Where To Use Propylene Glycol-Based Fluids

Solutions of propylene glycol-based fluids are widely used for secondary cooling and heating, applications, for freeze and burst protection of pipes, and for various deicing, defrosting, and dehumidifying applications. They contain specially formulated packages of industrial inhibitors that help prevent corrosion. Specific applications for these fluids include:

• HVAC system frost & corrosion protection
• Cold room dehumidifying
• Refrigeration coil defrosting
• Process heating
• Conveyor roller defrosting
• Ice skating rinks
• Air preheating
• Ice skating rinks
• Sidewalk snow melting systems
• Solar heating
• Refrigeration warehouse floor heating

Choosing Between Propylene Glycol and Ethylene Glycol Fluids In addition to propylene glycol-based fluids, ethylene glycol-based fluids are also available. There are two major differences between propylene and ethylene glycol fluids; viscosity and toxicity. Ethylene glycol-based fluids are less viscous than propylene glycol-based fluids. Therefore, they generally will provide superior heat transfer efficiency and better low temperature performance and are preferred for most heat transfer applications. However, in applications where toxicity is a concern, propylene glycol­based fluids are used because of their low acute oral toxicity versus the moderate acute oral toxicity of ethylene glycol-based fluids.

 

CSI offers a choice of propylene and ethylene glycol-based fluids:

PGI: An Industrial inhibited fluid with an operating range of -50 degrees F to 250 degrees F. View the MSDS for Inhibited PG PGI-HD: An industrial inhibited fluid with an operating range of -50 degrees to 350 degrees F. View the MSDS for PGI-HD

Compared to PGI fluid, PGI-HD fluid has a higher maximum operating temperature, higher reserve alkalinity, and greater thermal stability. While PGI fluid is considered the standard propylene glycol-based fluid for most applications, PGI-HD fluid is 'specified to extend fluid life where service temperatures are higher and the likelihood of thermal degradation is greater. It is sometimes also used in less demanding applications because the heavy duty inhibitors last longer, and maintenance requirements can be reduced. PGI-HD is particularly well-suited for HVAC applications because its inhibitor package offers additional corrosion protection for systems containing copper components.    Both fluids are low in acute oral toxicity.