Thermal Oil / Hot Water

Thermal oil and hot water circulation systems are used across a wide range of industrial processes where precise, consistent heat transfer is required — from food processing and chemical manufacturing to plastics, textiles, and timber drying. Pumping at high temperatures demands careful pump selection: materials must withstand operating temperatures, seal systems must handle thermal expansion, and the pump must maintain reliable performance under continuous duty at elevated conditions.

Pump Selection for Thermal Oil & Hot Water

  • High-temperature centrifugal pumps — in cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel with high-temperature mechanical seals or packed gland arrangements. Suitable for hot water boiler circuits and process heating loops.
  • Gear pumps — for viscous thermal oil circulation where consistent, metered flow is required at high temperatures
  • Triple screw pumps — smooth, quiet thermal oil circulation with very low shear and pulse-free flow

Key Considerations for High-Temperature Pumping

  • Maximum operating temperature — determines casing material, seal type, and bearing specification
  • Thermal oil type and viscosity — different heat transfer fluids have different viscosity profiles at operating temperature
  • Seal selection — high-temperature mechanical seals, packed glands, or sealless (magnetic drive) options depending on fluid type and temperature
  • Startup viscosity — thermal oil viscosity at cold startup can be much higher than at operating temperature; motor sizing must account for this

Contact Pump Power Australia for thermal oil and hot water pump selection