Exactly What Are Glycols? Propylene glycol, also known simply as PG, is the additive preferred by systems operating in low temperatures. Allowing it to be utilized in just about any type of heating and cooling systems, it takes the favorable performance characteristics of ethylene glycol and combines them with very low toxicity. Glycols supplanted volatile compounds for example explosive alcohols for hydronic heat transfer applications, and PG cemented its place as king of the hill when it is safe enough to use anywhere. What Are Glycols? Glycols are most familiar to the general public as antifreeze, with PG becoming more well known as a replacement for ethylene glycol due to its comparably much lower toxicity to humans and animals. But, it includes additives that form gels that could damage components and cause system failure, since PG formulated for automotive or marine antifreeze is great for use in heating and cooling systems. Always make sure your supplies of PG are industrial-grade formulations specifically engineered for heating, cooling, and/or hydronic heat transfer. Why Propylene Glycol? Water tends to become problematic in very cold ambient and operating temperatures as ice crystals form, in spite of possessing very good thermal transfer characteristics, which damages internal components and causes pipes to burst once the water hardens and expands. Adding PG is really a safe, non-toxic approach to improve low-temperature performance and enhance the longevity of a system. PG is classified by the USDA as a food-grade compound, labeled GCAS (Generally Considered as Safe). It's used as a flavor transport, enhancing the tastes of a number of foods from soft drinks to ice cream. The safety of the compound does mean it may be used throughout homes, offices and anywhere else incidental contact with people, animals, food and water would otherwise be concerns, even though this doesn't mean you should drink bottles of PG. PG might be used in radiant heating with no fear of poisoning due to a leak or contamination of the water supply. But, to prevent exposure to cats, care must be taken, as PG will be rather dangerous to them. These concerns are easily outweighed by the capacity to safely operate in situations with significant risk of exposure to very low temperatures, while PG systems want more powerful pumps and increased expansion capacity. They also save time and money by not needing to be drained seasonally or tested nearly as often as comparable water-based systems. What's An Inhibited Glycol? Designed to lower the acidity of glycol compounds to keep them from attacking metals, the inhibited glycols are treated with special chemicals. By extending the life of pumps, and hoses for longer operational use and improved cost efficiency, this will help prevent corrosion of metal heating and cooling system parts. The Natural Choice ThermalFluidsInc.biz
Page 1