Retrofit Oil Heaters

Winterising Your Operating System: Retrofit Oil Heaters Winter is here, there’s no doubt about it. Freezing temperatures and polar vortexes are sweeping across much of the northern hemisphere and wreaking havoc on outdoor operating equipment. While there’s no fighting off mother nature, there are a number of ways to protect your operating system against harsh winter conditions. Today, we’re going to explain the importance of regulating oil temperature and why installing a retrofit oil heater could save you time and money this winter. Oil Viscosity, Temperature & Retrofit Heaters Extreme temperatures in either direction can significantly affect hydraulic oils and damage your system. If the oil is too thin due to excessive heat, metal components may begin to rub against each other leading to deterioration or even system failure. If the oil is too thick due to extreme cold, it will flow more slowly, causing the operating system to run slower or not at all. Different hydraulic oils will have varied temperature ranges which they can operate within. For example, wax-free synthetic oils are generally able to operate anywhere between -50° to 350° F, whereas mineral oil-based products can only operate within 5° to 225° F. This is because mineral-based oils solidify into wax crystals when cooled, which prevents the liquid from circulating within the system. If the ambient temperature goes above or below this range, it can decrease efficiency, increase oxidation rates, and cause significant damage or in extreme cases, system failure. Therefore, if your system is required to operate in extreme temperatures, you need to select an oil with a high viscosity index as they are better able to perform in wide temperature ranges. The start-up temperature is the most important factor during cold winter months and fortunately this can be remedied with a retrofit oil heater. Just like plugging in your car to electricity in the winter months keeps the oil warm, a retrofit oil heater warms the oil for your operating system. Utilizing a heated coil, you can either keep your oil heated at a pre-set temperature or set up a timer that warms the oil prior to the first cycle of the day. Regardless of how it is set up, installing a retrofit oil heater can save you valuable time and money as it eliminates any damage to your system caused by extreme cold starts. Every winter, plummeting temperatures and reduced daylight prompt us to stay indoors and hibernate until Spring. Although retrofit heaters won’t solve all your winter woes, it could give you an extra hour of sleep while your oil heats itself each morning – and you really can’t put a price on that.

For more information on Retrofit Oil Heaters talk to KTR U.K. Ltd