Thermidaire Ethylene Glycol EG-900-101 water treatment chemicals product

Ethylene and Propylene Glycol

HEAT TRANSFER SOLUTIONS

Thermidaire heat transfer products Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) are the ideal answer to inadequate freeze protection of HVAC systems. Both glycol based fluids can provide fluid freeze protection to -60F and system burst protection below -100*F.

Additionally, Ethylene Glycol transfer fluids can be supplied with specially formulated inhibitors which are designed to prevent costly corrosion of system components. The inhibitors used in the products are blended to maintain a stable pH by reacting with any organic odors that may be formed. These odor, if left untreated, can lower the pH of the solution thereby creating a corrosive environment.

Propylene Glycol (PG) has an effective temperature range of -28*F to 250*F for continuous use. The fluid can, however, be used to protect enclosed heat transfer systems from freeze damage at well below -60*F.

Propylene Glycol (PG) is not recommended for use as a direct food additive. The two ingredients in Propylene Glycol (PG) are, however, generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as food additives under Parts 182 and 184 of the Food Additive Regulations. Propylene Glycol and Dipotassium phosphate meet the requirements of their respective regulations 21 CFR 184.1666 and 182.6285.

Ethylene Glycol (EG) has an effective temperature range of -60*F to -250*F. The lower temperature range of Ethylene Glycol (EG) make it the heat transfer fluid of choice in the food industry for the continuous defrosting of coils in large refrigeration and freezer units where temperatures are too low to use propylene glycol based products.

Ethylene Glycol should not be used where direct contact with food products is possible due to its moderate oral toxicity. In these circumstance, Propylene Glycol (PG) is recommended because of its low toxicity and virtual absence of odor. As with any fluid in food processing applications, good manufacturing practices are required.

Due to different chemical properties and slight performance variations, the choice between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol based heat transfer solutions depends largely on the needs of the user and the specifications of the HVAC system or other application requiring an industrial heat transfer solution.

Both products provide effective freeze and burst protection in heat transfer fluid applications. Ethylene glycol offers slightly more effective freeze protection and better heat removal capabilities when used at higher concentrations. There is essentially no difference in burst protection of pipes, as a 35% solution of either glycol will provide safety down to -60*F.

It is worth noting, when used at lower temperatures, the high viscosity of propylene glycol based fluids requires increased pump power capacity. Ethylene glycol’s lower viscosity reduces pump power wear and subsequent maintenance costs.

If appropriately handled both fluids present little or no hazard to people who work with HVAC systems or in other industrial applications. Also, exposure to either product in these systems is usually minimal since heat transfer solutions with corrosion inhibitors typically exhibit life times in excess of 10 years.

The choice between ethylene or propylene based fluids should be determined by the performance requirements of the specific application and the potential for exposure. In applications where the heat transfer fluid could come into contact with potable water, food or other consumables, propylene glycol based fluids are recommended due to their inherent lower toxicity.

Ethylene Freeze Propylene Freeze % Glycol Ethylene Boil Propylene Boil

Test data indicates that both products biodegrade in the environment or when properly introduced into a wastewater treatment process. Large spills can however result in short term stress on the immediate environment by rapidly consuming oxygen during the biodegrading process.

Although inherently lower in toxicity if formulated with propylene glycol, both products should be treated with proper handling and safe disposal precautions regardless of their glycol content. Contact your local Thermidaire office to determine correct disposal procedures.