04/04/2026 by Jay Hatton
A CPI Fluid Engineering brand, Paratherm NF is a food grade heat transfer fluid with an impressive operating range of 332 °C to -4 °C.
A carefully engineered mix of mineral oils refined by several hydrotreatment processes, the fluid has high naphthenic content and extreme purity. Its low viscosity and high density make it especially effective at transferring heat.
Formulated for closed loop heat transfer systems, it has best-in-class thermal stability – and, as a result, is used in multiple industries and operations where precise temperature control is critical.
In this in-depth guide, we explore the use of Paratherm NF in different applications and the benefits it offers when temperature control is a key requirement. We’ll also explain the longevity of the thermal fluid and best practices for operators to ensure they can count on its temperature control capabilities.
Main applications using Paratherm NF for temperature-controlled processes
Businesses in the food and beverage processing industry are common Paratherm NF customers. The heat transfer fluid is odour free and carries a food grade rating of NSF HT-1.
It is employed in high-volume, continuous cooking, baking and frying lines to supply uniform heating. It is also used in safety critical areas and in edible additive and oil processing where heat stability is key.
The plastics and polymers industry also benefits from Paratherm NF, especially in applications that need its non-toxic and non-fouling attributes. It is frequently deployed in temperature control units heated electrically that are used for extrusion, moulding, and compounding processes, and is ideal for moulding and die casting equipment that requires accurate temperature regulation.
Paratherm NF’s precise temperature control is also used in chemical and speciality applications to cool and heat reactors, autoclaves and distillation columns. In pharmaceutical applications, it is vital for sensitive processes involving temperature control units.
In the manufacturing sector, it sees use in a wide array of applications including biodiesel production, industrial drying ovens and for making engineered wood products. It also serves blending equipment like ribbon blenders and heating calendaring machines and rollers.
What advantages does Paratherm NF offer for temperature control?
Independently tested, chemically analysed and proven to perform, Paratherm has key attributes that offer exceptional levels of temperature control.
It supplies high thermal stability due to its ability to resist oxidation and decrease the formation of unwanted carbon residue on the system’s heating elements. This quality lets it efficiently prevent heat control from being disabled.
Its lower viscosity index also gives Paratherm NF an edge. Statistics show that the thermal fluid has the lowest viscosity of any fluid with a mineral oil-base. This means that is provides enhanced heat transfer and faster startup times when equipment is operating at lower temperatures.
Paratherm NF also has safety and maintenance benefits. Both non-toxic and efficient, it helps reduce the complexity and duration of maintenance processes in high-temperature applications in comparison to direct electric heating.
Operational guidelines of using Paratherm NF
Although natural degradation over the lifespan of any lubricant is an inevitable outcome, Paratherm NF is reinforced with naphthenic content. This gives the heat transfer fluid a longer operational life when weighed against neat paraffinic mineral oil-based thermal fluids.
When it eventually deteriorates, it is inherently resistant to fouling from thermal cracking. While Paratherm NF is highly stable, system operators are advised to regularly analyse the thermal fluid to ensure performance.
While brand-new heat transfer systems often don’t require cleaning, systems already in operation should be analysed to assess if a flush is needed before switching to using Paratherm NF. While the thermal fluid is compatible with most other heat transfer fluids, a cleaner can be valuable to remove any build-up of contaminants and optimise the system’s performance.
To maintain desired levels of temperature control in liquid phase systems, operators should use temperature ramping. This process gradually brings temperatures up at a controlled rate and avoids issues like localised fluid overheating.
Following these guidelines alongside advice from heat transfer system original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Paratherm NF product instructions allows operators to get maximum use out of their thermal fluid supply and maintain precise temperature control.
To order a stock of Paratherm NF for your operation, reach out to our dedicated team today.
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