Glycol is most often used in HVAC systems as a mixture of water and glycol, known as an antifreeze solution. This solution is circulated through the system to provide protection against freezing temperatures.
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The two most common types of glycol used in HVAC systems are ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
Ethylene glycol is more commonly used because of its lower freezing point, but it can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Propylene glycol is less toxic but also has a higher freezing point.
Both propylene and ethylene glycols serve the same purpose of providing protection against freezing temperatures in an HVAC system. While glycol is a great anti-freeze it comes with some drawbacks including energy efficiency and corrosion.
Glycol's energy efficiency issues are due to its higher viscosity than water. This increased viscosity means that it takes more energy and pressure to move the fluid around a closed-loop system, leading to higher energy consumption.
Glycol also has corrosive properties that can damage metal components in an HVAC system. It can cause corrosion in the coils, on pipes, valves, and other components over time, which increases maintenance costs.
To ensure you get the most from your glycol solution it is important to regularly check the concentration of both glycol and water in the mixture as well as monitor pH levels. By doing this you can ensure your HVAC system's anti-freeze protection remains effective and efficient throughout winter months.
When deciding whether to use glycol in your system you need to consider it's cost. The true price of glycol can vary significantly depending on the percentage, system size, and electric cost. You will also want to consider, maintenance costs and additional energy consumption of the fans, pumps, and chiller. Conduct your own energy analysis with our glycol calculator.
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In some cases, alternatives to glycol may be used in HVAC systems ' such as Freeze Block Coils. Using Freeze Block technology on your HVAC coils can eliminate the need for glycol. Freeze Block technology senses pressure and temperatures associated with freezing. When these conditions are sensed, the coil will displace a controlled volume of fluid to allow the coil to freeze without damage. When the coil is thawed it will continue normal operation.
When deciding if glycol is right for your system, it is important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance as well as its energy efficiency. Looking into alternatives such as Freeze Block Coils may be an even more cost-effective solution in the long run. Talk with our experts at Cooney Engineered Solutions today to find out what option is best for you!
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During cooling processes, the use of Glysofor N or Glysofor L has decisive advantages compared to other technologies.
Water can only be used at temperatures > 1 degree C. This means that it cannot be used for many cooling and especially refrigerating processes. Compared to pure water, Glysofor has the advantage that it remains liquid and functional at temperatures of down to -50 degrees C. This means that Glysofor can be used in a much broader temperature scale, which significantly improves flexibility, especially in case of short-term temperature changes. Cooling times can be significantly reduced with Glysofor, which can increase production during production processes.
Preparations based on salt do offer a significantly lowered freezing point, but salt solutions are very corrosive towards metals. Nearly all metals which are used for cooling and refrigerating systems, are attacked by salt solutions. For this reason, salt solutions cannot be used in most plants. Glysofor products however are equipped with a modern inhibitor complex which protects all normally used metals optimally and permanently from corrosion. This enables an economic and service reduced operation of cooling plants.
Another variation of creating frost protection during cooling and defrosting processes is through the use of alcohols. Products based on alcohol do not normally contain any ethanol or isopropanol. The disadvantages of these product variations are obvious. Alcohols are easily volatile and flammable, which can be a problem with regard to handling and the operation of the plants. Glysofor however is neither volatile nor inflammable. Especially Glysofor L has no hazardous characteristics according to the applicable legislation concerning dangerous substances.
There is a number of defrosting processes such as heated water or gas or the use of electricity for heating purposes. The disadvantage of these processes is the high energy consumption which is significantly less economic compared to Glysofor.
Finally, the products Glysofor N and Glysofor L offer all important advantages which are relevant for a reliable operation of the system and a permanent economic operation of the plant.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Glycol Units. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.