ASTM D5372-20
(Guide)Standard Guide for Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids
Standard Guide for Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The significance of each test method will depend upon the system in use and the purpose of the test method as listed under Section 5. Use the most recent editions of ASTM test methods.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides information, without specific limits, for selecting standard test methods for testing heat transfer fluids for quality and aging. These test methods are considered particularly useful in characterizing hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids in closed systems.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Aug-2020
- Technical Committee
- D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
- Drafting Committee
- D02.L0.06 - Non-Lubricating Process Fluids
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2017
Overview
ASTM D5372-20, Standard Guide for Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids, provides a framework for selecting appropriate standard test methods for assessing the quality and aging of hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids, particularly in closed systems. This guide supports users in evaluating key properties such as pumpability, safety, compatibility with equipment, efficiency, and expected service life, using the latest referenced ASTM test methods. Developed under internationally recognized standardization principles, ASTM D5372-20 ensures global applicability and reliability for professionals working with heat transfer fluids.
Key Topics
- Selection of Test Methods: Offers guidance on choosing relevant ASTM test methods for comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids.
- Quality and Aging Assessment: Focuses on methods to determine the changes in heat transfer fluids over time, including viscosity, flash point, water content, and others.
- Characterization: Recommends tests to characterize new and used fluids, supporting maintenance and performance monitoring.
- Safety Considerations: Addresses the evaluation of hazardous properties like flash point and autoignition temperature for operational safety.
- Equipment Impact: Guides on assessing the interaction between heat transfer fluids and system components, such as seals and metals, for compatibility and corrosion prevention.
- Efficiency Evaluation: Outlines approaches for testing thermal conductivity and specific heat, which contribute to system efficiency.
- Service Life Prediction: Details analytical procedures for estimating the remaining usable life of heat transfer fluids and detecting system contamination.
Applications
ASTM D5372-20 is widely used by professionals in industrial settings where hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids are employed in closed-loop systems, including:
- Chemical Processing Plants: To ensure reliable temperature control and safe system operation by regularly monitoring key fluid properties.
- Manufacturing Facilities: For maintenance departments to assess fluid quality and prevent unexpected system failure due to fluid degradation.
- Refineries and Power Generation: To preserve equipment longevity and optimize heat transfer efficiency by implementing standard testing protocols.
- Fluid Manufacturers and Suppliers: When providing product data, technical support, or advising clients on in-service fluid monitoring schedules.
- Third-Party Testing Laboratories: For standardized testing and reporting, supporting clients’ plant maintenance programs and regulatory compliance.
Key practical benefits include:
- Early detection of fluid degradation or contamination
- Enhanced system safety through understanding flash points, autoignition risks, and water content
- Informed fluid replacement schedules based on measurable criteria
- Improved system efficiency and component service life
Related Standards
Several ASTM standards are referenced in ASTM D5372-20 for specific analytical procedures, including:
- ASTM D86: Distillation of Petroleum Products
- ASTM D92: Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
- ASTM D93: Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
- ASTM D97: Pour Point of Petroleum Products
- ASTM D445 / D7042: Kinematic and Dynamic Viscosity
- ASTM D664: Acid Number by Potentiometric Titration
- ASTM D95 / E203: Water Content Determination
- ASTM D1298 / D4052: Density and API Gravity Measurement
- ASTM G4: Field Corrosion Testing
- ASTM D6743: Thermal Stability of Organic Heat Transfer Fluids
- ASTM D1500, D2270, D2766/E1269, D893, and others for comprehensive fluid analysis
By integrating these referenced methods, ASTM D5372-20 enables thorough, consistent, and internationally recognized evaluation of hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids, ensuring safe and efficient thermal system operation.
Keywords: hydrocarbon heat transfer fluid evaluation, ASTM D5372-20, thermal stability, flash point, viscosity, heat transfer oil, closed system, standard test methods, fluid quality, fluid aging
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D5372-20 is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The significance of each test method will depend upon the system in use and the purpose of the test method as listed under Section 5. Use the most recent editions of ASTM test methods. SCOPE 1.1 This guide provides information, without specific limits, for selecting standard test methods for testing heat transfer fluids for quality and aging. These test methods are considered particularly useful in characterizing hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids in closed systems. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The significance of each test method will depend upon the system in use and the purpose of the test method as listed under Section 5. Use the most recent editions of ASTM test methods. SCOPE 1.1 This guide provides information, without specific limits, for selecting standard test methods for testing heat transfer fluids for quality and aging. These test methods are considered particularly useful in characterizing hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids in closed systems. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D5372-20 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.220 - Heat recovery. Thermal insulation. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D5372-20 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D445-24, ASTM D1500-24, ASTM E203-24, ASTM D86-23ae1, ASTM D86-23a, ASTM D445-23, ASTM D95-23, ASTM D2887-23, ASTM D93-20, ASTM D2887-19, ASTM D7896-19, ASTM D893-14(2018), ASTM E1269-11(2018), ASTM D91-02(2017), ASTM D664-11a(2017). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D5372-20 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5372 − 20
Standard Guide for
Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5372; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
1.1 This guide provides information, without specific limits,
ity)
for selecting standard test methods for testing heat transfer
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
fluids for quality and aging. These test methods are considered
D524 Test Method for Ramsbottom Carbon Residue of
particularly useful in characterizing hydrocarbon heat transfer
Petroleum Products
fluids in closed systems.
D664 Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
by Potentiometric Titration
standard.
D893 Test Method for Insolubles in Used Lubricating Oils
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for
D1160 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at
information only.
Reduced Pressure
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Prod-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the ucts by Hydrometer Method
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D1500 Test Method forASTM Color of Petroleum Products
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical (ASTM Color Scale)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D2270 Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index from Kine-
matic Viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C
2. Referenced Documents
D2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Pe-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
troleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
D86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API
Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
D91 Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating
D4530 Test Method for Determination of Carbon Residue
Oils
(Micro Method)
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
D6743 Test Method for Thermal Stability of Organic Heat
Open Cup Tester
Transfer Fluids
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
D7042 Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of
Closed Cup Tester
Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of
D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
Kinematic Viscosity)
Bituminous Materials by Distillation
D7896 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity, Thermal
D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
Diffusivity, and Volumetric Heat Capacity of Engine
D189 Test Method for Conradson Carbon Residue of Petro-
Coolants and Related Fluids byTransient HotWire Liquid
leum Products
Thermal Conductivity Method
E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Titration
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
E659 Test Method for Autoignition Temperature of Chemi-
mittee D02.L0.06 on Non-Lubricating Process Fluids.
cals
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D5372 – 17. DOI: E1269 Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity
10.1520/D5372-20.
by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
The background for this standard was developed by a questionnaire circulated
G4 Guide for Conducting Corrosion Tests in Field Applica-
by ASTM-ASLE technical division L-VI-2 and reported in Lubrication
tions
Engineering, Vol 32, No. 8, August 1976, pp. 411–416.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3. Terminology
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5372 − 20
3.1.1 heat transfer fluid, n—a petroleum oil or related 5.2 Safety in Use:
hydrocarbon material which remains essentially a liquid while 5.2.1 Autoignition Temperature (Test Method E659)—The
transferring heat to or from an apparatus or process. Small above test relates to the autoignition temperature of a bulk
percentages of nonhydrocarbon components such as antioxi- fluid.Hydrocarbonfluidsabsorbedonporousinertsurfacescan
dants and dispersants can be present. ignite at temperatures more than 50 °C (approximately 100 °F)
lower than indicated byTest Method E659.An open flame will
4. Significance and Use
ignite leaking hydrocarbon fluids exposed on a porous surface
4.1 The significance of each test method will depend upon
at any temperature.
the system in use and the purpose of the test method as listed
5.2.2 Flash Point (Test Methods D92 or D93)—Some heat
under Section 5. Use the most recent editions of ASTM test
transfer fluids are volatile and present a fire hazard at slightly
methods.
elevated temperatures, or even below 25 °C (77 °F).
5.3 Effect on Equipment:
5. Recommended Test Procedures
5.3.1 Effect on Rubber or Elastomeric Seals (Test Method
5.1 Pumpability of the Fluid:
D471)—Most seals in heat exchange equipment are made of
5.1.1 Flash Point, closed cup (Test Method D93)—This test
steel or other metal. If rubber seals are present, it is desirable
method will detect low flash ends which are one cause of
to maintain rubber swelling in the range of 1 % to 5 % to
cavitation during pumping. In closed systems, especially when
prevent leakage because of poor seal contact. Seals may
fluids are exposed to temperatures of 225 °C (approximately
degrade in some fluids. As an oil deteriorates in service,
400 °F) or higher, the formation of volatile hydrocarbons by
additional tests may be required to ensure that seals remain
breakdown of the oil may require venting through a pressure
compatible with the altered oil. The temperature ranges of the
relief system to prevent dangerous pressure build-up.
tests should correspond to temperatures to which seals will be
5.1.2 Pour Point(TestMethodD97)—Thepourpointcanbe
exposed in service.
used as an approximate guide to the minimum temperature for
5.3.2 Corrosion (Guide G4)—The above tests concern se-
normal pumping and as a general indication of fluid type and
lection of materials of construction with fluids usable for heat
low-temperature properties. Should a heat transfer system be
transfer systems. Guide G4 uses test metal specimens fixed
likely to be subjected to low temperatures when not in use, the
within the stream of test fluid under use. The specimens and
system should be trace heated to warm the fluid above
conditions for test must be specified for each system.
minimum pumping temperature before start-up.
5.4 Effıciency:
5.1.3 Viscosity (Test Method D445 or D7042)—Fluid vis-
5.4.1 Thermal Conductivity (Test Method D7896) and Spe-
cosity is of importance in the determination of Reynolds and
cific Heat (Test Method E1269)—These thermal conductivity
Prandtl numbers for heat
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5372 − 17 D5372 − 20
Standard Guide for
Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Heat Transfer Fluids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5372; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This guide provides information, without specific limits, for selecting standard test methods for testing heat transfer fluids for
quality and aging. These test methods are considered particularly useful in characterizing hydrocarbon heat transfer fluids in closed
systems.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.2.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure
D91 Test Method for Precipitation Number of Lubricating Oils
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
D189 Test Method for Conradson Carbon Residue of Petroleum Products
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
D524 Test Method for Ramsbottom Carbon Residue of Petroleum Products
D664 Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Titration
D893 Test Method for Insolubles in Used Lubricating Oils
D1160 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Reduced Pressure
D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by
Hydrometer Method
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.L0.06 on Non-Lubricating Process Fluids.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017Sept. 1, 2020. Published August 2017October 2020. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20142017 as
D5372 – 04 (2014).D5372 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D5372-17.10.1520/D5372-20.
The background for this standard was developed by a questionnaire circulated by ASTM-ASLE technical division L-VI-2 and reported in Lubrication Engineering, Vol
32, No. 8, August 1976, pp. 411–416.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5372 − 20
D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
D2270 Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index from Kinematic Viscosity at 40 °C and 100 °C
D2717 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity of Liquids (Withdrawn 2018)
D2766 Test Method for Specific Heat of Liquids and Solids (Withdrawn 2018)
D2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
D4530 Test Method for Determination of Carbon Residue (Micro Method)
D6743 Test Method for Thermal Stability of Organic Heat Transfer Fluids
D7042 Test Method for Dynamic Viscosity and Density of Liquids by Stabinger Viscometer (and the Calculation of Kinematic
Viscosity)
D7896 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity, Thermal Diffusivity, and Volumetric Heat Capacity of Engine Coolants and
Related Fluids by Transient Hot Wire Liquid Thermal Conductivity Method
E203 Test Method for Water Using Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
E659 Test Method for Autoignition Temperature of Chemicals
E1269 Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
G4 Guide for Conducting Corrosion Tests in Field Applications
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 heat transfer fluid—fluid, n—a petroleum oil or related hydrocarbon material which remains essentially a liquid while
transferring heat to or from an apparatus or process. Small percentages of nonhydrocarbon components such as antioxidants and
dispersants can be present.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The significance of each test method will depend upon the system in use and the purpose of the test method as listed under
Section 5. Use the most recent editions of ASTM test methods.
5. Recommended Test Procedures
5.1 Pumpability of the Fluid:
5.1.1 Flash Point, closed cup (Test Method D93)—This test method will detect low flash ends which are one cause of cavitation
during pumping. In closed systems, especially when fluids are exposed to temperatures of 225 °C (approximately 400 °F) or higher,
the formation of volatile hydrocarbons by breakdown of the oil may require venting through a pressure relief system to prevent
dangerous pressure build-up.
5.1.2 Pour Point (Test Method D97)—The pour point can be used as an approximate guide to the minimum temperature for normal
pumping and as a general indication of fluid type and low-temperature properties. Should a heat transfer system be likely to be
subjected to low temperatures when not in use, the system should be trace heated to warm the fluid above minimum pumping
temperature before start-up.
5.1.3 Viscosity (Test Method D445 or D7042)—Fluid viscosity is of importance in the determination of Reynolds and Prandtl
numbers for heat transfer systems, to estimate fluid turbulence, heat transfer coefficient, and heat flow. Generally, a fluid that is
above approximately 200 centistokes is difficult to pump. The pump and system design will determine the viscosity limit required
for pumping. The construction of a viscosity/temperature curve using determined viscosities can be used to estimate minimum
pumping temperature.
5.1.4 Specific Gravity (Test Method D1298 or D4052)—Hydraulic shock during pumping has been predicted via the use of a
combination of density and compressibility data.
5.1.5 Water Content (Test MethodMethods D95 or E203)—The water content of a fresh heat transfer fluid can be used to indicate
how long the heat transfer system must be dried out during commissioning, while raising the bulk oil temperature through the
100 °C plus region, with venting, before the system can be safely used at higher temperatures. The expansion tank should be
partially full (not empty) during the operations to ensure that moisture is safely vented in the lowest pressure part of the systems.
system. A nitrogen sweep through the expansion tank can assist with water removal. Positive nitrogen pressure on the heat
exchange systems will minimize entry of air or moisture. Heat transfer systems operating at temperatures of 120° or greater must,
D5372 − 20
for reasons of safety, be dry, because destructive high pressures are generated when water enters the high-temperature sections of
the system. Heating the oil before it is placed in service also removes most of the dis
...
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