Heat carriers pluses and minuses of various types. why you should choose a propylene glycol-based coolant. Which is better propylene glycol or glycerin for heating? Comparison of heat transfer fluids: water, glycerin, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol

HEAT CARRIERS.
Pros and cons different types.
Why choose a propylene glycol-based coolant.

Coolants are conventionally divided into three groups: water, brines and antifreezes.

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

We will not let your heating system defrost +7-932-2000-535

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

WATER AS A HEAT CARRIER

Benefits

disadvantages

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

Water freezes in the system at temperatures below - 0 ° С and, as a result, puts the last out of action / you cannot leave a house with a turned off, but filled heating system in winter /. In a matter of days and even hours, elements of the heating system / boiler; batteries; expansion tank; the circulation pump / will simply be ruptured. Heating system corrosion. If, in order to avoid defrosting the heating system, the water is drained, the 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 ° С begins intensive decomposition of carbonate salts and deposits 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 their overheating. It is desirable that the water contains special additives that can prolong the life of the heating system / corrosion inhibitors, etc. /. Ideally, additives are added to distilled water. Correction of the specific electrical resistance of water during the heating season. Annual system flushing and boiler repair.

SOLUTIONS OF CERTAIN INORGANIC AND ORGANIC SALTS

AS A HEAT CARRIER

Saline solutions, although they freeze at lower temperatures than water, and are harmless to humans, are highly corrosive. Over time, they are “salted out” on the surface of pipes and heat exchangers. Such solutions also do not “cope” with Russian winter conditions due to insufficiently low freezing point.

Do not use ethyl / methyl alcohol or transformer oil as a heat carrier due to their high fire hazard.

At the present stage, antifreezes are increasingly used as heat carriers.

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

GLYCERIN-BASED HEATING AGENT

Benefits	disadvantages
Environmentally and toxicologically safe. 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 glycerin coolant for filling 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 glycerine 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, more powerful pumps will be required. At the same freezing point, the glycerine coolant contains more organic component / glycerin / 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 over - 90,0 ° C decomposes with the formation of volatile and carcinogenic substances, including acrolein. Decomposition products are also corrosive. During their polymerization, deposits form on the walls of the heating system, which worsen the 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 dissipation worsens, the risk of airing the system increases. When aqueous solutions of glycerin are used as heat carriers, the requirements for gaskets / seals / and parts made of non-polar rubbers and plastics are increasing.
* - coolant that has not been used, moreover, does not contain additional components, except for glycerin, water and a package of additives. ** - coolant based only on glycerin, without additives

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

Under the brand name of glycerin-based coolants there are also mixed coolants containing propylene-glycol along with glycerin.

Currently, there is not a single large world or domestic manufacturer that has switched to the production of glycerin-based antifreezes and coolants.

The most reliable and proven are glycol-based heat transfer fluids.

ETHYLENE GLYCOL BASED HEAT

Benefits

disadvantages

Protects the system from defrosting; Good thermophysical properties; Low rates of salt and scale deposition; Average cost.

Ethylene glycol toxic, narcotic. It is absorbed into the body 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, and acute heart failure develops. Experts call different figures for the lethal dose of a substance: - 5,0 mg per kg of body weight; - 50 …500 mg per person. Mortality in acute poisoning is higher than - 50,0 %. Ethylene glycol is able to enter the body through the skin and by inhalation. Therefore, it is very dangerous to use ethylene glycol coolant in open systems - vapors will spread in the room; in double-circuit boilers poisonous heat transfer fluid may be mixed into hot water. With prolonged exposure, it is possible chronic poisoning 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 the event 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 a 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, floorboards, tiles, insulation impregnated with ethylene glycol coolant must be replaced.

Heat transfer fluids based on ethylene glycol can be safely used in closed heating systems, with a closed expansion tank, for heating non-residential premises.
For security reasons, constant monitoring of the system is required.

Antifreeze coolant, or antifreeze for cars?

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

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

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

In addition, automotive antifreeze additives often include - toxic substancesthat could pose a danger to - human and animals.

HEAT CARRIER BASED ON PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Benefits

disadvantages

Certainly insures the system against rupture. State of aggregation inoperative at low temperatures - liquid / mushy /. Freezing volume increases by only - 0,1 % / ethylene glycol heating medium - about - 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, the crystals in it become more and more / the so-called slush is formed /, and, finally, at a certain lower final temperature, this slush solidifies. Propylene-glycol coolant is practically the only product of this purpose, when, upon complete evaporation of water from the coolant composition, with subsequent cooling, propylene-glycol does not freeze to minus - 60,0 ° С / ethylene glycol, recall, freezes at - 13,0 ° 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. Ethylene glycol LD toxicity 50 – 4 700 mg / kg. Propylene glycol LD toxicity 50 – 20 300 …23 900 mg / kg. 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 the systems; Good thermophysical properties. Despite the viscosity, the propylene glycol-based coolant has a lubricating effect, which reduces hydrodynamic resistance and improves the operating conditions of pumps in the secondary circuit; Does not form scale; Propylene glycol helps to remove deposits from the internal surfaces of heat exchange equipment; The propylene glycol-based heat carrier has a lower density compared to ethylene glycol heat carriers and, due to this, the energy consumption for pumping the heat carrier is less; Fire and explosion proof; Little volatile. When a spill occurs, the replacement of the floor, tiles, insulation is not required; it is enough to remove the coolant and rinse the surface with water.

Higher cost than other types of heat transfer fluids. The initial cost of a propylene glycol-based heat carrier is only an apparent high cost. She makes excuses minimal cost for the repair of the system, low operating costs and labor costs, ensuring safety, no costs for connecting 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. Heat carrier / 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 with heating elements outside the building or in the attic.

The wrong choice of antifreeze and non-observance of the operating rules can cause many problems during operation, up to a 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.

Characteristics of the substance

Propylene glycol is a dihydric alcohol, usually a colorless viscous liquid. It has a faint smell and a sweetish 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 by its structure and can slowly seep through micro-holes and cracks. The ignition temperature is quite high, it is + 421 ° С.

Advantages and disadvantages of propylene glycol as a heat carrier

You can clearly identify the advantages and disadvantages of propylene glycol by comparing it with water (which is also a heat carrier fluid in some heating systems):

• the density of dihydric alcohol is 1037 kg / m³, which is more than that of water (1000 kg / m³): the difference is 3.7%;
• the substance begins to boil at +187 ° С, and water at +100 ° С, the difference is 87%;
• alcohol freezes at -60 ° C, water already at 0 ° C;
• the specific heat is equal to 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);
• dynamic viscosity of alcohol - 56 mPa · s, eight hundred times more 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.
• The 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 you can bring these two liquids to a boil with the same amount of heat. Their temperature will reach their 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 during cooling, and this does not damage the heating system.
• Low specific heat capacity is a clear advantage, hence quick 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 a complete drainage, water will still remain in the pipes, causing corrosion) - and propylene glycol can be used all year round and do not merge into winter period;
• antifreeze, which is based on propylene glycol, does not cause corrosion and does not form scale.

There are also disadvantages of such antifreezes:

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

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

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

How to use propylene glycol fluids correctly

Propylene glycol based heat transfer fluids have a similar chemical composition, which differs in the percentage of alcohol. Most often, such compounds are named after 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 ° FROM.

When replacing water with a propylene glycol-based composition, some properties of antifreeze must be taken into account.

• Lower heat capacity and thermal conductivity. It is worth increasing the number of radiators, as well as purchasing a more powerful boiler. Heating systems are often installed in private houses that operate at half their capacity - in this case, you can do without replacing the boiler.
• High viscosity... Make sure the pipes have an inner diameter of at least 25 mm and install a larger circulation pump.
• Greater expansion ratio. If the expansion tank is less than 10 liters, then a larger one will need to be replaced.
• High fluidity. It is worth reducing the number of threaded connections, tie-ins and squeegees, and also provide free access to existing connections in case of leaks.

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

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

It is always worth flushing the system thoroughly if you are going to switch to another coolant.

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

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

Water

Benefits:

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

Disadvantages:

• freezes at temperatures below 0 ° С;
• 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 begins and scale deposits on the walls of the system, which reduces heat transfer and can break the system due to overheating.

Glycerin-based heat carrier

Benefits:

• 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.

Disadvantages:

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

Ethylene glycol based heat carrier

Benefits:

• the system does not defrost;
• slight deposits of salts and scale;
• average cost.

Disadvantages:

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

Propylene glycol based heat transfer fluid

Benefits:

• insures the system against rupture;
• the volume when 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 thermophysical properties;
• possesses bactericidal and sterilizing properties.

Disadvantages:

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

Conclusions:

Reliable and proven - glycol-based heat transfer fluids. Heat transfer fluids based on propylene glycol have been successfully used for over 50 years, their effectiveness has been confirmed.

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

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

The likelihood that the glycerine-based coolant will freeze in the mains, which will lead to their burst and the destruction of CO, is significantly less than that which exists for systems using only water as a coolant.

Glycerin in the heating system is the main factor affecting the further choice of a JI project for 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 glycerine-based coolants

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

• The temperature range in which the operation of the specified coolant will take place in the normal mode, without significant losses of its consumer parameters.
• The heat capacity of glycerin, i.e. the required amount of coolant that needs to be pumped per unit of time in order to transfer the required amount heat.
• The viscosity coefficient, which affects the circulation rate of the coolant, the value of the heat transfer coefficient, etc. and its change depending on the temperature of the coolant.
• Corrosion activity, which imposes a number of restrictions on the use of a coolant with glycerin additives without adding the required corrosion inhibitors, as well as on the choice of material for the coolant circuit.
• Safety issues of using such coolants for the environment and humans.
• Lubricity, which determines the limitations imposed by the use of the specified coolant on the design of the CO elements.
• The index of inertness to foaming, directly affecting 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 heating mains for heating systems of private houses (steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum).
Otherwise, reactions may occur that lead to electrochemical corrosion.

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

Benefits of using glycerin for heating

1. The coolant, which contains glycerin, has a significantly lower crystallization temperature (the freezing point of glycerin is minus 30 degrees).
2. Glycerin is explosion- and fire-safe, because it is not flammable at all.
3. Such fluids are harmless to health.
4. The level of heat transfer is significantly higher than that 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 the E 422 code.

Disadvantages of glycerin-based coolants

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

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

Requirements regarding fire safety, as well as requirements for chemical composition antifreeze from the point of view of the safety of its components for human health.

The use of glycerin in heating systems

Any manipulations with the heat carrier, 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 with glycerin in a specially designed hermetically sealed container and in a cold room.

This heating medium must be protected from direct sun rays, as this can lead to the occurrence of a chemical decomposition reaction of the additives included in the coolant and the main 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. Aggregate state in non-working state at low temperatures is liquid (mushy). During freezing, the volume increases by only 0.1% (the heat carrier on ethylene glycol is about 1.5%). When the system warms up / starts up, the product returns 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, the crystals in it become more and more (the so-called slush is formed), and, finally, at a certain lower final temperature, this slush solidifies.

In the course of laboratory tests, samples with the "Comfort" coolant solidified:
T25 - -57 ° C.
T40 - -65 ° C.

Propylene glycol coolant is practically the only product of this purpose, when, upon complete evaporation (boiling) of water from the coolant composition and subsequent cooling, propylene glycol does not freeze to -60 ° C (ethylene glycol, recall, 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 the ethylene glycol coolant. So the indicator of acute toxicity of ethylene glycol LD 50 - 4 700 mg / kg. The indicator of acute toxicity of propylene glycol LD 50 is 20,000-30,000 mg / kg.
Not dangerous even after prolonged inhalation of vapors. Does not cause acute poisoning if accidentally ingested (swallowed). Does not damage eyes and skin.
When a spill occurs, it is not required to replace the floor, tiles, insulation, it is enough to collect the coolant with a rag, sawdust, sand or a wet rag, and rinse the surface with water.

Non-corrosive. Compatible with all construction materials of the systems.

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

Possesses bactericidal and sterilizing properties.

Despite the viscosity, the propylene glycol-based heat transfer fluid has a lubricating effect, which reduces flow resistance and improves the operating conditions of the pumps in the secondary circuit.

Does not form scale.

Propylene glycol helps to remove deposits from the internal surfaces of heat exchange equipment, thereby saving costs on renovation work or additional maintenance.

The propylene glycol-based heat carrier has a lower density compared to ethylene glycol heat carriers and, due to this, the energy consumption for pumping the heat carrier is reduced.

Fire and explosion proof.

In this article, we will analyze the types of antifreezes, their differences. I will tell you which antifreeze to choose for heating, compare antifreeze with water. I will explain why glycerin and antifreeze cannot be used as a heat carrier. 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%. The pipes cannot withstand this load. The heating system has to be dismantled, including the boiler and all radiators. Water is a good solvent, therefore, even a small amount of antifreeze strongly displaces the crystallization point of water, and there is no jump-like transformation into ice.

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

For example, crystallization of water with 30% antifreeze liquid (propylene glycol) proceeds so slowly 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 heat carrier - 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 a 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

Crimson solution. A toxic substance used in the auto industry, the manufacture of engine oils, plastic and cellophane. 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 suburban heating systems due to 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 defrosting the system, but environmental performance is required. We use propylene glycol in recuperators. In our country, propylene glycol for the heating system is made from imported raw materials, therefore it is much more expensive than ethylene glycol.

5. What kind of heat carrier to choose for heating?

For a 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), almost 2 times less ethylene glycol is required than propylene glycol, but the relationship 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 ineffective work of anti-corrosion additives, which poorly come into contact with water.

6. Which antifreeze is best for heating a house

The main criterion for choosing antifreeze is safety!

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

If the building does not require environmental safety, for example, warehouses, garages and production workshops, you can safely apply ethylene glycol. In all other cases, propylene glycol.

7. Glycerin in the heating system

Received a lot of questions about "glycerin". A glycerin-based heat carrier in the heating system is unacceptable even in a diluted state.

First, 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 the glycerin-based coolant through the pipes.

Secondly, the adhesion of organic particles of glycerin to the surface of the boiler heat exchanger, its overheating and complete exit from standing. Dilution of glycerin with alcohols only leads 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 very 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 connections on radiators, so it is important to change the coolant on time.

8. Heating with antifreeze or water

After reading this section, you will most likely give up antifreeze in your heating system. The main plus of antifreeze is the safety of the system at low temperatures, it is completely crossed out by its minuses.

• Low heat capacity of antifreeze.
  Increase in sizeradiators by 20-23%
  The heat capacity of antifreeze is significantly lower than the heat capacity of water. Diluting water with 35% antifreeze, we lose about 200 watts from 1 kW of thermal energy. This means that a 20% increase in the size of pipes, radiators and boiler is required. In terms of vacation home We are losing 300 m 2 about 60 thousand rubles on increasing the size of the system. For the system, antifreeze is generally not applicable, again due to its low heat capacity.

• Antifreeze service life is from 5 to 10 years
  Over the years, antifreeze oxidizes and safely destroys brass compounds. After 5 to 10 years, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol must be drained, disposed of and replaced with a new one. You will not only have to buy new antifreeze, but also pay to dispose of the old one.Unfortunately, in our country there is no service for the disposal of ethylene glycol in small volumes, so it will be difficult to find someone to donate this chemistry. I will not consider the idea of \u200b\u200bpouring antifreeze to a neighbor on the site.

• The use of sectional radiators in systems with antifreeze is unacceptable
  Rubber inter-section gaskets oxidize quickly and radiators leak. We use only steel panels. The use of galvanized pipes is also unacceptable. Antifreeze safely flushes 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 winter in your absence, but what to do with the water supply system? Water supply pipes at negative temperatures 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 pipes in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, replace the entire piping of the boiler room for water supply. Of course, it will not work to pump antifreeze into the water supply system, as well as to lay all the pipes with heating cables.

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

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

It is impossible to leave a full-fledged country house in the winter without on-duty heating. In winter, it is necessary to maintain constant standby heating + 10-12 ° C.
Heating a full-fledged country house for permanent residence with antifreeze is the same losing option as, 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 emergency in the main boiler, a backup electric is often installed, which also turns on automatically. You can order a project of such a boiler room and heating system on our Services page.

So your engineering systems will be truly protected without antifreeze.

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