Julian Klauza

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Appropriate glycol level in the system!

In the winter months, refrigeration systems are particularly vulnerable to low ambient temperatures, which can lead to a number of system failures. Lack of adequate protection poses a risk of freezing, leaks, a sharp drop in performance and, in the worst case scenario, burst pipes, resulting in extensive damage, additional maintenance works and costly downtime.

Systems at particular risk are those that have not been properly maintained, as well as those that have been
modified or upgraded. Assessment of the quality and protective properties of antifreeze after maintenance
works can be difficult, but there is a solution to this problem – laboratory tests.

 

 

Some users top up their systems with ordinary water, without any additives instead of glycol-based antifreeze. This leads to corrosion, reduced efficiency of the system, increased operating costs and a significant risk of pipe freezing.

What is equally dangerous is inappropriate glycol level in the system, in particular in wintertime. Potential problems include:

Burst pipes

If the volume of freezing fluid exceeds the diameter of the pipe, the internal pressure causes the pipe to burst. The resulting damage does not only entail high costs of repair, but also downtime of the system and, in the case of large production plants, interrupted operation of the entire facility.

Leaks

Burst components cause leaks. The most important thing is to quickly identify the location of the leak, repair it as quickly as possible and top up the system with the right amount of antifreeze.

Warranty void

Many manufacturers of components used in various systems automatically void the granted warranty if the customer does not follow the instructions for use, one of which is maintenance of appropriate glycol levels in the systems.

Reduced efficiency

If the glycol level in the system is not correct, the fluid inside will increase its volume due to freezing. This is important since the denser the fluid is, the more energy is required for pumping it and the higher the operating costs of such a system are.

Types of antifreeze fluids

There are basically two types of antifreeze fluids used in systems – based on monoethylene glycol and based on monopropylene glycol. Monoethylene glycol has lower viscosity compared to monopropylene glycol, ensures the most efficient heat transfer and is less expensive. Its main disadvantage is toxicity to humans and animals.

 

Monopropylene glycol is the optimal choice wherever there is a risk of release of the fluid to soil, food or any living organism. Monopropylene glycol is a slightly less efficient heat transfer medium compared to monoethylene glycol. It also has higher viscosity.

As a manufacturer of antifreeze for cooling, heating and sanitary systems, we offer both types of fluids.

How much glycol will I need for my system?

Choosing the right type and concentration of glycol is extremely important. The type of glycol recommended should be indicated in the documentation of a given system.

If you are not sure what type of glycol you need, we will help you find out. We also offer a calculator on our website, which will help you quickly and easily estimate the capacity of your system.

Summary

An excessive amount of glycol or excessively high concentration of antifreeze can decrease thermal conductivity and pumping capacity of the system, reducing its efficiency.

 

An insufficient amount of glycol or excessively low concentration can lead to freezing of the medium in the system and microbial growth.

back 2022-11-23