[poorstudent83]

Hi....I've been searching for hours for a solution to my little problem! I need to prepare a bath (oil?) for heating a solution up to 320 ^oC. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what kind of fluid or mixture I could use? I'm using sand at the minute but it's not looking good!!

[skbuncks]

You might want to try a powdered graphite bath.

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/i560094a022

skb

ETA: ...I think. Its going back at least 15 years since I used one so I am no longer sure if it was graphite. I remember it was a black somewhat metallic looking powder, similar to sand in grain size. It may have been hematite though or something like that.

[orgopete]

If I remember correctly, I think it is Woods metal or something like that.

Personally, I would stick with sand. If you aren't getting that temperature, use less sand or just use a heating mantle.

[poorstudent83]

I have considered Woods metal....I have heard, however, that it oxidises after long periods of time at temperatures over 250 ^oC...does anyone have any idea how "prolonged" these prolonged periods are?! I'm looking to have it at 320 ^oC for 5-6 hours.