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HVAC
Grade Glycol-based Antifreeze &
Heat Exchange Solutions
Glycol and water solutions are corrosive to metal piping and can
become progressively more aggressive as they get older. To protect systems from
corrosion, a common practice is to add chemical corrosion inhibitors to glycol. In automotive and diesel engines, it's common to use a corrosion inhibitor
based on silicates that protect metal surfaces by forming protective
deposits. These thin layers of silicates are acceptable in automotive engines
because of the very large difference in temperature between the engine cylinder and the
cooling water.
 Unfortunately, many manufacturers of modern HVAC systems feel that critical
heat exchange surfaces in their systems cannot tolerate the loss of efficiency that silica-based inhibitors may introduce.
Thus, sensitive HVAC systems should never be
treated with automotive glycols.
HVAC systems that need glycol-based antifreeze should be treated
with non-fouling inhibitors and conditioners. Glycol-based
antifreeze solutions are widely used in HVAC systems for protecting vulnerable components
like coils from damage caused by freezing water.
Generally, only enough glycol is added to assure the
level of protection
needed because glycol can be costly to apply and is not as efficient a heat transfer
medium as plain water. The solution of glycol used for freeze protection is normally
40% to 50%, by volume.
Type of Use Determines Choice of Antifreeze Products
Ethylene glycol is the most commonly used form of antifreeze. It is,
however, quite toxic. Systems using ethylene glycol should be isolated from drinking
water by the use of air gaps and positive backflow preventers. Extra care should be
used in its application so as not to inadvertently contaminate drinking water or other
systems.
In food processing plants and in applications where the isolation of
the solution cannot be guaranteed, far less toxic propylene glycol is commonly used for
freeze protection.
CSI Provides Ethylene & Propylene Glycol
Heat Transfer
Fluids
Both glycols are free of significant levels of silicates or other
materials that would be objectionable in HVAC glycol heat transfer fluids. For systems where backflow protection or contamination of other systems,
drinking water, food or other consumables cannot occur specify:
- CSI's HVAC Grade Inhibited Ethylene Glycol Solution
Propylene glycol is sometimes used in place of ethylene glycol
because of its lower toxicity. For use where contamination from the glycol system is
a hazard specify:
- CSI's HVAC Grade Inhibited Propylene Glycol Solution
Delivery, Application and Disposal of Glycol
CSI is one of the few companies that can supply you with quality
glycol-based heat exchange solutions and also provide you with the manpower and expertise
for draining and properly disposing of old, spent glycol solutions. We perform applications under the most trying circumstances.
Call on us for:
- Glycol drain down and storage
- Glycol drain down and disposal
- Application of new glycol solutions
- Cleaning of fouled glycol piping systems
- Testing and adjustment of glycol concentrations
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