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Category: Glycol

Characteristics of Heat Transfer Fluids

A variety of chemical compounds can be used to formulate heat transfer fluids which are used to prevent water from freezing when the temperature of the fluid reaches below 0°C (32°F). The most common are:

  • ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
  • methanol (methyl alcohol)
  • ethylene glycol (1,2-ethanediol)
  • propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol)
  • bio-based propylene glycol (1,3-propanediol)

The basic properties of these freeze protection fluids are listed below.

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

  • low corrosiveness
  • high flammability (when pure)
  • low toxicity
  • high heat transfer capacity
  • low pumping requirements due to viscosity
  • medium cost

Methanol (methyl alcohol)

  • low corrosiveness
  • high flammability (if pure)
  • high toxicity (some states have banned the use of this product in geothermal systems)
  • high heat transfer capacity
  • low pumping requirements due to viscosity
  • lesser cost

Ethylene Glycol (1,2-ethanediol)

  • low corrosiveness
  • low flammability
  • high toxicity
  • low heat transfer capacity
  • high pumping requirements due to viscosity
  • higher cost

Propylene Glycol (1,2-propanediol)

  • low corrosiveness
  • low flammability
  • low toxicity
  • low heat transfer capacity
  • high pumping requirements due to viscosity
  • high cost

Bio-based Propylene Glycol (1,3-propanediol)

  • low corrosiveness
  • high resistance to acid degradation
  • low flammability
  • low toxicity
  • low heat transfer capacity
  • lower pumping requirements than propylene glycol, due to viscosity
  • highest cost

You system performance and protection is assured with our specialty heat transfer fluid line. Brookaire Company is a distributor of heat transfer fluids, geothermal fluids and pipework system protection products serving the commercial and industrial HVAC markets. We partner with the best labs to ensure your getting the best value for your inventsment. We have a full line of products for heating and cooling applications, freeze and burst pipe protection, and more.