Following two unplanned shutdowns due to heat transfer fluid leaks, one Brazilian chemical company made a change.
Resitol Industria Química, a chemical company located in Santa Catarina in the southern part of Brazil, is a major producer of two products: crude tall oil (CTO) and crude sterol. The tall oil is extracted from byproducts of pulp and paper production. Crude sterol is contained in the tall oil, which after distillation is concentrated in tall oil pitch.

To extract the crude sterol, Resitol has a unit of molecular distillation with high vacuum system. The chemical company uses a secondary coolant fluid to achieve -94°F (-70°C). The very low temperature is required to maximize separation efficiency while reducing product degradation that would occur if the separation were done at higher temperatures. The purified sterol is used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. All of Resitol’s products are exported to customers in the United States.

By using secondary coolant system technology rather than direct cooling, this process substantially reduces the amount of refrigerant charge in the main refrigeration loop. Because the use of traditional refrigerants is highly regulated and can be quite costly to own, operate, and maintain, this reduction in primary refrigerant benefits Resitol.

Since 1991, Resitol used a silicone-based fluid as its secondary coolant fluid. In 2008, they experienced two major leaks from their heat transfer system. As a result of each of these unplanned failures, they were forced to shutdown production because the fluid supplier was not able to deliver enough fluid to replenish Resitol’s system in a timely manner.

After the second incident, Resitol contacted the local Solutia team to help explore their options. Solutia’s Therminol heat transfer fluid experts in Brazil were immediately dispatched to meet with the Resitol engineers, review their system design and discuss their heat transfer fluid options.

In October 2009, after in-depth consultation with Solutia, Resitol engineers decided to change their silicone-based fluid to Therminol LT synthetic heat transfer fluid due to the extensive technical services and logistical support offered by the local TLC Total Lifecycle Care team in Brazil.

“Our local Solutia Therminol engineers provided us with comprehensive guidance for draining our old fluid, flushing the system and refilling with the new Therminol LT. They also provided on-site support as needed throughout the process until the system was started up. We have never received this level of expert support with our previous supplier. They also have local stock in case of emergencies,” says Charles Souza, maintenance and production manager for Resitol. Once the system reached stable operation, Mr. Souza notes, “Because of Solutia’s local support and outstanding services, I rest easier knowing that they will be here whenever I need.”

Solutia developed its TLC Total Lifecycle Care Program to support Therminol heat transfer fluid customers throughout their systems’ lifecycle. This comprehensive program includes no-cost services such as system design consultation, startup assistance, on-site training and sample analysis in addition to products such as heat transfer fluids and system flushing fluids. The program is supported by a team of technical industry experts in each global region.

Solutia
(800) 433-6997
therminol@solutia.com
www.therminol.com