Mono Propylene Glycol as Heat Transfer Fluid

In cold winter months or in heating and cooling systems where the temperature of the water used drops below a certain point, it must not freeze. In such cases, water serves as a heat transfer fluid.

The freezing point of water is 0 °C. Below this temperature, water physically transforms into a solid form. For heat transfer to proceed healthily, a sustainable liquid form is required. Otherwise, malfunctions occur in the system.

What Are the Chemical Substances Used as Heat Transfer Fluids?

Antifreeze fluids with a freezing point lower than that of water must be used as heat transfer fluids.

These are as follows;

Mono Ethylene Glycol
Mono Propylene Glycol
Triethylene Glycol

The most common antifreeze fluid used as a heat transfer fluid is mono ethylene glycol. However, mono ethylene glycol should not be used as an antifreeze fluid in drinking water systems or in areas where there is a possibility of contact with food.

Instead, mono propylene glycol, which is considered safe for human use, should be used. Especially MPG in USP grade, meaning food grade in original packaging, must be used.

The density of Mono Propylene Glycol is slightly higher than water. The density of the pure compound at 25 °C is 1.036 g/cm³.

What are the Application Areas of Mono Propylene Glycol and Mono Ethylene Glycol as Antifreeze Fluids?

High consumption of Mono Propylene Glycol and Mono Ethylene Glycol has emerged with the growth of cities, business centers, buildings, residences, and factories. The areas where this chemical compound is used as a heat transfer fluid are as follows.

In heating and cooling systems of food production facilities
In heating and cooling systems of shopping malls
In chiller cooling systems of data centers
In heating and cooling systems of business centers
In cooling systems of certain machinery
In the manufacturing of antifreezes used in vehicle engines
In the manufacturing of windshield washer fluid produced for vehicles
In areas with chiller heating and cooling systems in residential complexes

How to Prevent Corrosion Formation in Heating and Cooling Systems?

The corrosive effect of glycols used in heating and cooling systems on iron is 2.5 times higher than that of water. The corrosive effect on steel is 4.5 times higher than that of water.

Therefore, inhibitors must also be used in areas where antifreeze fluid is applied. Silicate-based inhibitors are used in automotive antifreezes. These inhibitors should not be used in chiller cooling systems. At the same time, these silicates will form a gel layer on the heat transfer surface, reducing the cooling efficiency of the system. Additionally, they will reduce the lifespan of seals found in pumps.