How to choose a coolant for heating

Now the Ukrainian market has a fairly large selection of heat transfer fluids for heating. Heating fluids may differ in composition, mode of use, temperature, manufacturer, additives, and this often confuses when choosing what kind of heating fluid to buy.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COOLANT

First of all, it is worth noting that the most popular coolants can be based on:

• propylene glycol – FREEZLIGHT -32°C and FREEZLIGHT -20°C
• glycerin – FREEZLIGHT -32°C, FREEZLIGHT -20°C
• ethylene glycol – FREEZLIGHT -32°C, FREEZLIGHT -20°C

We do not recommend salt heat transfer fluids for use due to a significant corrosive effect on heating system materials.

1. Propylene glycol based heat transfer agent

It is an absolutely safe substance for humans and the environment. In addition, it is a universal heating fluid. Namely, it can be used in:

• heating systems of any kind and with different types of boiler
• solar panel systems
• chillers
• air conditioning systems
• refrigeration
• combustion engines

Operation peculiarities of propylene glycol coolant:

1. It has the lowest density due to which it practically does not need a power reserve of pumping equipment. The coolant is easily dispersed through the pipes even after a long downtime of the system.
2. It has a low freezing point, does not expand like water.
3. It has strong thermal conductivity, stability at high and low temperatures.
4. Due to its physical and chemical characteristics it is considered to be a universal coolant, which can be recommended for all engineering heating and cooling systems.
5. Environmentally safe.

It has a low freezing point, strong thermal conductivity, high and low temperature stability and low viscosity. These properties and environmental safety make propylene glycol-based coolant number 1 in the rating of heating fluids.

2. Heat carrier based on glycerin

Like propylene glycol coolant, it is an environmentally friendly product. It is worth noting that glycerin is the first substance that began to be used in the production of antifreeze, about 100 years ago. And only in the mid-30s of the XX century, glycols and their mixtures began to be used as antifreeze liquids. However, there are some features due to which the glycerin-based coolant may be limited in use.

Operation peculiarities of glycerine coolant:

1. Glycerine-based heat transfer fluid has the highest density compared to propylene glycol and ethylene glycol heat transfer fluids. This property makes it much more difficult for glycerine coolant to move through the pipework, especially if the system has not been in operation for some time.
2. In addition, to accelerate the glycerine-based coolant through the system, a pump with a power reserve 3-5 times greater than for water is required.
3. The basis of the coolant – glycerine, due to its physical and chemical properties, is not able to withstand high temperatures of more than 90 ° C for a long time. In case of overheating, glycerine starts to decompose and release a toxic compound acrolein, which will require immediate replacement of such coolant.
4. For correct operation, glycerine-based coolant can be recommended only for gas boilers, where the temperature is stable and does not rise above 60-70°C.
   For example, in an electric boiler with heating elements the temperature can rise up to 300°C, and in a solid fuel boiler there are sharp temperature spikes on the walls of the heat exchanger as the fuel is added, which is also destructive for glycerine coolant.

3. Heat transfer fluid based on ethylene glycol

Effective glycol with a low freezing point and physical and chemical properties similar to propylene glycol. However, unlike propylene glycol, its vapors are quite toxic to humans. It is this fact that limits the scope of ethylene glycol in heating systems. Where can I use ethylene glycol based antifreeze:

• in single circuit closed heating systems
• in cooling systems
• in combustion engine cooling systems

Peculiarities of ethylene glycol coolant operation:

1. Toxicity of ethylene glycol vapours limits the possibility of its operation in residential premises and open heating systems.
2. Relatively easy to disperse through the system, does not require heavy-duty pumping equipment.
3. It has a low freezing point, does not expand like water.
4. It has strong thermal conductivity, stability at high and low temperatures.

Note that ethylene glycol is not approved for use in food processing plants.
In case of accidental leakage of such a coolant, urgent measures must be taken to eliminate the breakdown. When working with ethylene glycol, personal protective equipment is used: rubber gloves, an apron, goggles and a respirator.

Sometimes we are asked what is the best coolant to use in the case of natural circulation of liquid in the heating system, the answer is propylene glycol-based coolant. Because it has the lowest density among coolants based on ethylene glycol and glycerine. And it is thanks to this advantage of lightness that the propylene glycol-based heating fluid, as a result of hydrostatic head, will be better distributed and work correctly in the system even in the absence of power supply.

Follow the link and order a heat transfer fluid for heating in the “Freezlight” Heat transfer fluids catalog

Scheme for selecting a heat carrier for a heating system by parameters:

This diagram will help you choose the coolant that is ideal for your heating system. Click on the desired temperature in the table header and go to the page of the selected coolant!

IMPORTANT! Coolants of the “FREEZLIGHT” trademark correspond to the international certification ISO 9001, are made on the basis of components and additives of the best European manufacturers.</strong >

“FREEZLIGHT” is 100% guaranteed against freezing and corrosion heating system. In addition, with us you can always analyze the coolant poured into the system and get recommendations for its adjustment.
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