Page 7 - LSR on Servocyclotherm G

Introduction of Servocyclotherm G at Digboi Refinery – An Import Substitution

DEVELOPMENT

While there were fewer imported products based on Inhibited Ethylene Glycol meeting the
requirements of corrosion protection and thermal stability, many industries still normally use
Monoethylene glycol (MEG) mixed with water as a coolant for similar purposes. IndianOil R&D
Centre had been working on development of a product similar to imported ones hitherto being in
use, with cost effective formulation for import substitution in India, so that industries in the
petroleum, HVAC, pharmaceutical and other sectors with similar applications can be benefitted.

Our Ehtylene Glycol based product, named as “Servocyclotherm G” was ready for introduction
towards the end of 2017 and accordingly a roadmap was prepared for trial and introduction in
SDU of Digboi Refinery. It was decided to introduce the product directly in the system running
with earlier imported grade viz. Dowcal 100 so that normal operation of SDU would not be
hampered. This necessitated comparability and compatibility studies at R&D Centre. Tests were
conducted as per IS 13656:2002 Test Method to assess compatibility of two fluids through
assessment of Homogeneity and Miscibility under stipulated test conditions.

VARIOUS STUDIES AT R&D FOR INTRODUCTION OF SERVOCYCLOTHERM G

As per IS 13656:2002, Dowcal 100 (used in dilution) and Servocyclotherm G (fresh) were mixed in
the ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 50:50 (by volume). These blends were subjected to a
prescribed cycle of temperature changes as per the modified test procedure for Homogeneity and
Miscibility in line with Annexure A of IS 13656:2002 specification and no evidence of separation at
various stages was recorded and reported.

The fluid samples Dowcal 100 (used in dilution) and Servocyclotherm G (fresh) satisfied the
Homogeneity and Miscibility test as per IS-13656:2002 without any phase separation. Based on
these observations, it was concluded that Dowcal 100 and Servocyclotherm G are compatible to
each other in all ratios. Similarly, compatibility of Servocyclotherm G (fresh) with Dowcal 100
(fresh) was also ascertained for future reference. The various findings of the tests conducted are
tabulated in Tables 1, 2 and 3.

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