S

UNITED STATES INTERNATIONAL Canada Japan Singapore

Solutia Canada Inc. Solutia Japan Ltd. Solutia Singapore Pte. Ltd.
For order assistance
SALES OFFICES 6800 St. Patrick Street Shinkawa Sanko Building 101 Thomson Road
LaSalle, Quebec Second Floor #19-01/02 United Square
Please call our Customer Argentina Canada H8N 2H3 1-3-17, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku Singapore 307591
Service Department, Solutia Argentina S.R.L. Tel: 514-366-4855 Tokyo 104-0033, Japan Tel: 65-357-6100
toll free at (800) 426-2463. Alicia Moreau de Justo,1960 Fax: 514-366-9933 Tel: (03) 3523 2080 Fax: 65-357-6194
2nd Floor – Office 203 Fax: (03) 3523 2070
For technical assistance Buenos Aires, Argentina
Please call our Technical China-PRC Taiwan
Tel: 54-11-4515-0709 Korea
Service Hotline, Solutia Chemical Co. Ltd., Suzhou Solutia Taiwan Inc.
Fax: 54-11-4515-0728
toll free at (800) 433-6997. 9th Floor, Kings Tower Solutia Korea Ltd. 2F, 124 Chung Cheng Road
16 Shi Shan Road 3rd Floor, Anglican Church Building Shihlin District, Taipei
Australia Suzhou New District, PRC 215011 3-7, Jeong-dong, Joong-gu Taiwan, R.O.C.
Solutia Australia Pty. Ltd. Tel: 86-512-825-3191 Seoul 100-120, Korea Tel: 886-2-2835-1666
Houston Level 1, 437 Canterbury Road Fax: 86-512-825-0417 Tel: 82-2-736-7112 Fax: 886-2-8866-2703
1800 West Loop South
Surrey Hills, Victoria 3127 Fax: 82-2-739-5049
Suite 1360
Australia Colombia Thailand
Houston, Texas 77027
Tel: 61-3-9888-4590 Malaysia
Tel: (713) 850-0088 Solutia Colombia Ltda. 193/80 Lake Rajada Building
Fax: 61-3-9888-4562
Fax: (713) 850-0096 Carrera 18 Nro. 86-A 14 Solutia Hong Kong Ltd. 19th Floor
Oficina 302 Malaysia Branch Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey
St. Louis Belgium Bogota, Colombia 12th Floor (1309-B) Bangkok 10110 Thailand
P.O. Box 66760 Solutia Europe N.V./S.A. Tel: 571-296-0216 Kelana Parkview Tower Tel: 662-264-0505
St. Louis, Missouri 63166-6760 Rue Laid Burniat, 3 Fax: 571-296-0218 No. 1 Jalan SS 6/2 Fax: 662-264-0499
Tel: (314) 674-1000 Parc Scientifique - Fleming Kelana Jaya
Fax: (314) 674-6331 B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve (Sud) India 47301 Petaling Jaya Venezuela
Belgium Selangor, Malaysia
Solutia Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd. Solutia Venezuela SRL
Tel: 32-10-481547 Tel: 60-3-7804-5766
205-207, ‘Midas’ Sahar Plaza Complex Av. Francisco de Miranda
Fax: 32-10-481212 Fax: 60-3-7804-4067
Andheri-Kurla Road Centro Lido, Torre D
Andheri (East), Piso 4 Ofic. 40 - HQ
Brazil Mumbai 400 059 India Mexico Global Workplaces Urb. El Rosal
Solutia Brazil Ltda. Tel : 91-22-830-2860 Solutia Mexico, S. de R.L. de C.V. Caracas, Venezuela
Rua Gomes de Carvalho Fax: 91-22-830-2859 Edificio Torre Esmeralda Tel: 58-212-9056370
1306-60. Andar 04547-005 Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho Fax: 58-212-9056368
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil No. 40 Piso 12
Tel: 55-11-3365-1811 Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec
Fax: 55-11-3365-1818 11000 Mexico, D.F.
Tel: 525-202-5600
Fax: 525-202-5232

Visit our Web site at

www.therminol.com.

Solutia Litho in U.S.A.

P.O. Box 66760 ® Registered Trademark of Solutia Inc.
St. Louis, MO 63166-6760 © Solutia Inc., 2001. All rights reserved.
Tel: (314) 674-1000