Glycol vs. Water - HVAC/R engineering

When utilizing Glycol, it is essential to consider not just the variations in density but also the differences in viscosity. The concentration of Glycol you choose affects the pressure drops throughout your piping systems and heat exchangers. Generally, if you opt for very low concentrations of Ethylene Glycol (EG) or Propylene Glycol (PG), you can manage your system similarly to water.

Conversely, should your application require higher concentrations, say 40-60% EG or PG, you'll need to select different pumps, and the pressure drops will vary significantly at various points within your system.

According to observations from IRstuff, as the temperature of the fluid decreases, its viscosity increases, reaching a point where the fluid may not freeze but becomes unpumpable. My experience with Dow required me to persuade them to provide properties for a 60% PG solution under the assurance that my aim was to prevent freezing rather than pump it. This substance becomes particularly formidable at concentrations like that and temperatures around -40°F (or -40°C).

For a deeper understanding, refer to the Crane Technical Paper 410 to examine the Darcy equations and perform pressure drop calculations to appreciate the differences involved.

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For additional insights, kindly visit How Does a Glycol Chiller Work.