FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C Ethylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C Ethylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluid for Sealed Indoor Systems

What Is FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is an aqueous ethylene glycol solution containing a functional additive package. It is designed to transfer thermal energy and protect equipment against damage caused by accidental freezing.
Ethylene glycol lowers the crystallization temperature of the aqueous solution, while the additive package:

• reduces the corrosive activity of the heat transfer fluid;
• protects metals used in the system;
• supports solution stability;
• controls foaming;
• reduces the risk of deposit formation.

The product is manufactured by AO Khimprom LLC. FREEZLIGHT® heat transfer fluids have been manufactured since 2010, with control of raw materials, formulation and crystallization onset temperature.

Key Specifications

Manufacturer AO Khimprom LLC, Ukraine

What Does −20 °C Mean

The designation −20 °C indicates the crystallization onset temperature, not the instant complete freezing of the entire fluid volume.
With further cooling:

• crystals gradually begin to form in the liquid;
• viscosity increases;
• fluid mobility decreases;
• the load on the circulation pump increases;
• crystalline blockages may form in narrow channels.

The system may remain mechanically intact while losing normal circulation and operating performance.
The actual temperature of the coldest section must therefore remain above −20 °C, with an appropriate engineering safety margin.
FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C should not be selected for a system in which the temperature of individual components may approach the stated crystallization onset temperature.

When Is FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C the Right Choice

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C based on ethylene glycol is recommended when:

• the system is sealed and has a single isolated circuit;
• all pipework is located inside the building;
• heat exchangers are not installed on a roof or external wall;
• the circuit does not pass through an unheated attic;
• equipment is not directly exposed to frost and wind;
• contact with drinking water or domestic hot water is excluded;
• the facility is heated continuously or regularly;
• flushing water has been removed as completely as possible;
• the actual temperature of the coldest section does not approach −20 °C;
• cost-effective filling of a large technical circuit is important.

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is suitable for indoor engineering systems at industrial, warehouse, administrative and commercial facilities.

When Should FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C Based on Ethylene Glycol Be Selected

FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C is recommended when:

• part of the pipework is located outdoors;
• a heat exchanger or cooling unit is installed on a roof;
• the circuit passes through unheated areas;
• equipment is exposed to strong wind;
• prolonged power outages are possible;
• the building may remain without heating for an extended period;
• the facility is operated seasonally;
• the approximate amount of residual water is unknown;
• the temperature of the coldest section may fall below −15 °C;
• an additional low-temperature safety margin is required.

FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C is selected not because it is a higher-quality product, but because its greater glycol concentration provides a larger low-temperature safety margin.

How to Choose Between the Four FREEZLIGHT® Heat Transfer Fluids

The choice is based on three principal criteria:

1. The minimum temperature of the coldest system section.
2. The presence of outdoor pipework or equipment.
3. Toxicological and operational safety requirements.

Follow the link and read what is better to fill in the heating system

Click on the link and choose your coolant:

based on propylene glycol

based on glycerine

ethylene glycol based

Applications of FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C

The heat transfer fluid is used in:

• sealed indoor heating systems;
• industrial and warehouse buildings;
• closed air-conditioning systems;
• indoor circuits of ventilation units;
• systems with chillers and fan-coil units;
• process heat exchangers;
• industrial refrigeration equipment;
• indoor heat-transfer circuits;
• heat-recovery systems;
• indoor equipment-cooling circuits.

Use must be permitted by the manufacturers of the boiler, circulation pump, chiller, heat exchanger and all other system components.
A heat transfer fluid intended for stationary engineering systems must not automatically be used as automotive antifreeze or engine coolant.

Ethylene Glycol Toxicity

Ethylene glycol is toxic. The main practical risk is associated with the fluid entering the human body, drinking water, food products or open domestic circuits.
For this reason, ethylene glycol-based FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C must not be used in:

• open heating systems;
• systems with an open expansion tank;
• combination boilers;
• drinking-water and domestic-hot-water circuits;
• food-production systems;
• systems where the heat transfer fluid may contact a product;
• locations where a leak may remain undetected;
• systems accessible to children or animals.

For these applications, we recommend a FREEZLIGHT® heat transfer fluid based on propylene glycol.

Thermophysical Properties

An aqueous ethylene glycol heat transfer fluid has properties different from those of water. Compared with water, it has:

• higher viscosity;
• lower specific heat capacity;
• lower thermal conductivity;
• higher hydraulic resistance;
• different thermal expansion characteristics.

Before replacing water with a glycol heat transfer fluid, the following should be checked:

• circulation pump capacity;
• pipe diameters;
• heat-exchanger surface area;
• expansion vessel capacity;
• balancing valve settings;
• allowable operating pressure.

The main purpose of an ethylene glycol heat transfer fluid is not to improve efficiency compared with water, but to protect the system against accidental freezing and corrosion.

Residual Water Changes the Crystallization Temperature

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is supplied at its ready-to-use concentration.
After flushing or hydrostatic testing, water may remain:

• in low sections of pipework;
• in radiators;
• in heat exchangers;
• in pumps;
• in manifolds;
• in horizontal pipe sections;
• in buffer tanks;
• in sections that cannot be fully drained.

Residual water dilutes the ready-to-use product and raises the actual crystallization onset temperature.
For example, if the total system volume is 1,000 litres but 100 litres of water remain after flushing, only approximately 900 litres of ready-to-use heat transfer fluid can be added. The proportion of the finished product in the final mixture is therefore reduced by approximately 10%.
After filling, the following steps are required:

1. Provide full circulation throughout the system.
2. Allow the fluid to mix evenly.
3. Take a sample from the operating circuit.
4. Check the concentration using a refractometer calibrated for ethylene glycol.
5. Correct the concentration if necessary.

A propylene glycol refractometer scale must not be used for testing an ethylene glycol heat transfer fluid because the calibration of aqueous ethylene glycol and propylene glycol solutions is different.
If the amount of residual water is unknown, we recommend selecting FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C from the outset.

Material Compatibility

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C may be used in systems containing:
• carbon steel;
• stainless steel;
• cast iron;
• copper;
• brass;
• bronze;
• aluminium alloys;
• polypropylene;
• PEX;
• PE-RT;
• multilayer composite pipe.

Compatibility must not be assessed solely by pipe material. The following must also be considered:
• heat-exchanger material;
• circulation pump design;
• gaskets;
• seals;
• expansion vessel diaphragm;
• soldered joints;
• sealants;
• equipment manufacturer recommendations.
Not all rubber and polymer seals have the same resistance to aqueous glycol solutions.

System Preparation Before Filling

Before filling the system:

1. Confirm that the system is sealed and has a single isolated circuit.
2. Confirm that the equipment manufacturer permits ethylene glycol heat transfer fluids.
3. Completely remove the previous heat transfer fluid.
4. Flush the system to remove sludge, rust and deposits.
5. Drain the flushing water as completely as possible.
6. Check the system for leaks.
7. Check the condition and capacity of the circulation pump.
8. Check the expansion vessel capacity and pre-charge pressure.
9. Confirm that the safety group is operational.
10. Remove air from all circuits during filling.

Aqueous glycol solutions may penetrate weak joints that did not leak during operation with water. All leakage must be eliminated before the system is commissioned.

Before filling the anti-freeze into the heating system, we recommend flushing the system with a deposit remover Read more about flushing the system in the article “Recommendations for replacing the coolant and maintenance behind the heating system”.

Does the Heat Transfer Fluid Need to Be Diluted?

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is supplied ready to use. Additional dilution is not required.
Adding water:

• raises the crystallization onset temperature;
• reduces the low-temperature safety margin;
• changes the additive concentration;
• may reduce corrosion protection;
• makes composition control more difficult.

If dilution is performed according to a prior engineering calculation, demineralized water must be used and the final concentration must be checked with a refractometer calibrated for ethylene glycol.

Can It Be Mixed with Other Heat Transfer Fluids

We do not recommend mixing FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C with products of unknown composition.
Different heat transfer fluids may contain incompatible:

• corrosion inhibitors;
• buffer components;
• stabilizers;
• antifoam additives;
• dyes;
• leak-sealing additives.

Possible consequences of mixing include:
• cloudiness;
• sediment formation;
• foaming;
• pH changes;
• reduced corrosion protection;
• blockage of narrow channels;
• shortened service life.

When changing from another product, the system should be drained as completely as possible and flushed.

Important Limitations

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is not recommended for:

• outdoor systems without an adequate low-temperature safety margin;
• equipment installed on roofs or external walls;
• solar collectors;
• open heating systems;
• systems with an open expansion tank;
• combination boilers;
• drinking-water and domestic-hot-water circuits;
• food and pharmaceutical production facilities;
• electrode boilers unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer;
• systems containing incompatible seals;
• mixing with heat transfer fluids of unknown composition;
• use as automotive antifreeze without the relevant approval.

For outdoor technical systems, we recommend FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C based on ethylene glycol.
For residential facilities and systems with enhanced safety requirements, we recommend FREEZLIGHT® heat transfer fluids based on propylene glycol.

Operation and Service Life

During operation, monitor:

• system pressure;
• absence of leaks;
• circulation pump operation;
• crystallization onset temperature;
• the appearance of the heat transfer fluid;
• the presence of sediment;
• changes in colour or odour;
• the amount of added water.

The expected service life is up to 5 years when the system is properly prepared and operated.
Overheating, contamination, continuous exposure to air, frequent water addition and mixing with other products shorten the service life.

Safety Measures

When handling the product:

• wear protective gloves and safety glasses;
• prevent the fluid from entering the mouth;
• do not store the product in beverage bottles or food containers;
• do not reuse empty packaging for water or food;
• clean up spilled heat transfer fluid immediately;
• keep children and animals away from the storage area;
• wash hands thoroughly after handling.

If swallowed, obtain medical attention immediately and provide the physician with information about the product composition.

Storage

Store the heat transfer fluid:

• in tightly sealed packaging;
• in a covered indoor area;
• separately from food products;
• away from drinking water;
• protected from direct sunlight;
• in a place inaccessible to children and animals.

Do not transfer the product to unlabelled containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does −20 °C Mean?

It is the crystallization onset temperature. With further cooling, the heat transfer fluid gradually becomes more viscous and circulation may stop.

Which Systems Is FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C Intended For?

It is intended for sealed single-circuit indoor heating, air-conditioning, cooling and heat-transfer systems.

Can It Be Used in a Private House?

Technically, it can be used in a fully sealed single-circuit system. However, for residential buildings Novohim recommends a propylene glycol heat transfer fluid.

Can It Be Used in a Combination Boiler?

No. If the heat exchanger is damaged, ethylene glycol may enter the domestic hot-water circuit.

How Does FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C Differ from the Ethylene Glycol −32 °C Version?

FREEZLIGHT® −20 °C is recommended for indoor circuits without exposure to severe frost. FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C provides a larger low-temperature safety margin and is intended for systems with outdoor or particularly cold sections.

Does the Product Need to Be Diluted?

No. The heat transfer fluid is supplied ready to use.

Can Water Be Added?

Adding water raises the crystallization onset temperature. After a significant water addition, check the concentration using a refractometer calibrated for ethylene glycol.

Is the Heat Transfer Fluid Suitable for Solar Collectors?

No. For solar collectors, we recommend FREEZLIGHT® −32 °C based on propylene glycol.

Can It Be Mixed with Another Antifreeze Fluid?

Mixing is not recommended because different additive packages may be incompatible.

What Is the Expected Service Life?

Up to 5 years when the system is properly prepared and operated without overheating, leaks or frequent water addition.

Follow the link and read more about which antifreeze to choose for heating