HEAT CARRIERS.
Advantages and disadvantages various kinds.
Why choose a propylene glycol based coolant.

Heat carriers are conditionally divided into three groups: water, brines and antifreezes.

The most reliable, safe and modern coolants are products based on - propylene glycol. In the world they are used around - 50 years. Germany, France, USA switched to using - propylene glycol coolants with - 1996 years, and then they began to be used in almost all European countries.

Don't let your heating system defrost +7-932-2000-535

In Russia, their share of the total volume of heat carriers sold is growing rapidly. On state level a ban was introduced on the use of ethylene glycol coolants in refrigeration equipment and heating of railway cars.

WATER AS HEAT CARRIER

Advantages Flaws
  • Environmentally friendly substance;
  • Has a high heat capacity;
  • Easily circulates through the heating system;
  • Always at hand, and it can be quickly added to the heating system;
  • Low cost.

Water freezes in the system at a temperature below - 0 ° C and, as a result, disables the latter / you cannot leave a house with a switched off, but filled heating system in winter /. In a matter of days and even hours, elements of the heating system / boiler; batteries; expansion tank; circulation pump / will simply be broken.

Corrosion of the heating system. If, in order to avoid defrosting the heating system, the water is drained, corrosion processes in the system filled with air proceed even faster than in water.

The need to change the chemical composition of water before using it for heating. Natural water is characterized by such an indicator as hardness. At water temperatures above 80,0 °C begins intensive decomposition of carbonate salts and the deposition of scale on the walls of the heat generator and pipes, which is the reason for the deterioration of heat transfer and failure of the heating elements due to overheating. It is desirable that the water contains special additives that can extend the life of the heating system / corrosion inhibitors, etc. /. It is ideal if additives are added to distilled water.

Correction of the electrical resistivity of water during the heating season.

Carrying out annual flushing of the system and repair of the boiler.

SOLUTIONS OF SOME INORGANIC AND ORGANIC SALTS

AS HEAT CARRIER

Salt solutions, although they freeze at lower temperatures than water, and are harmless to humans, but have increased corrosive activity. Over time, they “salt out” on the surface of pipes and heat exchangers. Such solutions also do not "cope" with Russian winter conditions due to insufficiently low freezing temperatures.

Ethyl / methyl alcohol or transformer oil cannot be used as a heat transfer medium due to their high fire hazard.

At the present stage, antifreezes are increasingly used as coolants.

antifreeze- these are low-freezing liquids used for cooling internal combustion engines and various installations / including heating systems / operating at temperatures below - 0 °C.

HEAT CARRIER BASED ON GLYCERIN

Advantages Flaws
  • Environmentally and toxicologically safe. It is not dangerous even with prolonged inhalation of vapors and does not cause poisoning if accidentally ingested. *;
  • Unlike glycol coolants, it is inert towards galvanized parts. **;
  • Cheaper than propylene glycol based coolant.

Due to the higher density, the mass of the glycerol coolant to fill the system of the same volume will be greater than the mass of the glycol coolant, which will create an additional load on the equipment.

The viscosity of glycerin solutions, especially at low temperatures, is higher than glycol solutions, this accelerates the wear of some parts of the heating system, such as pumps and circulation pumps, and more powerful pumps will be required.

At the same freezing point, the glycerin coolant contains more organic component /glycerol/ and less water than glycolic /propylene glycol, ethylene glycol/. This leads to an additional increase in density and viscosity, to a decrease in heat capacity.

Glycerin is thermally unstable:

- with prolonged heating above - 90,0 °C decomposes to form volatile and carcinogenic substances, including acrolein. Decomposition products are also corrosive. During their polymerization, deposits are formed on the walls of the heating system, which impair heat dissipation and clog the system.

- have high temperature freezing. With complete evaporation of water from the coolant, the base freezes at + 17,0 ° С, and, often, at + 20,0 °C.

Glycerin foams strongly, for this reason heat removal worsens, the risk of airing the system increases.

When using aqueous solutions of glycerin as coolants, the requirements for gaskets / seals / and parts made of non-polar rubbers and plastics increase.

* - coolant that has not been in operation, moreover, does not contain additional components, except for glycerin, water and an additive package.** - coolant based on glycerin only, without additives

Does not exist state standards /GOST/, establishing requirements for antifreezes / coolants based on glycerin. Such coolants are produced according to specifications, in which product quality indicators are established by individual manufacturing firms.

Under the brand of heat transfer fluids based on glycerin, there are also mixed heat transfer fluids containing, along with glycerin, propylene glycol.

Currently, there is not a single major global or domestic manufacturer that has switched to the production of antifreezes and coolants based on glycerin.

The most reliable and proven are glycol-based coolants.

ETHYLENE GLYCOL HEAT CARRIER

Advantages Flaws
  • Insures the system against defrosting;
  • Good thermal properties;
  • Low rates of salt and scale deposits;
  • Average cost.
ethylene glycol toxic, narcotic. The body is absorbed quickly.

The degree of harm that ethylene glycol causes to a person depends on the amount of poison, the method of penetration and the individual state of the body.

When swallowed, pulmonary edema occurs, acute heart failure develops. Experts call different figures for the lethal dose of a substance: - 5,0 mg per kg of weight; - 50 500 mg per person. Mortality in acute poisoning is higher than - 50,0 %.

Ethylene glycol is able to penetrate the body through the skin and by inhalation. Therefore, it is very dangerous to use ethylene glycol coolant in open systems - evaporation will spread indoors; V double-circuit boilers toxic coolant may be mixed into hot water.

With prolonged exposure, chronic poisoning is possible with damage to vital organs / vessels; kidneys; nervous system/.

The first signs of poisoning are depressed mood, lethargy.

It is especially worth remembering that ethylene glycol does not have an unpleasant odor and has a sweetish taste, which poses an increased danger to children and animals in case of coolant leaks from the system.

With the complete evaporation of water from the antifreeze composition during subsequent cooling, ethylene glycol freezes at a temperature of minus - 13,0 °C.

Has high viscosity at low temperatures.

Waste ethylene glycol-based coolant must not be poured into open ground and into the sewer, it must be collected and sent for recycling.

In the event of a spill in a residential building, floor boards, tiles, insulation impregnated with ethylene glycol coolant must be replaced.

Heat carriers based on ethylene glycol are safe to use in closed heating systems, with a closed expansion tank, for heating non-residential premises.
For security purposes, constant monitoring of the system is required.

Coolant-antifreeze, or antifreeze for cars?

Functionally in heat exchange systems can be used - automotive antifreeze, which was often practiced in Russia due to the insufficient availability of household coolant-antifreeze. The use of automotive fluids /antifreezes or antifreezes/ in systems is possible if they are manufactured using a technology that involves the use of a liquid for cooling internal combustion engines, as well as a working fluid in heat exchangers operating at low and moderate temperatures.

Conventional additive packages - automobile Tosolov And antifreeze not designed for long-term and intensive operation in domestic heating systems. In some cases, the additives contained in modern auto fluids and designed for automotive engine alloys may not be compatible with heating system materials.

It should also be remembered that - automotive antifreeze all environmental cons coolants based on - ethylene glycol.

In addition, automotive antifreeze additives often include - toxic substances which may pose a risk to - human And animals.

COOLANT BASED ON PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Advantages Flaws
  • Certainly insures the system against rupture. State of aggregation in a non-working state at low temperatures - liquid / mushy /. When frozen, the volume increases by only - 0,1 % / ethylene glycol coolant – approx. – 1,5 %/. Drain the system into winter time not required;
  • Unlike water, the water-glycol solution and, accordingly, the coolant freezes gradually: during the cooling process, crystals begin to form in the liquid. Then, with further cooling of the liquid, there are more and more crystals in it /the so-called sludge is formed/, and, finally, at some lower final temperature, this sludge solidifies.
    Propylene-glycol coolant is practically the only product of this purpose, when, with complete evaporation of water from the coolant composition, upon subsequent cooling, propylene glycol does not freeze to minus - 60,0 ° C / ethylene glycol, recall, freezes at - 13,0 °С/ ;
  • Environmentally and toxicologically safe. Provides the highest level of safety after water. Its performance is several times superior to ethylene glycol coolant. Toxicity of ethylene glycol LD 50 – 4 700 mg/kg.
  • Toxicity of propylene glycol LD 50 20 300 23 900 mg/kg. It is not dangerous even with prolonged inhalation of vapors and does not cause poisoning if accidentally ingested;
  • Non-corrosive active. Compatible with all structural materials of systems;
  • Good thermal properties.
    Despite the viscosity, propylene glycol-based coolant has a lubricating effect that reduces hydrodynamic resistance and improves the operating conditions of pumps in the secondary circuit;
  • Scale does not form;
  • Propylene glycol promotes removal from internal surfaces deposit heat exchange equipment;
  • The coolant based on propylene glycol has a lower density compared to ethylene glycol coolants and due to this, less electricity is consumed for pumping the coolant;
  • Fire and explosion proof;
  • Little flying.
  • In the event of a spill, it is not necessary to replace the floor, tiles, insulation, it is enough to remove the coolant and rinse the surface with water.
Higher cost than other types of coolants. The initial cost of a coolant based on propylene glycol is only an apparent high cost. She makes excuses minimal cost for system repairs, low operating and labor costs, safety, no connection costs to centralized heating systems.

It should also be borne in mind that the cost of a high-quality coolant is preferable to the cost of repairing expensive equipment.

Coolant / antifreeze / "Comfort" brand " A”, produced by PO Khimprom, Kemerovo, due to the manufacture based on our own raw materials - the cheapest in Russia!

It can be used in systems that have heating elements outside the building or in the attic.

The wrong choice of antifreeze and non-compliance with the operating rules can cause many problems during operation, up to the complete failure of the system.

Heating and water supply is a multifaceted engineering process,

requiring the knowledge and skills of a PROFESSIONAL.

Antifreezes for heating systems can be produced on the basis of different components. One of the most popular is propylene glycol.

Substance characteristics

Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol, in its normal state it is a colorless viscous liquid. It has a slight odor and a sweet taste.

Propylene glycol, unlike its closest analogue, ethylene glycol, is considered a non-toxic substance, it is widely used in the perfumery and even in the food industry - in this case it is designated as E-1520.

The chemical formula of propylene glycol is C3H6(OH)2. The substance is extremely fluid in its structure and is able to slowly seep through micro-holes and cracks. The ignition temperature is quite high, it is +421°C.

Advantages and disadvantages of propylene glycol as a coolant

You can clearly identify the advantages and disadvantages of propylene glycol if you compare it with water (which is also a heat transfer fluid in some heating systems):

  • the density of dihydric alcohol is 1037 kg / m³, which is more than that of water (1000 kg / m³): a difference of 3.7%;
  • the substance begins to boil at +187 ° C, and water at +100 ° C, the difference is 87%;
  • alcohol freezes at -60 °C, water already at 0 °C;
  • specific heat capacity is 2483 J/(kg K), almost 2 times lower than that of water (4.187 J/(kg K));
  • thermal conductivity - 0.218 W / (m K), which is three times lower than that of water 0.6 W / (m K);
  • the dynamic viscosity of alcohol is 56 mPa s, eight hundred times greater than that of water (0.894 mPa s).

Several conclusions can be drawn from this list.

  • The density of propylene glycol is higher than that of water, so the static load and pressure in the heating system will also increase.
  • A high boiling point of +187 ° C is not such an advantage. The specific heat capacity of propylene glycol is two times lower than that of water. This means that these two liquids can be brought to a boil with the same amount of heat. Their temperature will reach its extreme point almost simultaneously, only water will boil at +100 °C, and alcohol at +187 °C.
  • The freezing point of propylene glycol is noticeably lower. In addition, it practically does not expand when cooled, and this does not disable the heating system.
  • The low specific heat capacity is a clear advantage, hence fast warm-up heating systems, however, propylene glycol is able to accumulate little heat - and this is already a disadvantage.
  • High dynamic viscosity will add a load to the circulation pump, which moves the coolant through pipes and radiators.

However, in some situations, propylene glycol will do its job better than water:

  • if you do not use the water heating system in winter and do not drain the water, the system may fail (in this case, even after complete draining, the water will still remain in the pipes, causing corrosion) - and propylene glycol can be used all year round and don't pour into winter period;
  • antifreeze, which is made on the basis of propylene glycol, does not cause corrosion and does not form scale.

Such antifreezes also have disadvantages:

  • the cost is higher than that of water;
  • needed complete replacement liquids every five years;
  • the heating system should not contain parts that contain zinc - propylene glycol quickly dissolves them;
  • Propylene glycol is extremely fluid and can penetrate small joints in the heating system.

Many manufacturers dilute antifreeze with water to overcome some of the disadvantages of propylene glycol. What will it give:

  • the cost of antifreeze will become noticeably lower;
  • viscosity will decrease;
  • heat capacity will increase;
  • the heat transfer rate will increase;
  • the boiling point will decrease, but most boilers are still not designed for 160 ° C;
  • freezing temperature is from -30 to -40 ° C degrees;
  • propylene glycol-based antifreeze with water expands slightly, so the destruction of the heating system will not occur.

How to properly use propylene glycol based coolants

Propylene glycol-based coolants have a similar chemical composition, which differs in the percentage of alcohol content. Most often, such compounds are named after the name of the manufacturer.

If propylene glycol antifreeze contains about 30%, it freezes at -13 ° C, 35% alcohol solution crystallizes at -20 ° C, 40% - at -25 ° C, 75% solution at -65 ° WITH.

When replacing water with a propylene glycol based formulation, there are some antifreeze properties to consider.

  • Less heat capacity and thermal conductivity. The number of radiators should be increased, as well as a more powerful boiler should be purchased. Often in private houses heating systems are installed that operate at half their capacity - in this case, you can do without replacing the boiler.
  • high viscosity. Make sure that the pipes have an internal diameter of at least 25 mm, and also install a larger circulation pump.
  • Greater expansion ratio. If the expansion tank is less than 10 liters, then a replacement with a larger one will be required.
  • High fluidity. It is worth reducing the number of threaded connections, tie-ins and spurs, as well as providing free access to existing connections in case of leakage.

If technical specifications existing heating meet the new requirements, you can proceed to the preparatory work:

  • seal the spurs, connections, tie-ins;
  • completely drain the water from the heating system and rinse with caustic soda, it will remove rust and scale;
  • remove all parts from zinc;
  • additives can be added to antifreeze to protect copper parts;
  • check the dirt trap twice as often;
  • check the solution for alcohol concentration every two years;
  • complete change of antifreeze every five years.

It is always worthwhile to thoroughly flush the system if you are going to make a transition to another coolant.

Comparison of heat transfer fluids: water, glycerin, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol

Since 1996, in the USA and Europe, a massive transition to the use of only propylene glycol coolants has begun. In Russia, this trend is only now becoming noticeable - most likely, this is due to the high costs of implementing such systems.

Water

Advantages:

  • environmentally friendly substance;
  • sufficiently high heat capacity;
  • freely circulates through the system;
  • always at hand;
  • extremely low cost.

Flaws:

  • freezes at temperatures below 0 ° C;
  • lack of operation in the winter requires draining the system, which leads to corrosion;
  • water hardness manifests itself at temperatures above 80 ° C, then the decomposition of carbonate salts and the deposition of scale on the walls of the system begin, which reduces heat transfer and can break the system due to overheating.

Heat carrier based on glycerine

Advantages:

  • environmentally friendly;
  • not hazardous by inhalation of vapors;
  • does not cause poisoning if accidentally ingested;
  • inert to galvanized parts;
  • cheaper than propylene glycol based coolant.

Flaws:

  • the mass of glycerin coolant gives an additional load on the equipment;
  • viscosity is higher than that of glycol solutions;
  • thermally unstable;
  • foams heavily, the risk of airing the system increases;
  • when used, the requirements for gaskets (seals) and parts are increased.

Ethylene glycol based heat transfer fluid

Advantages:

  • the system is not defrosted;
  • slight deposits of salts and scale;
  • average cost.

Flaws:

  • belongs to the third class of danger, has a narcotic effect on the body, is toxic;
  • quickly absorbed into the body, able to penetrate the skin and inhalation;
  • does not have an unpleasant odor;
  • poses an environmental hazard;

Propylene glycol based heat transfer fluid

Advantages:

  • insures the system against rupture;
  • the volume during freezing increases by only 0.1%;
  • provides the highest level of safety after water;
  • not dangerous even with prolonged inhalation of vapors;
  • non-corrosive;
  • good thermal properties;
  • has bactericidal and sterilizing properties.

Flaws:

  • high cost (it pays off with minimal repair costs, security and the ability not to connect to central heating systems).

Conclusions:

Reliable and proven - heat transfer fluids based on glycols. Propylene glycol-based coolants have been successfully used for more than 50 years, their effectiveness has been confirmed.

A glycerin-based coolant is a solution of glycerin in water with the addition of various additives and a dye.

The presence of glycerin in the coolant reduces its freezing point, which makes the heating system (CO) more resistant to malfunctions that lead to a temporary shutdown of the heating boiler.

The probability that the coolant on glycerin will freeze in the lines, which will lead to their burst and CO failure, is significantly less than that which exists for systems using only water as a coolant.

Glycerin in the heating system is the main factor influencing the further choice of the CO project of a private house, the type of heating boiler, the power of the installed heating devices (convectors or radiators), the power of the main pump and the list of materials used.

Technical characteristics of heat transfer fluids based on glycerin

When deciding on the purchase of a coolant produced using glycerin, it is imperative to analyze the main parameters of the latter in order not to experience unnecessary difficulties in the future with the operation and maintenance of CO:

  • The temperature range in which the operation of the specified coolant will take place in the normal mode, without significant losses in its consumer parameters.
  • Heat capacity of glycerin, i.e. the required amount of coolant that needs to be pumped per unit of time in order to transfer required amount heat.
  • Viscosity coefficient affecting the circulation rate of the coolant, the value of the heat transfer coefficient, etc. and its change depending on the coolant temperature.
  • Corrosive activity, which imposes a number of restrictions on the use of coolant with glycerol additives without the addition of the required corrosion inhibitors, as well as on the choice of material for the coolant circuit.
  • Questions of the safety of using such coolants for the environment and humans.
  • Lubricity, which determines the restrictions imposed by the use of the specified coolant on the design of CO elements.
  • An indicator of inertness to foaming, which directly affects the efficiency of the transfer pump.

The ideal choice is a glycerin-based coolant, the chemical composition of which takes into account the possible results of its interaction with all substances currently used in the construction of heating boilers and CO heating lines in private houses (steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum).
Otherwise, reactions leading to electrochemical corrosion may occur.

Glycerin in the heating system must necessarily have additives that prevent oxidation and foaming.

Benefits of using glycerin for heating

  1. The coolant, which has glycerin in its composition, has a significantly lower crystallization temperature (the freezing point of glycerin is minus 30 degrees).
  2. Glycerin is explosion and fire safe, because it doesn't ignite at all.
  3. Such coolants are harmless to health.
  4. The level of heat transfer significantly exceeds similar indicators of other heat carriers.
  5. CO with the specified coolant is capable of operating at temperatures from -30 degrees to +105 degrees.

Glycerin for heating does not have a hazard class assigned to it and, according to international standards, is considered a food additive with code E 422.

Disadvantages of coolants based on glycerin

  1. High fluid viscosity requires pumps increased power and productivity, or dilution with various alcohols, including methyl alcohol.
  2. Strong foaming, leading to the appearance of air in the heating lines, which impairs the heat transfer of the network.
  3. The presence of glycerin sharply increases the quality requirements for seals and gaskets used in CO, which are made of plastic and non-polar rubber.
  4. Significantly increases the likelihood of corrosion in the metal parts of the CO.
  5. High-temperature heating of glycerin leads to the formation of acrolein, which is a highly toxic substance with extremely bad smell and tear effect.

Having given preference to an antifreeze liquid, it must be understood that the system does not require automobile antifreeze, ethyl alcohol or transformer oil, but a special antifreeze based on glycerin, which was created specifically for use in heating systems.

We cannot discount the requirements for fire safety, as well as requirements for chemical composition antifreeze in terms of the safety of its components for human health.

The use of glycerin in heating systems

Any manipulations with the coolant, which contains glycerin for heating, such as filling or replacing, require vocational training and special equipment.
Therefore, they must be carried out by specialists.

It is recommended to store heat transfer fluids made using glycerin in a hermetically sealed container specially designed for this purpose and in a cold room.

This coolant must be protected from direct sun rays, since this can lead to the occurrence of a chemical reaction of decomposition of the additives included in the coolant and the base substance.

In all other cases, the specified coolant is stable and retains its properties unchanged for eight years.

Article Rating:

Certainly insures the system against rupture. The state of aggregation in a non-working state at low temperatures is liquid (mushy). The volume during freezing increases by only 0.1% (coolant on ethylene glycol - about 1.5%). When the system warms up/starts up, the product reverts to a liquid state. It is not required to drain the coolant from the system in winter.
Unlike water, the water-glycol solution and, accordingly, the coolant freezes gradually: during the cooling process, crystals begin to form in the liquid. Then, with further cooling of the liquid, there are more and more crystals in it (the so-called sludge is formed), and, finally, at some lower final temperature, this sludge solidifies.

In the process of laboratory testing, samples with Comfort coolant hardened:
T25 - -57 ° С.
T40 - -65 ° С.

Propylene glycol coolant is practically the only product of this purpose, when, with complete evaporation (boiling off) of water from the coolant composition and subsequent cooling, propylene glycol does not freeze to -60 ° C (we recall that ethylene glycol freezes at -13 ° C, glycerin at + 17 ° C).

Environmentally and toxicologically safe.
Provides the highest level of safety after water. Its performance is several times higher than that of ethylene glycol coolant. So the indicator of acute toxicity of ethylene glycol LD 50 is 4,700 mg / kg. The indicator of acute toxicity of propylene glycol LD 50 is 20,000-30,000 mg/kg.
Not dangerous even with prolonged inhalation of vapors. Does not cause acute poisoning in case of accidental ingestion (swallowing). Does not damage eyes and skin.
In case of a spill, it is not necessary to replace the floor, tiles, insulation, it is enough to collect the coolant with rags, sawdust, sand or a wet rag, and rinse the surface with water.

Non-corrosive. Compatible with all structural materials of systems.

Good thermal properties. The room heats up quickly and evenly, the heat is retained longer.

It has bactericidal and sterilizing properties.

Despite its viscosity, propylene glycol-based coolant has a lubricating effect that reduces hydrodynamic resistance and improves the operating conditions of pumps in the secondary circuit.

Scale does not form.

Propylene glycol helps to remove deposits from the internal surfaces of heat exchange equipment, which saves costs for repair work or additional maintenance.

Propylene glycol-based coolant has a lower density compared to ethylene glycol coolants and, due to this, the energy consumption for pumping the coolant is reduced.

Fire and explosion proof.

In this article, we will analyze the types of antifreeze, their differences. I'll tell you which antifreeze to choose for heating, compare antifreeze with water. I will explain why glycerin and antifreeze cannot be used as a coolant. In custody - why antifreeze is useless in the heating system country house For permanent residence.





1. The principle of operation of antifreeze

Water at 0°C sharply and abruptly turns into ice, while expanding by 11%. Pipes cannot withstand such a load. The heating system has to be dismantled, including the boiler and all radiators. Water is a good solvent, so even a small amount of antifreeze greatly shifts the crystallization point of water, and there is no abrupt transformation into ice.

Water with the addition of antifreeze at low temperatures slowly thickens, and the expansion of the liquid occurs slightly, so the heating system remains safe and sound.

For example, crystallization of water with 30% antifreeze (propylene glycol) is so slow that there is no need to dilute the coolant to -30°C, it is enough to add antifreeze to the design temperature of -12-15°C.
With a drop in temperature below the calculated one, such a mixture will slowly but surely solidify, and only at -30 ° C can it freeze completely.

2. What is the difference between green and red antifreeze?

Pure 100% antifreeze is not used as a coolant - always in a diluted state: from 20 to 35% antifreeze and 80-65% water, respectively.In heating, only 2 types of antifreeze based on dihydric alcohols are used: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Manufacturers produce both concentrated composition and already diluted for pouring into the heating system. Ethylene glycol is a concentrated red solution and ethylene glycol is a green solution. I will describe their differences below.

3. Ethylene glycol in the heating system


Raspberry solution. A toxic substance used in the automotive, motor oil, plastic and cellophane industries. It has an extremely low pour point of -70°C.
Mainly used in heating and anti-icing systems industrial facilities, football fields. It is not recommended to use ethylene glycol in country heating systems because of its toxicity.

4. Propylene glycol in the heating system


green solution, food supplement E1520, used in the cosmetics industry. Pour point -50°C. 3 times more viscous and 2 times more expensive than ethylene glycol.
It is used in buildings where there is a risk of system defrosting, but environmental performance is required. We use propylene glycol in recuperators. In our country, propylene glycol for the heating system is produced from imported raw materials, therefore it is much more expensive than ethylene glycol.

5. What coolant to choose for heating?

For the heating system, the differences between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are insignificant, but different freezing temperatures (-70 and -50 ° C) affect the percentage of the substance. To ensure the same crystallization temperature (-25°C), it takes almost 2 times less ethylene glycol than propylene glycol, but the dependence is not linear.

For example, when the concentration of ethylene glycol in water becomes more than 50%, its characteristics begin to decline. This is due to the inefficient operation of anti-corrosion additives, which do not come into contact with water well.

6. Which antifreeze is best for home heating

The main criterion for choosing antifreeze is safety!

Propylene glycol is used in the food industry. The substance is not toxic. It is used as antifreeze in heating systems of cottages, country houses and premises with permanent residence of people.

If the building does not require environmental protection, such as warehouses, garages and production shops, you can safely use ethylene glycol. In all other cases - propylene glycol.

7. Glycerin in the heating system

I received a lot of questions about "glycerin". The coolant based on glycerin in the heating system is unacceptable even in a diluted state.

Firstly, the monstrous kinematic viscosity at negative temperatures (at 0 ° C -9000 m 2 / s x 10 6 - glycerin, 67 m 2 / s x 10 6 - ethylene glycol) - and hence the monstrous pressure loss. It will be difficult to push a glycerin-based coolant through the pipes.

Secondly, the sticking of organic particles of glycerin on the surface of the boiler heat exchanger, its overheating and complete exit from standing. Dilution of glycerol with alcohols leads only to the formation of explosive compounds.

Any other non-freezing liquids, for example, antifreeze in the heating system, are unacceptable, because. do not contain the required amount of anti-corrosion additives. The cost of antifreeze for heating is determined by the quality of these same additives, thanks to which some antifreezes last 5 years, and others 10. Over the years, antifreeze in the heating system oxidizes to form acetic acid, which leads to the destruction of brass joints on radiators, so it is important to change the coolant in time.

8. Heating with antifreeze or water

After reading this section, you are likely to refuse antifreeze in the heating system. The main plus of antifreeze is the safety of the system at low temperatures, completely crossed out by its minuses.

  • Low heat capacity of antifreeze.
    Enlargement
    radiatorsby 20-23%
    The heat capacity of antifreeze is significantly lower than that of water. By diluting water with 35% antifreeze, we lose approximately 200 W from 1 kW of thermal energy. This means that it is required to increase the dimensions of pipes, radiators and boiler by 20%. In terms of Vacation home 300 m 2 we lose about 60 thousand rubles by increasing the size of the system. Antifreeze is generally not applicable for the system, again due to the low heat capacity.


  • Service life of antifreeze from 5 to 10 years
    Over the years, antifreeze oxidizes and safely destroys brass joints. After 5 - 10 years, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol must be drained, disposed of and replaced with a new one. You will have to not only buy new antifreeze, but also pay for the disposal of the old one.Unfortunately, in our country there is no ethylene glycol recycling service in small volumes, so it will be difficult to find someone to hand over this chemistry to. I will not consider the idea of ​​​​draining antifreeze to a neighbor on the site.
  • The use of sectional radiators in systems with antifreeze is unacceptable
    Rubber intersection gaskets oxidize quickly and radiators leak. We use only steel panels. The use of galvanized pipes is also unacceptable. Antifreeze safely washes out the zinc, and the pipe remains bare.
  • Why is antifreeze useless for a country house?
    Antifreeze will successfully cope with the task - the heating system will not freeze in the winter in your absence, but what to do with the water supply system? Water supply pipes at negative temperatures will freeze faster and with worse consequences, because. are laid not only in the floor, but also in the walls.You will have to remove the tiles, beat the screed and change the pipes in the bathrooms, showers, kitchen, replace the entire piping of the boiler room for water supply. Of course, pumping antifreeze into the water supply system will not work, as well as laying all pipes with heating cables.

Conclusion: Antifreezes are suitable either for heating small country houses for temporary residence, or large warehouses, workshops and enterprises. In the heating system of a full-fledged country house, antifreeze is useless.

Antifreeze for the heating system of a country house is needed if:
do not plan to live in the house in the winter;
in the house there are 1-2 bathrooms with a tee water supply system (without a collector), which can be drained before the onset of cold weather.
not in the house. If they are water, then there is no point in making antifreeze in heating.

It is impossible to leave a full-fledged country house in winter without emergency heating. In winter, it is necessary to maintain a constant standby heating + 10-12 ° С.
Heating a full-fledged country house for permanent residence with antifreeze is the same losing option as that, which is applicable only in the southern regions of our country.

The boiler can be controlled remotely via a phone or tablet via an Internet connection or GPS. You can set the air temperature for a specific date and time of arrival, and the boiler will accurately signal possible errors in operation. To maintain the heating system in the event of an accident of the main boiler, a backup electric one is often installed, which also turns on automatically. You can order a project of such a boiler house and heating system on our Services page.

So your engineering systems will be truly protected without antifreeze.

If you liked my article and you are looking for reliable design specialists - call and write to me by mail.


close