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Solar question

Wayco Wayne_2
Wayco Wayne_2 Member Posts: 2,479
in THE MAIN WALL
I was recently asked to move an evacuated solar thermal array to a new location. The old building was being torn down so the owner wanted to move it. However when we went to take out the evacuated tubes from the manifold we found the thermal paste we had used had hardened and would not let us pull the bulb out. We ended up losing a lot of the tubes and having to replace them. Now we are installing in a new location and I'm wondering if using "Never Sieze," graphite lubrication compound might be a better choice. I've used it for years on pulleys and things that I want to stay lubricated long term. My question is, "why not." I'm hesitant to use the thermal paste again. What if I need to replace a tube down the lad and can't get it out? Any experience or feedback? Thanks.

Comments

  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,962
    Yeah that is a common problem. Those vac tubes have such a stinking high stagnation temperature. I've heard in excess of 600F is possible.

    I wonder if a silicone based grease would be better and non-hardening? We use red silicone gaskets for those high temperature applications and it holds up fine.

    You might contact one of these grease specialist.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • Wayco Wayne_2
    Wayco Wayne_2 Member Posts: 2,479
    Thanks Bob.
  • TheKeymaster
    TheKeymaster Member Posts: 36
    What about the grease that goes in between a computer chip and it's heat coil? I don't remember seeing any get hard on any computer I've ever taken apart. I think it's supposed to withstand quite a bit of heat. Not sure if it would be cost effective to buy it or if you could get it in any kind of bulk though.

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