Daniel Cohen
Sr. Market Developer - Dow Glycol Heat Transfer Fluids
Winter weather can be beautiful – but it can also be incredibly powerful and the intense cold can cause freezing, damaging heat transfer & fluid-based systems. In regards to water-glycol systems, cooling winter weather can slow down or entirely freeze up processes. Learn how to protect your systems before the cooling begins with DOWFROST™ Propylene Glycol, the ideal antifreeze solution and corrosion inhibitor.
What is Freeze Protection? How do I keep my system safe?
The basic definition of freeze protection is pretty self-explanatory – the ability to keep a fluid flowing and resist ice crystal formation and freezing. In regards to water thermal systems, propylene glycol antifreeze protection is necessary for applications where the fluid must be pumped at the lowest anticipated temperature. This is especially true for systems that cannot withstand any ice crystal formation or lack the expansion space required for a slush/liquid mixture. Glycol heat transfer fluids are the ideal solution to prevent freeze and maintain system operations.
In order to provide adequate freeze protection for any heat transfer system, the propylene glycol and water solution must maintain a freezing point of at least 5°F (3°C) below the lowest expected ambient temperature. For Effective freeze protection of water systems, a chart is listed below to provide the recommended inhibited propylene glycol concentrations for DOWFROST™ and DOWFROST™ HD glycol.
Table 1- Typical Concentrations of DOWFROST™ Fluids Required to Provide Freeze and Burst Protection at Various Temperatures
What is Burst Protection – How does it differ from Freeze Protection?
Burst protection accounts for temperatures that fall well below the lowest anticipated ambient temperature freezing and ice crystals begin to form. Fluids remain flow-able as a slush-liquid mixture and systems are protected as long as expansion volume is accommodated.
Protect Your Systems with Glycol
Propylene Glycol is a long term solution for many systems. Glycol provide good heat transfer capabilities as well as freeze and burst protection. In addition, the added inhibitor prevents corrosion and limits degradation and biofouling making this antifreeze solution the ultimate multi-purpose protector.
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