DOWTHERM™ Cleaning Fluid: Steps Teams Skip (But Shouldn't)
If you are switching over to a DOWTHERM™ fluid—especially from Therminol® or an older, degraded system—the first thing you need to do is flush.
Not just drain. Not just top off. A full system flush.
Why? Because leftover fluid, carbon buildup, and sludge do not just “go away” on their own. They compromise your new charge, mess with heat transfer, and shorten fluid life. Worst case: they corrode your system from the inside.
DOWTHERM™ Cleaning Fluid is made specifically for high-temperature systems like yours. It breaks down what is left behind and gets your system clean and compatible before you introduce the new fluid. It is not just a nice-to-have—it is the prep step that protects your investment.
Why It Matters (Real-World Benefits)
Made to Work with DOWTHERM™ Fluids
Generic flush fluids can leave behind traces that react badly with your new fill. DOWTHERM™ Cleaning Fluid is designed by Dow to be compatible with DOWTHERM™ RP, A, Q, and others—so you can flush, fill, and go without worrying.
Actually Breaks Down the Gunk
This is not just a rinse. It is a cleaning agent that targets what matters: sludge, polymerized residues, and thermal degradation byproducts that build up after years of service or overheating.
High-Temp Ready
If your system runs hot (we are talking up to 625°F), this cleaner can handle it. It stays stable and effective even in harsh environments.
Prevents Costly Contamination
Mixing old Therminol® with new DOWTHERM™? Bad idea. Even a little leftover fluid can cause performance issues or shorten fluid life. This flush helps you avoid that risk.
Drop It Into Your Existing Maintenance Workflow
No special pumps or tools are required. Just circulate, drain, flush. It is designed to fit right into your turnaround or scheduled maintenance plan.
Why It Matters (Real-World Benefits)
Best used in:
- Chemical plants
- Plastic molding and extrusion systems
- Oil and gas heat transfer loops
- Solar thermal installations
- Any closed-loop high-temperature system
Use cases we see all the time:
- You are switching from Therminol® 66 to DOWTHERM™ RP
- You just ran into a fluid over-temp and suspect residue
- You have been topping off a system for years without a full clean
- You are commissioning a used piece of equipment and want to start clean
The Details That Matter
Fluid Type: Synthetic blend of diphenylethane and alkylated aromatics (same family as DOWTHERM™ fluids)
Max Use Temp: ~625°F (330°C)
Freezing Point: −15°F (−26°C), so you can store it without worry
Dow Recommended: This is the flush Dow suggests when you are changing fluids—especially from non-Dow products
Performance: In Dow’s internal tests, this cleaner cut down system residues by up to 85% before refill
To say it plainly: this is not a “universal degreaser” or some off-brand solvent. It is made for one job—getting your heat transfer loop clean so your next fill performs like it should.
What to Do Next
You are spending good money on new thermal fluid. Make sure it does not get ruined by whatever is still in your system.
➡ Talk to our team about flushing procedures and compatibility
➡ Request a quote or sample of DOWTHERM™ Cleaning Fluid
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