Bath Fluid Information

JULABO GmbH
Eisenbahnstrasse 45
77960 Seelbach / Germany

Tel. +49 (0) 7823 51 0

Fax +49 (0) 7823 2491
info@julabo.de
www.julabo.de

The difference between stabilized and unstabilized silicone oils

JULABO Bath Fluids Thermal H, HY, HL45, HL80, H5S, H10S, H20S and H250 are
silicone-based fluids.
Unstabilized silicone oils oxidize more quickly. The rate of oxidation depends on the
working temperature. Oxidation is noticeable because it causes the fluid to thicken
and then solidify. A nitrogen purge can be applied over the oil to slow the rate at
which the oil oxidizes. Color: transparent.
Stabilized silicone oils contain a stabilizer, which slows the rate of oxidation and
increases the lifetime of the fluid. In addition a nitrogen purge can be applied over
the oil. Color: light yellow or light brown.

NOTICE:
Important information about the use of silicone oils
Color:
Silicone oils become darker in color with use over time.
Thorough mixing:
In stabilized oils, the stabilizer can settle out of the oil. Agitate the oil before use to
thoroughly mix the stabilizer with the oil (e.g. by shaking the container vigorously).
Tubing:
Silicone oil eats through silicone tubing. Use JULABO Metal Tubing or JULABO
Viton Tubing for temperature control of external systems.
Preparations: Water content problem
Silicone oils can absorb water (e.g. through the condensation of humidity from the
air).

NOTICE:
For the methods described below, the flash point and fire
point of the oil as well as established safety regulations
must be observed.
Use of silicone oils in open baths:
Especially for new oil usable at temperatures above 100 C, it is important to
boil off any water that may be present in the oil.
This is done by heating the oil up to approximately 95 C and holding the oil at
this temperature for approximately 1 hour. Open the bath lid so that the water
vapor can escape.
Development of vapor:
If the oil contains water, significant amounts of water vapor can develop at
temperatures as low as 70 C. This does not occur after the water has been
boiled off.

TD_Information_Temperierflssigkeiten_e.doc

Date: 06.12.2012

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Bath Fluid Information

Foaming: If foam develops on the surface of the oil, this indicates that the oil
contains water. If the foam disappears, slowly increase the temperature to above
100 C and look for foam.
If foaming occurs again, stop the heat-up and hold the fluid at the current
temperature until the foam disappears. Then slowly increase the temperature to
115 C. If no more foam develops, close the bath lid and adjust the temperature
to the desired working temperature.
Use of silicone oils in closed temperature control systems:
These temperature control systems have a degas mode in which the volatile
components are removed from the silicone oil. Contact with humid air should be
avoided when storing silicone oil, since the higher water content will require a
longer degas time.
Volume changes: (Section "Filling" in the Operating Manual)
Silicone oils increase in volume by 10 to 12 % over a 100 C temperature increase.
Please make sure that the bath fluid does not overflow.
Location:
If silicone oil is used, the bath should be used under a fume hood since vapors will
develop. Silicone oil is not a danger to health in any way, but working in a room filled
with oil vapors can be unpleasant.
The development of vapors at bath temperatures above 100 C is completely
normal. However from experience the development of vapors at approximately
100 C is very low. The vapors increase as the bath temperature approaches the
maximum recommended temperature. The amount of vapors also depends on the
viscosity of the oil.
Refrigerated circulators:
When operating at temperatures below 0 C for a long period of time, moisture can
condense inside the bath. This moisture then gets into the oil, which can cause the
stabilizer to precipitate out of the oil during heating. Therefore the bath lid should
always be closed. Perform the following periodically: heat the oil to approximately
20 C, turn off the unit, and let the unit sit for some time. Since the oil is less dense
than the water, the oil will settle on top of the water. Now let the water out through
the bath's drain.

All JULABO operating manuals contain "safety warnings" that describe

how to handle the oil. These are labeled with an exclamation point inside
a triangle. "Warning of a dangerous situation."
Besides these direct warnings about handling the silicone oil, many
secondary effects are also mentioned that must be considered when
using a bath fluid.
Some examples:
Surfaces become hot!
Do not drain the bath fluid while it is hot.
Set the overtemperature protection device correctly!
Hoses deteriorate and should be checked regularly.
Read the instructions carefully and follow them!

We will be glad to help you select the ideal bath fluid for your application.
If you have any questions, please contact us by telephone, fax or e-mail.

TD_Information_Temperierflssigkeiten_e.doc

Date: 06.12.2012

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