**Looking for an alternative to propylene glycol? In the world of heat transfer fluids, COREFROST™ ALV fluids are the solution you’ve been looking for! **
Propylene glycol (PG) has long been a go-to solution for heat transfer fluids, and for good reason: it offers a blend of safety, low toxicity, and heat transfer properties that make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from HVAC systems to industrial refrigeration. To capitalize on these strengths, CORECHEM created the GlycoChill+ P200HD series- an inhibited propylene glycol-based heat transfer fluid designed for applications requiring efficient thermal management and corrosion protection.
However, while propylene glycol (PG) offers notable safety and environmental benefits, it also presents a significant drawback: high viscosity, especially at lower temperatures. This leads to reduced flow efficiency, greater energy demands, and added strain on critical systems- challenges that have long been accepted as unavoidable trade-offs in the industry. Recognizing this persistent gap, CORECHEM has developed an alternative to propylene glycol – COREFROST™ Advanced Low Viscosity (ALV) fluids, a breakthrough solution engineered to overcome the limitations of traditional PG formulations. COREFROST™ ALV fluids deliver superior system performance, lower energy consumption, and greater sustainability- setting a new standard for the future of thermal fluid technology.
A Look Back: Why Propylene Glycol (PG) Became the Industry Standard
For decades, propylene glycol (PG) has been the fluid of choice across a range of industries, valued for its low toxicity, environmental friendliness, and dependable performance. As concerns around safety and sustainability grew through the late 20th century, PG emerged as a safer alternative to ethylene glycol, quickly gaining widespread adoption. Its ability to deliver effective freeze protection without the severe health and environmental risks associated with earlier fluids solidified its place as the industry standard. However, while PG solved many challenges of its time, it also introduced new ones...
The Drawbacks of Propylene Glycol
Despite its benefits, PG does come with some inherent challenges, specifically when it comes to viscosity. As temperature decreases, PG’s viscosity increases, which means it becomes thicker and harder to pump. This presents several issues:
- Reduced Pump Efficiency: As PG thickens in colder conditions, more energy is required to circulate the fluid through the system. This leads to increased pumping power and higher energy costs.
- System Strain: The increased viscosity places additional strain on components like pumps and compressors. Over time, this can lead to more frequent maintenance, increased downtime, and shorter equipment lifespans.
- Laminar Flow: The flow of PG is more likely to become laminar at lower temperatures. Laminar flow is smoother and less effective at transferring heat than turbulent flow.
- Energy Inefficiency: Higher viscosity translates to greater friction in the system, which decreases overall efficiency and drives up operating costs. In some cases, systems that rely on PG may not be able to operate at their optimal efficiency levels.
While PG does its job, these challenges can create unnecessary complications for industries looking for smoother, more efficient operations.
How COREFROST™ ALV Solves the Viscosity Problem
COREFROST™ Advanced Low Viscosity (ALV) fluids take everything system designers like about PG- the safety, the freeze protection, the biodegradability- and fixes its biggest flaw: viscosity.
With COREFROST™ ALV, your system flows more easily, runs more efficiently, and consumes less energy – even in freezing conditions.
Reduced viscosity enhances pumping efficiency, requiring less energy to circulate the fluid through the system, which leads to immediate and sustained energy savings. Reduced viscosity also improves heat transfer capabilities, ensuring optimal performance even in sub-zero conditions. The lower viscosity also minimizes system pressure drops, reducing wear and tear on equipment and extending its lifespan.
Environmental Responsibility: Biological Oxygen Demand
COREFROST™’s low viscosity fluids are environmentally superior to traditional glycol and ethanol-based products due to their significantly lower Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels. While traditional products rapidly biodegrade, causing a swift depletion of oxygen in water systems, COREFROST™ fluids maintain a high biodegradation rate without the associated high oxygen demand. This means that COREFROST™ fluids are less likely to cause harm to aquatic ecosystems, making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice for heat transfer applications.
A Better Solution for Every System
While propylene glycol has its place in many systems, the viscosity challenges it presents, especially when used in freezing temperatures, can limit efficiency and raise operational costs. COREFROST™’s Advanced Low Viscosity fluids solve these issues by maintaining a low viscosity even at low temperatures, allowing for smoother system operation, reduced energy usage, and a longer lifespan for critical components.
In short, COREFROST™ provides the ultimate alternative to propylene glycol, offering enhanced performance, greater energy savings, and a more sustainable solution for your heat transfer needs. Explore how COREFROST™’s innovative fluids can transform your systems today, and take the first step toward improved efficiency and sustainability.
