Glycol systems: instruction for use
There are air conditioning systems that, working in extreme climatic conditions, need to use a fluid with high thermal capacities. The same applies to refrigeration systems that must guarantee a defined temperature inside refrigerators located far from the cooling unit or that are developed over large areas. In both cases, we are talking about glycol systems.
Mixed in the water circulating in the system, ethylene glycol (used for technical applications) or propylene glycol (specific for food use) increases the temperature range in which water itself maintains its liquid state.
For example, in countries particularly cold, to prevent water from freezing in the air conditioning system piping and lower the freezing point, glycol is added. Similarly, in countries particularly hot, technicians adopt the same solution to raise the evaporation point of the carrier liquid.
The addition of ethylene or propylene glycol, however, also has negative implications:
– it makes the water more aggressive towards metals and plastic materials, triggering corrosion
– it can create deposits in the system, stimulating the proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. These implications can lead to less efficient systems, increased maintenance, reduced life of system components, and bad smelling.
No-Freeze is the propylene glycol formulated by Errecom that brings the freezing point of the system down to -73°C (-99°F). Additivated with new-generation antioxidants and anticorrosives, Errecom’s glycol prevents the fluid from oxidizing with oxygen. It also reduces the aggression towards the various metal components of the system, preventing internal corrosion. Depending on the application, No-Freeze can be used pure or diluted in water.
The table below shows the freezing and the evaporation points for each percentage of No-Freeze added to water:
| % No-Freeze (propylene glycol) | Freezing Point | Evaporation Point |
| 0 | 0°C | 100°C |
| 10 | -3°C | 101°C |
| 40 | -25°C | 108°C |
| 60 | -55°C | 112°C |
| 85 | -73°C | 130°C |
| 100 | -59°C | 180°C |
No-Freeze is safe for human health as tested by the Food and Drugs Administration, and is, therefore, suitable with systems in contact with drinking water sources or food.
To restore the efficiency of a glycol system when the acidity level is too high, it is necessary to proceed with the flushing of the system itself and the replacement of the glycol solution.
To clean the system, it is necessary to follow two simple steps:
– empty the lines by draining the glycol solution
– insert in the system a flushing liquid specific for glycol systems.
Lir is the flushing fluid developed by Errecom to clean glycol systems. Thanks to its action Lir eliminates grease deposits, sludge, and encrustations, restoring the typical thermal exchange. Its alkaline formula also neutralizes the acidity produced over time, removes corrosion, and creates a light protective film that helps to prevent the development of new deposits.
