Not all PFPE oils are the same

Recent tests have shown some extreme differences in the quality of PFPE oils for use in isobaric double belt presses.

During a number of tests recently carried out on PFPE oils (all ISO VG400) the results showed some extreme differences in quality.

Kluber Barrierta IS fluid and a sample of another market leader PFPE oil were heated to approximately 380C for a period of 24 hours and their quality assessed.

The sample of Barrierta IS appeared mostly unchanged with only very minor caustic damage on the glass surface.

However the second market leader sample was almost completely destroyed, the decomposition products having had an obvious caustic effect on a major part of the glass surface.

Due to these test results and following internal customer trials Barrierta IS fluid is now recommended for use in isobaric double belt presses thanks to consistent international teamwork.

In this application, Barrierta IS fluid is used as pressure transfer medium in the high-temperature range (above 250C).

Double belt presses of this type are, among other things, used for the manufacture of high-quality plastic laminate as are required for the visors of helmets.

Internal tests showed that Barrierta IS fluid withstands higher operating temperatures and is hence likely to reach a longer service life than standard oils of the same viscosity provided by the previous lubricant supplier thus the machines attain higher productivity at lower operating costs.

Due to the unique makeup of Barrierta IS fluid the evaporation losses of Barrierta IS fluid are lower than those of comparable PFPE oils of this viscosity range, and as such its thermal stability is higher.

Hence not all PFPE oils are the same.

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