why is glycol used in heating systems

Full Answer

Does propylene glycol damage heating system?

Since glycol has a lower specific heat than water, higher concentrations of glycol in your closed loop water will reduce the heat carrying capacity of the system. Too much glycol will, therefore, increase energy costs as the system works harder to accomplish the desired heating or cooling. Does the Glycol Protect the Metal in My Systems?

Does glycol improve heat transfer?

Does glycol improve heat transfer? Ethylene glycol and propylene glycol have higher vapor points and therefore can absorb heat at higher temperatures without boiling. Yet even with its lower vapor point, water still carries more heat per unit. A larger tube also has more wall-surface area, resulting in improved heat transfer.

Can you put glycol in a hot water heater?

Heating boiler antifreeze, usually a non-toxic polypropylene glycol anti-freeze and water mixture is installed in hot water heating boilers and plumbing systems to reduce the risk of expensive freeze damage to the heating system piping and of course to avoid costly water or even mold contamination that occurs when an. Click to see full answer.

How much do glycol draft beer systems really cost?

To determine what the return on the investment of a system would be, we’ll use a common standard eight faucet remote glycol system with a cost of $10,000 installed. Additional details consist of a 125’ trunk line run between the keg cooler and a standard “T” style polished stainless glycol ready tower with drip tray, dual gas blender ...

Does glycol improve heat transfer?

Adding glycol will cause an increase in the fluid's viscosity and density, and decrease its heat transfer and heat carrying properties.

Do you need glycol in heating system?

Without glycol, simply leaving the heat source off for more than a day or two could result in the entire system freezing up; causing ice which will likely burst pipes and create extensive water damage to a dwelling.

What type of glycol is used in heating systems?

There are two basic types of glycols used in HVAC systems, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol. Both of these fluids have similar freeze protection and heat transfer characteristics with the main difference being that propylene glycol has a lower toxicity level.

Why is glycol used in cooling systems?

Glycol has the ability to absorb and release large amounts of heat without changing its temperature. This makes it ideal for use in refrigeration applications such as beverage chillers. Glycol is an important heat transfer fluid in industrial chiller applications.

How long does glycol last in a heating system?

A: Before adding any propylene glycol to a system, you should understand the design life of it. Often the less expensive propylene glycol holds a shorter design life of 3 to 5 years, whereas the premium propylene glycol holds a design life of roughly up to 15 years.

How often does glycol need to be replaced?

“Some of our customers have had the same glycol in their systems for thirty years, some have had to replace or add after only five years – it's totally unique to the facility.” However, HOH recommends testing at least once a year to ensure that proper levels are being maintained and that you really are protected.

Is glycol better than water?

Pure glycol or a mix of glycol and water has a much lower freezing point than that of pure water. By implication, glycol-based chillers are better suited to low-temp environments. Conversely, water has a better ability to retain and conduct heat from an associated process than a glycol mixture can.

Do heat pumps need glycol?

All but a tiny number of manufacturers recommend you put glycol (anti-freeze) in your air source heat pump to prevent it from freezing up.

How does a glycol system work?

When mixed with water and pumped through the pipes of a chilling system, glycol serves to slow the rate of freezing. It helps maintain temperature consistency in the application. Some glycol products also work to inhibit corrosion and bacterial growth within the pipes of the chilling system.

Is glycol used for heating or cooling?

Due to its excellent heat transfer properties, glycol is ideal for cooling and chilling applications. The most commonly used coolant in a chiller is water or a mixture of water and another substance with appropriate heat conduction properties – such as a glycol compound.

Can algae grow in glycol?

Using inhibited glycol in your system will prevent scale and corrosion from forming, algae and bacteria will not grow and metals such as copper, brass, steel cast iron and aluminum are protected. However, there are some things to know when using glycol in your chiller that if not followed properly, problems may follow.

Can bacteria grow in propylene glycol?

At very low glycol concentrations, for example below 1%, both Ethylene and Propylene Glycol act as a nutrient for bacteria. At these concentrations, bacteria will biodegrade the Propylene Glycol causing rapid growth of bacterial contamination.

What liquid is used in central heating system?

hot waterWater heating Circulating hot water can be used for central heating. Sometimes these systems are called hydronic heating systems. Common components of a central heating system using water-circulation include: A supply of fuel, electric power or district heating supply lines.

How do you fill a glycol heating system?

0:064:09How to add glycol antifreeze to a hydronic heating system and test ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we're going to add the right amount of water. And then using a portable refractometer. We areMoreThen we're going to add the right amount of water. And then using a portable refractometer. We are going to see what the percentage of glycol is in the system.

What kind of liquid is used in in floor heating?

Hydronic systems use water or a mix of water and anti-freeze such as propylene glycol as the heat transfer fluid in a "closed-loop" that is recirculated between the floor and the boiler.

What fluid is used in radiant floor heating?

These include air, water, water with glycol antifreeze mixtures (needed when using solar hot water systems in freezing climates), hydrocarbon oils, and refrigerants or silicones for heat transfer.

Why is glycol used in high temperature?

The higher boiling point of glycol makes it more appropriate for high-temperature applications. As well, the high boiling point reduces the risk of corrosion from overheating. This keeps equipment operating longer and at greater efficiency.

What is glycol used for?

Glycol Uses for Industrial Heating Systems. Industrial heating systems, like circulation heaters, generally use either water or glycol mixtures for fluids. In applications where glycol is a suitable fluid, it is almost always the superior option.

What is thermal fluid?

Thermal fluid systems use indirect heating with heat transfer fluid, like glycol. The thermal fluid acts as an intermediary, transferring heat from the heater to the end target. This allows for finer temperature control and precision timing.

What is a good transfer fluid for high temperature heating?

Glycol is an ideal transfer fluid for high-temperature heating applications. It achieves heat quickly and remains stable, preventing damage to the system.

What is Wattco heating?

Wattco custom manufactures electric heating systems for all manner of industries and applications. Our heating systems are custom designed to work with your ideal fluid, be it a water or glycol mix. Our team helps to choose the right designs, materials, and heaters to fit the needs of your specific process and budget.

Why is a heat pump good for heat transfer?

First, it ensures efficient heat transfer can continue at high temperatures. Second, this stability prevents the degradation of chemicals. If chemicals degrade they can corrode the system or foul the heater components , leading to costly/time-consuming repairs or replacements.

What is a circulatory heater?

Circulation heaters are commonly used in thermal fluid systems. They are highly customizable to specific applications with different materials and watt densities available. They control the flow and temperature of the fluid circulating through their system.

What is glycol used for in heating?

Using Glycol in Hydronic Heating Systems. Glycol, also called antifreeze, is an important compound that HVAC manufacturers use to protect hydronic heat ing systems in cold climates. When added to water, glycol lowers the freezing temperature of the resulting mixture, ensuring that it remains liquid even during harsh winter weather.

What is X500 glycol?

Sentinel X500 Glycol is a propylene-based glycol compound that contains a unique blend of corrosion-inhibiting chemicals. These additives prevent system degradation, significantly extending the life expectancy of hydronic heating appliances and the glycol used in the system.

How long does X500 glycol last?

While most non-inhibited glycol products have a three to five-year lifespan, pre-mixed Sentinel X500 glycol can provide up to 20 years of service before needing replacement. Pre-mixed Sentinel glycol uses pure, neutral-pH water which is an important life-extending factor, since “heavy/hard water” contains trace metals and other mineral impurities which shorten glycol life spans and corrode hydronic pumps, boilers, valves, and fittings.

What is the best antifreezing agent for HVAC?

Ethylene glycol. A historically popular and very effective anti-freezing agent, modern HVAC experts try to avoid using ethylene glycol because of its toxicity. Nonetheless, it is commonly implemented in industrial settings where strict regulation prevents any chance of it seeping into drinking water. Propylene Glycol.

Is glycol better than water?

Glycol has a higher viscosity and lower heat transfer characteristics than water. For this reason, HVAC engineers typically dilute glycol with water inside hydronic heating systems. The maximum recommended ratio for glycol dilution with water is 1:2. A glycol concentration lower than 50% avoids overtaxing the performance of the system’s boilers and pumps while eliminating the risk of damage occurring in low-temperature climates.

Is glycol good for hydronic heating?

However, high-quality glycol can mitigate that risk. The HVAC industry uses two types of glycol in hydronic heating systems: Ethylene glycol. A historically popular and very effective anti-freezing agent, ...

Can glycol be used to freeze water?

Without glycol, simply leaving the heat source off for more than a day or two could result in the entire system freezing up; causing ice which will likely burst pipes and create extensive water damage to a dwelling. Adding glycol to the water prevents such catastrophes from happening, but often compromises system performance.

Why are glycols so effective?

They are very effective in heating applications due to several properties, such as: High specific heat capacity. High thermal conductivity. Low viscosity. Water miscibility. Water and glycol solutions present many benefits for industrial processes, on the other hand, these are not the only heat transfer mediums available.

What is ethylene glycol used for?

Ethylene and propylene glycol are commonly used in industrial facilities for process cooling. However, they are also used in process heating systems. They are very effective in heating applications due to several properties, such as:

What is a sigma thermal heater?

Sigma Thermal offers customizable glycol heaters that lower fuel and operation costs while improving efficiency . To learn more about our products, please contact us or request a quote to get started.

What is HC-2 thermal fluid heater?

The HC-2 thermal fluid heater is available in capacities from 1 to 100MM Btu/hr, with custom sizes also available. The heater shell is externally insulated using mineral wool insulation which is covered in aluminum cladding.

Is glycol a heat transfer medium?

Water and glycol solutions present many benefits for industrial processes, on the other hand, these are not the only heat transfer mediums available. Synthetic and organic thermal oils are also sometimes selected as they work well in temperatures up to 750° F and produce very little vapor pressure. Water without additives can also be used, although within more limited conditions due to its low-temperature intolerance and boiling point. It is also possible for water to produce a dangerous amount of vapor pressure at certain temperatures.

Why is glycol added to water?

As a result, glycol is often added to water to prevent freezing in systems that use

What is the most common antifreeze fluid?

Ethylene glycol is the most common antifreeze fluid for standard heating and cooling applications because of its outstanding heat transfer efficiency. Ethylene glycol has a high boiling point, low freezing point, and is stable over a wide range of temperatures.

Is ethylene glycol safe for recirculating pumps?

It also has a low viscosity, so less power is required for recirculating pumps. However, because of its toxicity, ethylene glycol should be avoided if there is the slightest chance it could leak into water or food processing systems.Propylene glycol is used extensively in food processing applications, where low toxicity is necessary.

Does glycol affect HVAC?

Solutions containing glycol may affect the various types of metals and plastics commonly used in HVAC systems , and corrosion is possible in some metals. Water quality also plays a factor in the performance of the solution. If you aren’t sure how glycol impacts your system, be sure to ask when ordering your chilled water coils ...

Does glycol affect heat transfer fluid?

For either type of glycol, as the concentration of glycol in the solution increases, the performance of the heat transfer fluid decreases. It is important to use the lowest concentration of glycol necessary to meet your freeze protection needs. Solutions containing glycol may affect the various types of metals and plastics commonly used in HVAC ...

Can you use propylene glycol in enclosed spaces?

In some areas, regulations may require the use of propylene glycols instead of ethylene glycols.

Why Glycol Is Used for Cooling?

Glycol-based coolants consist of either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. The main advantage of glycol coolants is anti-freeze properties.Pure water freezes at 0 degrees C, while 30% ethylene glycol freezes at -14 degrees C. The low freezing point of glycol mixtures makes them ideal for cooling items that are below the freezing point of water.Although glycol has a lower heat capacity than water (each kilogram of glycol is easier to heat than one kilogram of water), the larger temperature difference allows the glycol mixture to remove heat more quickly than pure water. The glycol mixtures are more suitable for applications where the chiller must quickly remove large amounts of heat.In addition to providing excellent heat transfer parameters, glycol tends to discourage algae growth in heat transfer equipment.

How Does A Glycol System Work?

At the heart of a glycol system is the glycol chiller.Glycol chiller, as the name implies, uses glycol as the chiller’s cooling medium. A glycol chiller consists of a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttling element, and an electric control system.Let’s see what’s the working principle of a glycol chiller:

How To Choose The Right Capacity Of A Glycol Chiller?

For the above information, we will know the important role played by glycol chillers is not only in industry but also in commercial applications.There are some useful tips for sizing your glycol chillers:

How does a water cooled chiller work?

Water-cooled chillers function in the same way as air-cooled chillers but require two steps to complete the transfer of heat. First, heat enters the condenser water from the refrigerant vapor. The warm condenser water is then pumped to the cooling tower, where the heat from the process is eventually vented to the atmosphere. ...

What temperature do winery chillers work at?

The temperature of the glycol solution varies depending on the type of wine being made and each winemaker’s preference, but most winery chillers operate in the 2 Deg C to 10 Deg C range (7 Deg C to 15 Deg C for wine containers).

What temperature do air chillers need to operate?

Unless they are specifically designed for high ambient conditions, air-cooled condensers need to operate effectively at an ambient temperature of 35°C (95°F) or less.

How does a chiller work?

The chiller’s refrigerant absorbs thermal energy from your process, usually the refrigerant will be turned into gas. The gaseous refrigerant is then circulated to a condenser which expels the heat through evaporative condensation. This heat exchange condenses the refrigerant back into a cooler gas& liquid mixture that is sent back to the process heating source to begin the cycle again.

How does glycol protect water?

How Glycol Provides Freeze Protection for Closed Loop Systems. For closed loop systems to function properly, the water inside must continuously flow, regardless of external conditions. Areas of the loop exposed to subfreezing temperatures need to incorporate freeze protection to the water by adding glycol.

Why is glycol used in closed loop systems?

Glycol is a chemical used in closed loop systems to protect the fluid from freezing. It is only one of the chemical treatments applied to the fluid in these systems to prevent problems and extend the efficiency of the system’s cooling ability. Recognizing the importance of glycol and other chemical treatments in these systems starts ...

How Often Do I Need to Replace Glycol in a Closed Loop System?

The time between replacing the glycol in a closed loop system relies on several variables. For instance, heated systems that frequently exceed 250 degrees Fahrenheit may experience a more regular breakdown of the glycol, requiring more frequent changes. The same increase in replacement frequency happens in systems that have contamination. For uncontaminated systems that are truly closed loop in design and do not require makeup water, the glycol will last for years.

What is the freezing point of glycol?

Glycol has a freezing point of minus 39 degrees Fahrenheit . When mixed with water, the properties of the two combine to create a lower freezing point than either could have individually. This interaction also helps to provide burst protection and freeze protection for the closed loop system.

How to mitigate unknown concentrations of glycol?

To mitigate the problem of creating unknown concentrations of glycol, either use a glycol feed system or a water meter. Another issue with glycol closed loop systems is the volume required for the glycol. The expansion tanks should have a 4% higher volume when used with a system that contains glycol compared to one that does not use this chemical. ...

Does glycol freeze?

While water expands when frozen, glycol reduces in volume. When the temperature drops low enough for glycol to freeze, it will contract, lowering the total solution volume in the pipes and preventing breaks.

Does glycol prevent water from freezing?

Adding glycol to the water helps prevent both freezing and bursting, depending on the type of glycol used and its concentration. Freeze protection prevents the water from freezing, allowing it to continue to flow. However, burst protection preserves the pipes from breaking if the liquid inside does freeze.

Glycol Characteristics

Choosing Glycol For Hydronic Heating Systems

• Sentinel X500 Glycolis a propylene-based glycol compound that contains a unique blend of corrosion-inhibiting chemicals. These additives prevent system degradation, significantly extending the life expectancy of hydronic heating appliances and the glycol used in the system. While most non-inhibited glycol products have a three to five-year lifespan...

See more on epsalesinc.com

Is Water Quality That Important?