Properties

Get The Performance You Need

Galden® PFPE is a family of inert, high-performance, fluorinated fluids that offer good dielectric properties, exceptional chemical stability, and the capacity to operate at very low as well as elevated temperatures in aggressive conditions, making them useful in many industrial applications. Typical operating temperatures range from -70°C to 290 °C (-94°F to 554°F).

Thermal Properties (Galden® HT)

Galden® HT heat transfer fluids have boiling points ranging from 55°C to 270°C (131°F to 518°F), which is broader than other commercial fluorinated heat transfer fluids. Boiling points of High Boiler (HB) grades range from 170°C to 270°C (338°F to 518°F), which enables Galden® PFPE to be used at end-use temperatures up to 290°C. 

Suggested operating temperature ranges are summarized below. The lower limit is set when the fluid viscosity reaches 20 cP (11-12 cSt), which is the typical operating range of many commercially available fluid pumps. The upper limit is set at 10°C (18°F) below the boiling point of the fluid itself.

Suggested operating temperature range

Viscosity and Pour Point

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is generally temperature-dependent, decreasing as temperature increases and increasing as the temperature decreases. 

Pour point is the lowest temperature at which a fluid will flow. This property is crucial for fluids that must flow at low temperatures. A commonly used rule of thumb when selecting fluids is to ensure that the pour point is at least 10 °C lower than the lowest anticipated ambient temperature. Galden® HT fluids offer a wide variety of very low-temperature pour points, ranging from −66°C to −115°C (−76°F to −175°F).

Kinematic Viscosity vs. Temperature

Electrical Properties

Galden® PFPE’s excellent dielectric properties are the primary reason they are used in many applications. Dielectric strength is 40 kV at 2.54-mm gap. Volume resistivity is 1.5·10¹⁵Ohm·cm.

Flame Properties

Galden® PFPE fluids are not flammable and have no flash, fire or auto-ignition point. They are approved by Factory Mutual Underwriters and compliant with FM Standard 6930 for fluid safety.

Compatibility with Materials

Commonly encountered materials of construction can be classified into metals, plastics and elastomers. The compatibility of these materials with Galden® PFPE fluids depends on the base material and the formulations used in making the seals, gaskets and hoses as well as the operating temperatures and temperature cycling.

The compatibility of pure materials can be different from formulated materials. Hence, compatibility testing should be performed with the actual seals, gaskets and other components under operating conditions.

General guidelines for the compatibility of Galden® PFPE Fluids based on immersion testing are summarized in the following table. 

NSF Approvals for Food Contact

Select Galden® PFPE fluids are NSF approved based on related intended uses.