How to Maintain the Glycol in your Chiller

Have you checked the glycol solution in your chiller system lately? At CORECHEM, we recommend checking the fluid in your chiller system annually, as part of a regular glycol/chiller maintenance schedule. Here’s how to do that:

chiller on roof
  1. First, contact us to request a fluids analysis kit! We’ll mail it to you directly.
  2. The fluids analysis kit comes with a sample collection bottle, fillable label, and instruction sheet. After collection, mail it back to us using the box it came in.
  3. You should receive your results via email within two days of our receiving your sample! See HTF Water Analysis Sample Report – System Check After Initial Fill.
  4. For a routine annual fluid check-up, your report will include the following information:
    • Glycol Concentration: What concentration do you require? Figure out the lowest temperature your system may be subjected to, to determine the desired ‘freeze point’. Then, refer to a Freeze Point Chart (below) to find your desired concentration. If your concentration is too low or high, use our Glycol Concentration Calculators to determine the correct fix. These should be straightforward to use, but if you have any questions, contact us for assistance.

Propylene Glycol Freeze Point Chart

Ethylene Glycol Freeze Point Chart

    • pH level: The pH should be ideally between 8 and 10.  If your pH is too low, you may need to add additional inhibitors, or flush and refill the system, depending on your lab results.
    • Reserve Alkalinity: Your Reserve Alkalinity measurement will help determine whether or not your fluid can be restored. If your Reserve Alkalinity is used up, your fluid’s useful lifespan is over, and you will need to flush and refill the system.
    • Additional Testing: If the initial testing of your fluid doesn’t provide a clear picture of the health of your system, or if you have specific concerns about your fluid, there are additional tests we perform. Additional tests can indicate the presence of bio-fouling or corrosion (i.e. iron or other specific metals present).
    • Suggestions: Our lab analyst gives you full recommendations for your fluid.

If you are concerned about the health of your fluid, or have any other questions about glycol / chiller maintenance, give us a call. We look forward to serving you! You can view all of our heat transfer fluids, including our GlycoChill+ glycols, HERE.