Glycol or HVAC Anti-freeze is used in cold weather to prevent frozen pipes, heat exchanger and chiller damage. Glycol helps to keep a chiller system in proper working condition.
INHIBITED PROPYLENE GLYCOL
What Type of Glycol Should You Use in Your Chiller? For most chiller applications, a solution of water mixed with Inhibited Propylene Glycol (specially formulated for HVAC cooling systems) is recommended.
Inhibited Propylene Glycol contains corrosion inhibitors and pipe lubricants to enhance heat exchange. It will keep solids in suspension and prevent them from clinging to the walls of heat exchangers and piping. Most propylene based glycols are non-hazardous and made with food grade ingredients.
OTHER GLYCOLS
Other glycol products, like ethylene glycol will work with your system. Check with your American Chillers Representative or refer to your chiller installation manual prior to using. Do not mix glycol types.
CAUTION! DON’T USE THESE GLYCOLS
The lowest cost and readily available types of glycol are automotive and RV antifreeze, neither of which will hold up to the repeated heating and cooling and may clog and damage your system over time.
THE PROPER RATIO
American Chillers are engineered to operate at capacity with a 40% propylene glycol mixture. Under extreme cold ambient conditions or for low temperature chillers, a higher glycol percentage may be required.
HOW MUCH GLYCOL DO YOU NEED?
Determine the lowest possible winter ambient air temperature or twenty degrees (F) colder than your fluid temperature, assuming a minimum flow rate of 2.4 GPM per Refrigeration Ton (12,000 Btu/hr.).