Paging "Doc" Lubey....can you help?'
 

I know Mike is the "expert" on this subject, but figure others might be able to assist also...hence the public request. Dad has had a solar water/heating system for over 30 years, and recently had to have a pump replaced, thus breaking the "sealed system" for the first time ever. In the process, some of the "high tech" (developed for NASA...or so they say) "oil" has been lost, and the "engineers" working on the system (same ones who installed it back when) have been unable to source replacement fluid. They've located some in Colorado, but from what dad just told me, it can't be shipped. This is "second hand" info, so take it with a grain of salt, but here are the specifics as I know them:

Novan (is the company name)
"Bray oil"
High temp fluid
MSDS - safety sheets

Have no clue what that last part means....
According to dad, the solar guys could even use a "formula" if they had it and go from there but dad probably only needs a gallon (or two) for his issue at hand (as only a little was lost when the system was breached).

Can the former Lubemaster (or anyone else) offer any assistance?
Thanks in advance....I KNOW someone is gonna help...this place is grrrr....ate (in my best Tony-the-tiger voice) :)

Heating Help

Read the second comment.

Sounds like it's time to switch to glycol if you need more oil.

Thanks! I've been searching and reading since my initial post and had already run across that :(....system still works fantastic, though we replaced the 3 120 ga water tanks (and customized plumbing that looks like a work of art about 6 years ago). The original oil works so great and has been virtually maintenance free for so long, I HOPE dad doesn't have to go down that path. I appreciate it!!!

Bumpity to the top in case Doc Holloway didn't see this a few days ago. After some research online, it would appear what I'm referring to is "Brayco 888" oil, and it's no longer available for the "average consumer". My dad's guys have talked to folks in CO who have some (probably recaptured from older systems) but say it can't be shipped (hazardous, etc.?). I suspect there are barrels of it around. How does one ship a gallon of oil across the country? If my dad is forced to convert his system over, he will let his solar guys have his "good stuff" so they can use it as needed for their other aging systems they still support. I still hope he doesn't have to go that route though...

Ok, not a lubemaster, but after a little research, I can see why you wouldn't want the glycol water mix. Digging around I found this: Castrol Offshore - Brayco Micronic LV/3 & SV/3
May not work may be frightfully expensive but may give you another avenue to explore, FWIW.
Leah

Do you have the MSDS (material safety data sheets)? Very expensive, hard to find, can't ship - sounds like something you could bathe in! Seriously, the MSDS will tell you about all the hazards of the oil and it doesn't sound like olive oil.

opps, sorry KC, been out off pocket for 10+ days and only checking periodically. My first guess would be that the juice in the systme is no loger available not because it is dangerous but replaced with something else that is better - maybe more stable, less aggresive on seals, bla bla bla...

I would think that there are fluids (heat transfer oils) that would work. If he needs a small amount you can always use a seldom used trick and contact a mfg of the stuff, tell them you require a sample for test purposes - that is if they don't sell in small amounts.

Allow me to investigate - there is always different ways to skin a sheep...

Thanks Mike (and others too)! Yep, there's nothing "hazardous" about it from what I gather, and since my dad's system was done "right" (after some Internet reading), the original oil hasn't been an issue whatsoever. That's why we "don't want to fix it if it ain't broken" and switch over to a different transfer medium. Any assistance you might can provide would be most appreciated! It's the holiday season, so I understand if it takes some time....I guarantee the solar guys aren't gonna be converting it this time of year anyways even though it's disabled for now.

He also has a pretty decent wood burning setup (FP insert upstairs and a wood burning stove with ductwork piping heated air to either ends of their ranch style house). Dad's getting up there now....so guess who gets to run the Stihls, haul the logs, and do the heavy lifting while he operates the lever on the wood splitter these days :D. They do love their 80 degree living room however (hey, heating is "free" for them :p ....runs me out slap out of there though...I'm a 65 degree guy.

ps: If the Brayco 888 isn't available, the solar guys mentioned a "formula", or maybe adding something else compatable to top the system off (my idea after reading Leah's post above)?

pps: When dad mention they were having trouble sourcing it, I knew EXACTLY where I was going (before I even did a search) :)....I do appreciate it!

You have to be really careful if you switch to glycol. You mix glycol and any trace oil and you will have some issues to deal with. Switching to glycol requires a very through clreaning.

Sometimes the MSDS will provide the chemical make-up. Not always but you never know. Do you have a copy?

Duratherm Heat Transfer Fluid and Thermal Fluids

check this out

I've got to assume Dad's solar guys do not (or the chemical make-up isn't on there)...otherwise I don't believe they would have suggested they could use the "formula" (according to dad, they have someone who could "mix a batch" if they had it). Just called Dad...no answer.

Thank YOU! I'm gonna ask dad to let me talk to his guys...I've met them both (sharp cookies) some years ago, but I'm getting second hand info from dad recently. That absolutely looks promising. Question...(from my reading), I realize the glycol replacement is a PITA, and not compatible, but is it possible that some of the stuff listed on the Duratherm site might be compatible. I.E could a few quarts simply be added to the legacy fluid? I realize you don't know without the specs however. I'm make sure his solar guys know about Duratherm and go from there. You da man....I don't care what THEY say :D

THEY shall be dealt with in due course!!!

I would call the Duratherm guys on Monday and ask them for a replacement for the fluid. The tech service dudes would have a pretty good clue.

If they can't help, call these guys: Paratherm Heat Transfer Fluids |Paratherm Heat Transfer Fluids

Tell them Mike Holloway sentcha ;)

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!