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+38 (067) 55-999-07 Aqueous ethylene glycol solution
Ethylene glycol aqueous solution is a liquid that is widely used in cooling, air conditioning and autonomous heating systems for residential and industrial facilities.
Table 1.
Freezing point and density of ethylene glycol aqueous solutions.
| Water concentration ethylene glycol solution | Freezing point ,°С, ±1° | Density at 20С° |
| Ethylene glycol solution 30% | -14 | 1,038 |
| 35% ethylene glycol solution | -20 | 1,044 |
| 40% ethylene glycol solution | -25 | 1,053 |
| 45% ethylene glycol solution | -30 | 1,058 |
| Ethylene glycol solution 50% | -35 | 1,065 |
| Ethylene glycol solution 55% | -45 | 1,070 |
| 60% ethylene glycol solution | -55 | 1,076 |
| Ethylene glycol solution 65% | -60 | 1,082 |
| 70% ethylene glycol solution | -65 | 1,087 |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this substance when used and why is it popular to buy a solution of ethylene glycol in water?
First of all, it is worth mentioning the main properties of the ethylene glycol solution. Namely:
- Ethylene glycol solution has a lower freezing point than concentrate
- DOES NOT FREEZE, unlike water, in the system
- Can only be used in closed loop systems due to fumes toxicity
- Has a lower viscosity than concentrated ethylene glycol
- It is a ready-made liquid for heating / cooling systems at a given temperature (does not require additional dilution)
As you can see, there are clear advantages to using this solution. It can also be added to the pluses that the price of an ethylene glycol solution is much lower compared to an aqueous solution of propylene glycol, for example. But there are also downsides.
The choice of an aqueous glycol solution is best done individually, based on from:
- the type and purpose of the room for the operation of the heat carrier/cooler
- type and technological features of the equipment or heating system
- budget
- type of fluid previously poured into the system
- temperature setting
- other features
Follow the link and read all the characteristics of the propylene glycol solution
For individual selection and calculation of the necessary liquid in the system heating or cooling please contact our technical specialists.
The freezing point of pure ethylene glycol is -13C°. The preparation of an aqueous solution from the concentrate makes it possible to obtain lower freezing temperatures of the substance. For example, for various weather conditions and features of work, an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is produced with a concentration of 30.35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 65%. However, even when it freezes, it does not solidify or expand like water. It thickens and slightly increases in volume.
IMPORTANT! Diluting more than 50% of ethylene glycol with water significantly reduces the performance of the finished heat transfer fluid/refrigerant.
Below is a table showing the dependence of crystallization of ethylene glycol solutions on their concentration.
Table 1
Freezing point of aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol depending on concentration.
During operation, it should be taken into account that its thermophysical properties are different from those of water. Namely:
- The viscosity of a glycol solution is 1.5-2 times higher than the viscosity of water. This means that the movement of the aqueous solution through the pipes of the system will be normal if a powerful circulation pump is installed. With a power reserve of 10-15%.
- Ethylene glycol solution has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than water. Therefore, it is rational to use an expansion tank with an increased volume.
- Ethylene glycol fumes are toxic, which means it can only be used in single-loop closed systems.
- The boiling point of an ethylene glycol solution can range from 101.1C° at 10% solution to 137.2 at 90%. As you can see, depending on the concentration. The bottom line is to prevent the solution from boiling in the system, as this will irreversibly affect the possibility of its further use.
- The heat capacity of an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol is 15-17% lower than that of water, which somewhat reduces heat transfer.
It is important to remind you that if the system is depressurized and this substance leaks, it is urgent to repair the damage and replace the necessary elements.
When when working with ethylene glycol concentrate or its solution, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment – a respirator, rubber gloves and goggles. Trust your equipment and safety to professionals!