More commonly referred to as antifreeze, glycol protects hydronic heating and cooling systems — specifically boilers and chillers — from freezing in cold climates. It also improves the properties of heat transfer fluids by:
Heat transfer fluid can freeze in cold temperatures due to insufficient glycol concentrations. Depleted glycol also accelerates corrosion. Both conditions can cause significant damage to HVAC systems.
Geothermal systems in northern climates may use a combination of propylene glycol and ethanol to prevent freezing at very low temperatures.
Glycol degrades over time from exhaustion of corrosion inhibitors, overheating or particulate accumulation in the system. Propylene necessitates special handling and disposal methods while ethylene and propylene glycol-ethanol mixtures require handing as hazardous wastes.
Read about Glycol Concentration Restoration in Intricate Chiller System Project.
Alliance Environmental Group (AEG), an F.W. Webb company, can handle all your glycol needs from removal to replacement including:
AEG employs a team of OSHA-trained scientists, engineers and experienced technicians. Our proven track record of success across the Northeast allows us to help you select all the right products and services for your glycol-based heat transfer fluid maintenance needs.
