Which metals are compatible with heat transfer fluids? Well, the answer depends on the base chemistry of the heat transfer fluid in question. In the table below, we classify the compatibility of different metallurgies with different types of heat transfer fluids
Aluminum | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good*
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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Carbon Steel | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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Cast/Ductile Iron | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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304 Stainless Steel | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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316 Stainless Steel | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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Hastelloy C-276 | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
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Brass | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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Bronze | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good
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Copper | - Mineral-Oils based Heat Transfer Fluids – Poor to Severe**
- Silicone-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Excellent
- Synthetic Heat Transfer Fluids – Poor to Severe**
- Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids – Good***
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* The susceptibility of aluminum to pitting corrosion is well documented. This depends on many system factors, such as chloride ion concentration, pH control and initial surface condition.
** Copper ions catalyzes an oxidation reaction that eventually leads to the formation of sludge. We recommend that you utilize a heat transfer fluid like Relatherm formulated with metal deactivators to mitigate this effect.
*** Compatibility rating applies only to inhibited glycols.
