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 +40oC.
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 offers 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 offers 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.
Contact a Specialist
We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
Contact a Specialist
Susann Groβ-Matthäi
Business Development Manager Specialty Waxes
Contact a Specialist
We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
Contact a Specialist
Conrad Holek
Sales Director
Contact a Specialist
We're here when you need us, every step of the way.
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Matias Gonzalez
Market Development Manager - Latin America
our dna
Paramelt is global leader in specialty waxes, adhesives and coatings. For more than 125 years we are essentially wax formulators and are an independent, privately owned company.
Paramelt heritage
Paramelt
Dutch, since 1898
revenue 2023: €263 mln
# employees 2023: 502
owned by Ter Group
Ter Group
German, since 1908
revenue 2023: €910 mln
# employees 2023: 1140
owned by Westphal family
As the recognized wax specialists, we harbor industry experts and rank # 1 or 2 positions in our core markets. We continue to invest in process technology leadership and consolidation in these core wax markets and grow by offering ‘value for money’. Over time this position has enabled us to grow strongly in adhesives and dispersions markets. Value is our driver and custom-made products the norm.
Specialists (niche player)
Top 3 reasons to
recommend Paramelt*)
– reliable supplier
– consistent quality
– value for money
*) Customers survey Europe and USA
# active formulas
~2750
We are specialists, but are always open to complementary opportunities. We have direct decision making and short communication lines, our people throughout the organization take ownership and with a can-do attitude we make it happen. The annual re-investment rate is high and the company’s financial mass can underpin substantial investments.
With an entrepreneurial attitude
Annual re-investment rate
~10%
Technology drives our thinking. We combine long term strategic product and process research with flexible and responsive product development. We are inquisitive and challenge conventions which can result in ‘blue sky investments’. We are recognized by our knowledge leadership in core markets.
Driven by technology and innovation
# laboratory requests
> 1000 last year
# new commercial products
~ 110 last year
‘Batch-to-batch consistency is our constant goal’: this is our focus both for investment casting waxes used for aerospace parts and our food grade waxes and adhesives produced in our FSSC/ISO 22000 sites. This is why our customers rely on us.
Delivering security and consistency
Financial stability
D&B rating 1
From our 8 manufacturing sites we can address regional differences and trends and provide product equivalence with local sourcing. We have our own regional sales and technical staff and have a specialized and knowledgeable distributor network for ‘selected market niches’.
With a global reach and local service
manufacturing sites
Europe : 3
USA : 3
China : 2
customers in
87 countries
At the core of our performance lies a team of experienced and knowledgeable employees. We build long-term partnerships and are responsive, flexible, committed and loyal.
Building on people and partnership
Average employee retention
> 12 years
Paramelt = ‘knowledge & experience’
recognized by > 85% customers
(Customers survey Europe and USA)
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With 8 production facilities delivering in more than 80 countries, we have truly global perspective and local service.