There are a variety of compounds that can be used in heat transfer fluids to prevent water from freezing where the temperature in the fluid is below 0°C (32°F); the most common are,
- ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
- methanol (methyl alcohol)
- ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol)
- propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol)
- bio-based propylene glycol (1,3-propanediol)
The basic properties of these freeze protection fluids are listed below.
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
- low corrosiveness
- high flammability (if pure)
- low toxicity
- high heat transfer capacity
- low pumping requirements due to viscosity
- moderate cost
Methanol (methyl alcohol)
- low corrosiveness
- high flammability (if pure)
- high toxicity (some states have banned the use of this product in geothermal systems)
- high heat transfer capacity
- low pumping requirements due to viscosity
- low cost
Ethylene Glycol (1,2-ethanediol)
- low corrosiveness
- low flammability
- high toxicity
- low heat transfer capacity
- high pumping requirements due to viscosity
- higher cost
Propylene Glycol (1,2-propanediol)
- low corrosiveness
- low flammability
- low toxicity
- low heat transfer capacity
- high pumping requirements due to viscosity
- highest cost
Bio-based Propylene Glycol (1,3-propanediol)
- low corrosiveness
- high resistance to acid degradation
- low flammability
- low toxicity
- low heat transfer capacity
- lower pumping requirements than propylene glycol, due to viscosity
- highest cost
Protection, Performance, Peace of mind…assured with our specialty heat transfer fluid line. CORECHEM Inc. is a formulator and manufacturer of heat transfer fluids, geothermal fluids and pipework system protection products serving the commercial and industrial markets. We have a full line of products for heating and cooling applications, freeze and burst pipe protection, and deicing, defrosting and dehumidifying applications.
Questions regarding heat transfer fluids or geothermal fluids? Call now for answers! 1-865-524-4239 – We are your HTF/GEO fluid resource!
