FREEZLIGHT® Frost −60 °C Potassium Formate Low-Temperature Coolant

What FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C is

FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C is a working fluid used to transfer cooling capacity in the circuit of a refrigeration system.
The coolant circulates between the refrigeration plant and the cooling loads, such as freezer rooms, process equipment, heat exchangers, cooled vessels or other system components.
The product is not the primary refrigerant of a compression refrigeration system. It operates in a separate circulation loop and transfers thermal energy from the cooled equipment to the refrigeration unit.
Aqueous potassium formate solutions are used in low-temperature systems as an alternative to glycol-based coolants. However, density, viscosity, specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and hydraulic resistance depend on concentration and temperature.
Pump, pipework and heat-exchanger calculations must therefore use the technical data for FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C itself, not reference values for pure potassium formate or another potassium-formate coolant.

What the −60 °C designation means

The −60 °C designation identifies the low-temperature grade of FREEZLIGHT Frost.
Before designing or filling the system, confirm which parameter this value represents:

• crystallization onset temperature;
• freezing point determined by a specified method;
• freeze-protection limit;
• loss-of-flow temperature;
• commercial product grade.

The −60 °C value must not automatically be treated as the recommended continuous operating temperature.
Correct selection requires the following parameters:

• minimum coolant temperature in the circuit;
• evaporator temperature;
• start-up temperature after an extended shutdown;
• maximum acceptable viscosity for the circulation pump;
• hydraulic resistance of the pipework;
• risk of localized overcooling;
• required design temperature margin.

The lowest temperature in the circuit should not coincide with the coolant’s limiting value without the temperature margin specified by the system design.

Main characteristics

Read about which heat transfer fluid to choose at this link.

Follow the link and select a heat transfer fluid based on:

propylene glycol

glycerine

ethylene glycol

Why potassium formate is selected for low-temperature cooling

Potassium-formate coolants are used in industrial systems that require low-temperature operation and circulation of cooling capacity through a secondary loop. Key features of FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C:
• potassium formate mass fraction of at least 50%;
• low-temperature grade of −60 °C;
• designed for closed circuits;
• functional corrosion-inhibitor package;
• suitable for industrial circuits with substantial fluid volumes;
• intended for duties where the temperature margin of standard glycol grades may be insufficient;
• can be compared with ethylene-glycol and propylene-glycol coolants by temperature, system type and operating conditions.

Use the product-specific technical documentation for exact thermophysical properties. Properties of pure potassium formate or another manufacturer’s product must not be attributed to the finished

FREEZLIGHT Frost formulation.

When FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C may be the right choice
Consider this product when:

• the system operates at low temperatures;
• a closed refrigeration circuit is used;
• cooling must be distributed to one or more loads;
• the equipment permits aqueous potassium formate solutions;
• the pumps are sized for the density and viscosity of the selected coolant;
• pipework, heat-exchanger and seal materials have confirmed compatibility;
• filtration, air removal and leak monitoring are provided;
• the condition and concentration of the working fluid can be checked periodically;
• the temperature margin of −20 °C or −32 °C glycol grades is insufficient.

FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C can be considered for a new installation or as a replacement for an existing coolant after compatibility has been checked and the circuit has been prepared correctly.

Applications

The coolant may be used in:

• industrial refrigeration installations;
• freezer and low-temperature rooms;
• cold-storage warehouses;
• logistics and distribution centres;
• process cooling systems;
• chiller circuits;
• rapid-freezing installations;
• process heat exchangers;
• cooling systems for production equipment;
• ice-rink systems;
• other closed cooling circuits.

At food and pharmaceutical facilities, the product should be considered only for closed indirect circuits, provided that this use is supported by the product documentation and contact with raw materials or finished products is excluded.
The presence of a refrigeration circuit at a food-processing facility does not by itself mean that the fluid is approved for direct or incidental food contact.

When another coolant should be selected

FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C may be excessive for systems with a moderate temperature profile.
Consider another product when:
• the minimum system temperature does not require the −60 °C grade;
• the product is required for a conventional heating system;
• the equipment is approved only for ethylene glycol or propylene glycol;
• the pump or heat-exchanger manufacturer does not permit potassium-formate solutions;
• the system contains materials with unconfirmed compatibility;
• the circuit is open or is continuously exposed to atmospheric air;
• an automotive antifreeze is required;
• the fluid is intended to replace the primary refrigerant in a compression system;
• a confirmed high-temperature operating mode is required.

For sealed technical systems with a less demanding temperature profile, consider FREEZLIGHT −32 °C based on ethylene glycol.
For systems with stricter toxicological-profile requirements, consider FREEZLIGHT −32 °C based on propylene glycol.
Do not select a temperature grade on the principle that lower is always better. Base the decision on the actual minimum temperature, pump characteristics and required design margin.

Material compatibility

Before filling, verify compatibility with every material in the system, not only with the pipework.
Check:
• heat-exchanger metals;
• pipe materials;
• solders and flux residues;
• welded joints;
• pump impellers and shaft seals;
• gaskets;
• membranes;
• control and shut-off valves;
• tank linings;
• thread sealants;
• flexible hoses;
• filter elements.

Universal compatibility with all grades of steel, aluminium, copper, rubber or polymers must not be claimed.
The following require particular verification:

• galvanized surfaces;
• zinc components;
• aluminium alloys;
• soft solders;
• elastomer seals;
• internal tank coatings;
• mixed-metal systems.

The final decision should be based on the technical documentation for FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C and the recommendations of the equipment manufacturers.

Learn more about replacing the coolant and caring for your heating system at the link.

How to select a coolant independently

Determine the main system parameters before ordering.
1. Minimum temperature
Use the actual minimum coolant temperature, not only the air temperature in the room, chamber or facility.
2. Evaporator temperature
The temperature in individual parts of the circuit may be lower than the average bulk-fluid temperature.
3. Maximum temperature
Allow for defrosting, cleaning, shutdown conditions and any temporary rise in temperature.
4. System volume
The system volume is needed to calculate the required quantity and select an appropriate package size.
5. Equipment type
Check the requirements of the chiller, heat exchanger, pump, valves and other equipment manufacturers.
6. System materials
Identify pipe, heat-exchanger, seal, gasket, solder and internal-coating materials.
7. Previous working fluid
Residues of glycol, chloride brine or another coolant may be incompatible with a potassium-formate product.
8. Toxicological-profile requirements

Food, pharmaceutical, residential or open-site applications may be subject to additional restrictions.

The Novohim Reference Centre should be used to review:

• differences between potassium-formate and glycol-based coolants;
• selection of the appropriate temperature grade;
• the effect of concentration on temperature and viscosity;
• circulation-pump requirements;
• material compatibility;
• system preparation;
• coolant replacement and condition monitoring.

After reviewing these materials, select the likely product type and provide the system parameters to the manager for verification of the preliminary choice.

System preparation

Correct circuit preparation affects coolant stability and equipment condition.
Before filling:

1. Check that the product matches the design temperature range.
2. Confirm that the equipment manufacturer permits potassium-formate secondary coolants.
3. Remove the previous working fluid completely.
4. Flush the system to remove corrosion products, sediment and contamination.
5. Remove as much flushing water as possible.
6. Pressure-test and inspect the pipework and heat exchangers for leaks.
7. Check seal, gasket and thread-sealant materials.
8. Clean or replace the filters.
9. Verify the circulation pump operating point.
10. Check the condition of valves and monitoring devices.
11. Provide a suitable sampling point for testing after filling.

Residues of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, chloride brine or another working fluid may change the properties of the new coolant and cause additive incompatibility.
A system with active corrosion, heavy sludge or deposits should be cleaned before it is filled with new coolant.

Filling and commissioning

Fill the system in accordance with the design documentation and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Recommended sequence:

1. Introduce the coolant from the lowest filling point.
2. Vent heat exchangers and high points in sequence.
3. Do not allow the circulation pump to run dry.
4. Establish full circulation after filling.
5. Inspect all joints for leaks.
6. Check system pressure in cold and operating conditions.
7. Inspect the filters after the initial circulation period.
8. Take a representative sample after complete mixing.
9. Record the initial control values in the operating log.

Do not use an ethylene-glycol or propylene-glycol refractometer scale automatically for concentration control.
Use a calibration table or analytical method intended for aqueous potassium formate solutions and, where available, for this specific product.

Dilution

The potassium formate mass fraction in FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C is at least 50%.
The supply form must be confirmed in the technical documentation.
If FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C is supplied ready to use, additional dilution without a technical calculation is not recommended.
Adding water changes:

• potassium formate concentration;
• crystallization or freezing behaviour;
• density;
• viscosity;
• thermophysical properties;
• concentration of corrosion inhibitors;
• the hydraulic operating conditions of the system.

If the product is supplied as a concentrate, the manufacturer should provide a dilution table, water-quality requirements and the minimum permitted concentration of the functional additive package.
Dilution without a product-specific table does not provide a reliable basis for determining the final coolant properties.

Mixing with other products

Do not mix FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C without prior compatibility testing with:

• ethylene-glycol coolants;
• propylene-glycol coolants;
• glycerol-based fluids;
• chloride brines;
• automotive antifreezes;
• products of unknown composition;
• separately purchased corrosion inhibitors;
• leak-sealing additives.

Even coolants based on the same salt may use different corrosion inhibitors, buffers, stabilizers and antifoam components.
Possible consequences of incompatibility include:

• cloudiness;
• precipitate formation;
• pH change;
• foaming;
• blocked filters or narrow passages;
• accelerated depletion of the additive package;
• reduced corrosion protection.

When changing from another product, drain and flush the system as thoroughly as possible.

Monitoring during operation

During operation, monitor:

• minimum and maximum coolant temperature;
• circuit pressure;
• stable circulation;
• pressure drop across filters;
• pump operation;
• joint tightness and leakage;
• fluid appearance;
• formation of sediment or crystals;
• the quantity of added water or coolant;
• potassium formate concentration;
• control parameters specified by the manufacturer.

Carry out an unscheduled check after:

• a significant leak;
• addition of water;
• heat-exchanger repair;
• pump replacement;
• contact with another working fluid;
• an extended shutdown;
• operation outside the permitted temperature range;
• the appearance of sediment, cloudiness or unstable circulation.

Use the same product at the same concentration for topping up whenever possible.
If the coolant level falls repeatedly, locate and correct the leak before adding more fluid.

Main limitations

FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C should not be used:

• as the primary refrigerant in a compression refrigeration system;
• as an automotive antifreeze without the appropriate approval;
• in open circuits unless expressly permitted by the manufacturer;
• for direct contact with food products;
• after uncontrolled dilution with water;
• in systems containing materials with unconfirmed compatibility;
• together with heat transfer fluids or coolants of unknown composition;
• in a contaminated or actively corroding system without prior cleaning;
• outside the confirmed operating temperature range;
• in a circuit not designed for the density and viscosity of the potassium-formate solution.

The coolant does not replace automatic controls, pressure monitoring, loss-of-flow protection or emergency alarms.

Storage and safety

Store the product in closed, clearly labelled containers protected from contamination, precipitation and ingress of other liquids.
During handling:

• use eye and hand protection specified in the safety data sheet;
• avoid splashing;
• prevent contact with food products;
• collect spills in a separate labelled container;
• do not reuse empty containers for water or food materials;
• do not discharge the product to soil or drains;
• dispose of used fluid in accordance with applicable requirements.

Storage temperature, shelf life, personal protective equipment and first-aid measures must be stated according to the FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C safety data sheet.
Do not use claims such as “absolutely safe”, “non-toxic” or “environmentally safe” without supporting product-specific documentation.

FAQ

What is FREEZLIGHT Frost −60 °C used for?

It is used to transfer cooling capacity in closed secondary circuits of industrial and process refrigeration systems.

What is the potassium formate concentration?

The product contains at least 50% potassium formate by mass.

Does −60 °C mean the continuous operating temperature?

No. It is the product’s temperature grade. The physical meaning of the value and the permitted operating range must be confirmed in the technical documentation.

Is the product ready to use?

The supply form must be confirmed. Until then, the product should not be described as either a ready-to-use fluid or a concentrate.

Can it be diluted with water?

Only according to a confirmed dilution table. Adding water changes concentration, temperature characteristics and the concentration of functional additives.

Can FREEZLIGHT Frost be mixed with a glycol coolant?

Not without prior compatibility testing. The additive packages and physicochemical properties may be incompatible.

Is the coolant suitable for a food-processing facility?

It may be considered for a closed indirect refrigeration circuit. The specific use must be supported by documentation and an assessment of leakage risk.

Is the product compatible with aluminium or galvanized steel?

Compatibility must be confirmed for the specific alloy, temperature and equipment design.

Can FREEZLIGHT Frost be used instead of refrigerant gas?

No. FREEZLIGHT Frost is a secondary coolant, not the primary refrigerant in a compression refrigeration system.

How is coolant concentration checked?

Use a method or calibration table intended for potassium formate. An ethylene-glycol or propylene-glycol refractometer scale may give an incorrect result.

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