Dilavest™ controlled expansion waxes for thermostats
Paramelt Dilavest controlled expansion waxes are used in a range of thermostats and other thermo-activated control devices.
Dilavest™ P control point grades
Dilavest™ P grades offer a sharp expansion profile at a single, well-defined temperature with standard control points in the range 75°C to 120°C. Tailored products outside this range can be developed on request.
Dilavest™ L linear grades
The Dilavest™ L grades provide a linear expansion vs temperature response to give continuous control over a specified temperature range.
Dilavest™ C low temperature grades
Dilavest™ C control point grades are based on pure n-alkanes and are a suitable for control at specific temperatures in the lower temperature range from -18 to +40 oC.
Wax in thermostats
Waxes are widely used in thermal actuation and thermostatic control devices, because it is possible to independently control
(i) the melting point and
(ii) degree of expansion in these materials.
Introduction
In general terms, waxes are made up of linear chains of hydrocarbons, the so called n-alkanes.
These linear waxy chains are highly regular and therefore readily form highly organised and densely packed crystals. In contrast, in the liquid state the chains are highly flexible and rapidly expand consuming more volume. As a result, they inherently exhibit a large dimensional change between the solid and liquid state i.e. on melting.
These linear molecules show a direct relationship between melting point and chain length.
This combination of characteristics allows for the development of tailored waxes and blends with the ability to control the degree of expansion at specific temperature.
Thermo-mechanical actuators
These designed expansion waxes can therefore be used as a thermo-mechanical actuator by sealing the wax compound in an enclosed device fitted with a moveable actuator. The expansion and contraction of the wax in response to changing temperature causes movement of the actuator, which allows control in an external system.
This principle can be used in a number of different areas, most commonly employed in hydraulics, heating and cooling systems.
The strength of this principle lies in its simplicity. The basis of operation only relies on the fundamental characteristics of the wax and the mechanical integrity of the control element.
Dilavest™ thermostat waxes
Through Paramelt’s extensive and fundamental knowledge of waxes combined with high spec production technology and customised application development, our Dilavest range represents the state of the art for thermal expansion waxes.
Dilavest™ thermostat waxes provide the industry benchmark for reliability in terms of:
- Repeatability – device drift
- Durability – long term stability
- Accuracy – tight tolerances
- Reproducibility – batch to batch consistency
Paramelt do offer a comprehensive standard range of both control point and linear response grades of Dilavest™. However, in this highly specialised and customised application area it is commonly the case that specific materials need to be uniquely designed to meet the particular requirements of a given device geometry or application need. Paramelt specialists have established extensive tools, knowledge and manufacturing capability to meet the most demanding expectations.
Historically the most common applications have fallen in the range from -20 °C to +130 °C. As the range of applications for wax controlled thermostatic devices expands, we are seeing increasing requirements in terms of both tolerances and operating temperatures up to 150oC. Our Dilavest™ team can readily tailor a purpose designed expansion wax to meet your individual specification.
Wax in thermostats
Waxes are widely used in thermal actuation and thermostatic control devices, because it is possible to independently control
(i) the melting point and
(ii) degree of expansion in these materials.
Waxes in thermostats
Introduction
In general terms, waxes are made up of linear chains of hydrocarbons, the so called n-alkanes.
These linear waxy chains are highly regular and therefore readily form highly organised and densely packed crystals. In contrast, in the liquid state the chains are highly flexible and rapidly expand consuming more volume. As a result, they inherently exhibit a large dimensional change between the solid and liquid state i.e. on melting.
These linear molecules show a direct relationship between melting point and chain length.
This combination of characteristics allows for the development of tailored waxes and blends with the ability to control the degree of expansion at specific temperature.
Thermo-mechanical actuators
These designed expansion waxes can therefore be used as a thermo-mechanical actuator by sealing the wax compound in an enclosed device fitted with a moveable actuator. The expansion and contraction of the wax in response to changing temperature causes movement of the actuator, which allows control in an external system.
This principle can be used in a number of different areas, most commonly employed in hydraulics, heating and cooling systems.
The strength of this principle lies in its simplicity. The basis of operation only relies on the fundamental characteristics of the wax and the mechanical integrity of the control element.
Dilavest™ thermostat waxes
Through Paramelt’s extensive and fundamental knowledge of waxes combined with high spec production technology and customised application development, our Dilavest range represents the state of the art for thermal expansion waxes.
Dilavest™ thermostat waxes provide the industry benchmark for reliability in terms of:
- Repeatability – device drift
- Durability – long term stability
- Accuracy – tight tolerances
- Reproducibility – batch to batch consistency
Paramelt do offer a comprehensive standard range of both control point and linear response grades of Dilavest™. However, in this highly specialised and customised application area it is commonly the case that specific materials need to be uniquely designed to meet the particular requirements of a given device geometry or application need. Paramelt specialists have established extensive tools, knowledge and manufacturing capability to meet the most demanding expectations.
Historically the most common applications have fallen in the range from -20 °C to +130 °C. As the range of applications for wax controlled thermostatic devices expands, we are seeing increasing requirements in terms of both tolerances and operating temperatures up to 150oC. Our Dilavest™ team can readily tailor a purpose designed expansion wax to meet your individual specification.
paramelt products
Our range of expansion waxes:
The Dilavest™ L linear grades are most commonly used in domestic applications for the regulation of radiator valves and control of heated water for domestic use, for example shower and mixer taps.
The standard grades are Dilavest L 0-30 for heating and Dilavest L 30-60 for hot water applications.
Customised linear grades can be developed to customers’ requirements.
Dilavest™ P control point grades are commonly used in the automobile sector for the adjustment of radiation cooling water, radiator fan and the oil system.
Dilavest™ grades are also used in the aerospace sector for control of lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids in the cooling systems.
A wide range of thermostat waxes with control points from 75°C to 130°C is available. Additional products outside this range can be developed and produced on request.
Dilavest™ C grades are used in a number of sectors for control in the ambient temperature range for various control applications such as refrigerant systems, building ventilation and automotive air intake, for example carburetor or fuel injection systems.
Dilavest™ C grades are n-alkanes suitable for controls in a temperature range from -18 to +40oC.
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Susann Groβ-Matthäi
Business Development Manager Specialty Waxes
Contact a Specialist
We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
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Conrad Holek
Sales Director
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We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
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Matias Gonzalez
Market Development Manager - Latin America
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