Today, a fairly current trend in heating private houses is the abandonment of the use of classical methods in favor of alternative ones. In this case, quite often preference is given to autonomous heating systems filled with a special liquid solution. The variety of fillers is quite large, so it is important for consumers to choose the right coolant for specific conditions. After all, here it is necessary to take into account not only the cost, but also such important characteristics material, such as service life and operating conditions, viscosity, operating operating temperatures, heat capacity, environmental friendliness, safety, etc.
Glycerin-based coolant is quite popular because it is suitable for heating systems that meet all the above requirements. A very important factor is that the BIO coolant is universal and can be used to fill closed or open heating systems, and can also be used for air conditioning systems and other needs.
The glycerin coolant is considered very practical and easy to use; its main advantages include resistance to temperature fluctuations: the substance works effectively in the range of -30...+105°C. This property in case of breakdown heating equipment V winter period freely repair or replace it individual elements. At the same time, if the system stops, you don’t have to worry about its further safety, since, unlike water, the BIO coolant will not rupture the pipes when it freezes. The BIO coolant contains a special fluorescent dye, which makes it possible to easily detect where the system is damaged in the event of a leak.
The glycerin coolant is completely environmentally friendly and meets safety requirements, which is confirmed by the presence of the necessary certificates. Glycerin safety confirmed wide experience applications in other areas of human activity: in the food industry and medicine. The BIO coolant is a non-flammable material, which guarantees the explosion and fire safety of the system.
Also, the glycerin-based coolant contains special anti-foam and anti-corrosion additives, which allows the use of elements and devices made of a wide variety of structural materials in heating systems: steel, non-ferrous metals and their alloys, polypropylene, etc.
The glycerin-based coolant has a fairly long service life - it can be used for up to eight heating seasons. This indicator significantly reduces the total cost of filling the system, while increasing its durability. An additional advantage of such a substance is the guarantee of safe operation of circulation pumps. This antifreeze is completely inert to various types of gasket and sealing materials, without destroying them upon direct contact during the heating season.
Calculating the need for antifreeze is quite simple. Since the density of the BIO coolant is 1.13 kg/m³, to determine the amount of filler required for your system, you need to multiply its volume by the appropriate coefficient. For example, for a system with a volume of 100 liters you will need 113 kilograms of BIO coolant. Glycerin antifreeze is supplied in canisters weighing 10 and 20 kg and is ready for use. If you decide to purchase such products, then our company’s specialists will offer you not only sufficient volumes of BIO coolant, but will also advise you on its properties.
COOLANTS.
Advantages and disadvantages various types.
Why you need to choose a coolant based on propylene glycol.
Coolants are conventionally divided into three groups: water, brines and antifreeze.
The most reliable, safe and modern coolants are products based on - propylene glycol. They have been used in the world for about – years. Germany, France, USA switched to using - propylene glycol coolants since – years, and then they began to be used in almost all European countries.
In Russia, their share of the total volume of coolants sold is growing rapidly. At the state level, a ban has been introduced on the use of ethylene glycol coolants in refrigeration equipment and heating of railway cars.
WATER AS A COOLING CARRIER
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Water freezes in the system at temperatures below - °C and, as a result, disables the system / you cannot leave a house with the heating system turned off but full in winter /. In a matter of days and even hours, elements of the heating system / boiler; batteries; expansion tank; circulation pump/ will simply be torn apart. Heating system corrosion. If, in order to avoid defrosting the heating system, the water is drained, corrosion processes in a system filled with air proceed even faster than in water. The need to change the chemical composition of water before using it for heating. Natural water characterized by such an indicator as rigidity. At water temperatures above – °C, intensive decomposition of carbonate salts and scale deposition on the walls of the heat generator and pipes begin, which causes deterioration in heat transfer and failure of heating elements due to overheating. It is desirable that the water contains special additives that can extend the life of the heating system (corrosion inhibitors, etc.). Ideally, additives will be added to distilled water. Adjustment of electrical resistivity of water during the heating season. Carrying out annual system flushing and boiler repairs. |
SOLUTIONS OF SOME INORGANIC AND ORGANIC SALTS
AS A COOLANT
Salt solutions, although they freeze at lower temperatures than water and are harmless to people, are highly corrosive. Over time, they “salt out” on the surface of pipes and heat exchangers. Such solutions also do not “cope” with Russian winter conditions due to insufficiently low freezing temperature.
Do not use ethyl/methyl alcohol or transformer oil as a coolant due to their high fire hazard.
At the present stage, antifreeze is increasingly used as coolants.
Antifreeze are low-freezing liquids used to cool internal combustion engines and various installations/including heating systems/ operating at temperatures below – °C.
COOLANT BASED ON GLYCEROL
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Due to the higher density, the mass of glycerin coolant to fill a system of the same volume will be greater than the mass of glycol coolant, which will create an additional load on the equipment. The viscosity of glycerin solutions, especially at low temperatures, is higher than glycol solutions; this accelerates the wear of some parts of the heating system, such as pumps and circulation pumps; the installation of more powerful pumps will be required. At the same freezing point, glycerin coolant contains more organic component /glycerol/ and less water than glycols /propylene glycol, ethylene glycol/. This leads to an additional increase in density and viscosity and a decrease in heat capacity. Glycerol is thermally unstable: – with prolonged heating above – °C, it decomposes with the formation of volatile and carcinogenic substances, including acrolein. Decomposition products are also corrosive. When they polymerize, deposits form on the walls of the heating system, impairing heat removal and clogging the system. – have a high freezing point. When water is completely evaporated from the coolant, the base freezes at + °C, and, often, at + °C. Glycerin foams strongly, for this reason heat dissipation deteriorates and the risk of airing the system increases. When aqueous solutions of glycerol are used as coolants, the requirements for gaskets/seals/ and parts made of non-polar rubbers and plastics are increased. |
| * – coolant that has not been used, and does not contain additional components except glycerin, water and an additive package.** – coolant based only on glycerin, without additives | |
Does not exist state standards /GOST/, establishing requirements for antifreeze/coolants based on glycerin. Such coolants are produced according to technical specifications in which product quality indicators are established by individual manufacturing companies.
Under the brand of glycerin-based coolants, there are also mixed coolants containing propylene glycol along with glycerin.
Currently, there is not a single major global or domestic manufacturer, which switched to the production of glycerin-based antifreezes and coolants.
The most reliable and proven coolants are those based on glycols.
COOLANT BASED ON ETHYLENE GLYCOL
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Ethylene glycol toxic, has a narcotic effect. It is absorbed into the body quickly. The degree of harm that ethylene glycol causes to humans depends on the amount of poison, the method of penetration and the individual condition of the body. If swallowed, pulmonary edema occurs and acute heart failure develops. Experts give different figures for the lethal dose of a substance: – mg per kg of weight; – ... mg per person. Mortality in acute poisoning is high - more than %. Ethylene glycol can penetrate the body through the skin and through inhalation. Therefore, it is very dangerous to use ethylene glycol coolant in open systems– fumes will spread indoors; V double-circuit boilers Poisonous coolant may be mixed into hot water. With prolonged exposure, chronic poisoning with damage to vital organs/vessels is possible; kidneys; nervous system/. The first signs of poisoning are depressed mood and lethargy. It is especially worth remembering that ethylene glycol does not have an unpleasant odor and has a sweetish taste, which poses an increased danger to children and animals in the event of coolant leaks from the system. When water completely evaporates from the antifreeze composition during subsequent cooling, ethylene glycol freezes at a temperature of minus – °C. Has high viscosity at low temperatures. Spent coolant based on ethylene glycol must not be poured into open ground or into sewers; it must be collected and sent for recycling. In the event of a spill in a residential building, floor boards, tiles, and insulation impregnated with ethylene glycol coolant must be replaced. |
Ethylene glycol-based coolants are safe to use in closed heating systems, with a closed expansion tank, for heating non-residential premises.
For security purposes, constant monitoring of the system is required.
Coolant-antifreeze, or antifreeze for cars?
Functionally, it can be used in heat exchange systems: automotive antifreeze, which was often practiced in Russia due to the insufficient availability of household coolants-antifreeze. The use of automotive fluids /antifreeze or antifreeze/ in systems is possible if they are manufactured using technology that involves the use of fluid for cooling internal combustion engines, as well as as a working fluid in heat exchangers operating at low and moderate temperatures.
Conventional additive packages – automobile antifreeze And antifreeze are not designed for long-term and intensive use in domestic heating systems. In some cases, additives contained in modern auto fluids and designed for automotive engine alloys may not be compatible with heating system materials.
It should also be remembered that - automotive antifreeze all inherent environmental disadvantages coolants based on – ethylene glycol.
In addition, automotive antifreeze additives often include - toxic substances, which may pose a danger to – person And animals.
COOLANT BASED ON PROPYLENE GLYCOL
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Higher cost than other types of coolants. The initial cost of propylene glycol-based coolant is only apparent. She makes excuses minimal costs for system repairs, low operating costs and labor costs, ensuring safety, and no costs for connecting to centralized heating systems. It should also be borne in mind that the cost of high-quality coolant is preferable to the cost of repairing expensive equipment. Coolant /antifreeze/ “Comfort” brand “ A", produced by PA "Khimprom" Kemerovo, due to the manufacture based on our own raw materials - the cheapest in Russia! |
It can be used in systems that have heating elements outside the building or in the attic.
The wrong choice of antifreeze and non-compliance with operating rules can cause many problems during operation, up to complete failure of the system.
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A glycerin-based coolant is a solution of glycerin in water with the addition of various additives and dye.
The presence of glycerin in the coolant reduces its freezing point, which makes the heating system (CO) more resistant to malfunctions that lead to temporary cessation of operation of the heating boiler.
The probability that the glycerin-based coolant will freeze in the lines, which will lead to their rupture and failure of the CO, is significantly less than that which exists for systems using only water as a coolant.
Glycerin in the heating system is the main factor influencing the further choice of the CO project for a private house, the type of heating boiler, the power of the installed heating devices(convectors or radiators), on the power of the main pump and the list of materials used.
Glycerin based coolant
When deciding to purchase a coolant produced using glycerin, you should definitely analyze the main parameters of the latter so as not to experience unnecessary difficulties in the future with the operation and maintenance of CO:
The ideal choice is a glycerin-based coolant, the chemical composition of which takes into account the possible results of its interaction with all substances currently used in the designs of heating boilers and CO heating lines of private houses (steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum).
Because otherwise reactions may occur leading to electrochemical corrosion.
Glycerin in the heating system must have additives that prevent oxidation and foaming.
Glycerin for heating does not have a hazard class assigned to it and, according to international standards, is considered a food additive with code E 422.
Having given preference to non-freezing liquid, you need to understand that the system does not require car antifreeze, ethanol or transformer oil, but a special glycerin-based antifreeze, which is created specifically for use in heating systems.
We cannot discount the requirements regarding fire safety, as well as the requirements for the chemical composition of antifreeze from the point of view of the safety of its components for human health.
Any manipulations with coolant containing glycerin for heating, such as filling or replacement, require professional training and special equipment.
Therefore, they must be performed by specialists.
It is recommended to store coolants made using glycerin in a hermetically sealed container specially designed for this purpose and in a cold room.
It is necessary to protect this coolant from direct sunlight, as this can lead to chemical reaction decomposition of additives included in the coolant and the main substance.
In all other cases, the specified coolant is stable and retains its properties without changes for eight years.
The best coolant in composition is ordinary water. It is worth diluting water with antifreeze and pouring it into the heating system only if absolutely necessary. Numerous negative aspects of antifreeze greatly prevail over positive qualities water coolant.
When making your final decision, weigh the performance efficiency of water and antifreeze-based coolant. We have been convinced many times that water as a coolant is the optimal solution. Any antifreeze included in the coolant should be used only in one case, which we will talk about in detail today.
The efficiency of heating your home largely depends on what coolant you use in the heating system country house. The coolant is the final touch that will help sparkle with all the colors of your heating system, bringing coziness and comfort to your home. Despite the apparent simplicity of choosing a coolant, you should approach this process as carefully and responsibly as possible.
Coolant that accumulates and transfers thermal energy, inevitably passes through the heart of the heating system, which is an expensive boiler. In addition, the coolant washes the pump rotor, cooling the engine in forced system heating. And of course, the coolant directly affects pipes, fittings and radiators. Avoiding harmful effects on all elements of the system and ensuring maximum heat transfer coefficient is the main task that the owner needs to solve when choosing a coolant for the heating system of a country house.
What should be the coolant for the system? autonomous heating? Let's try to formulate the necessary criteria for compliance with the “ideal” option.
On the one hand, almost all the necessary requirements are met by the simplest liquid for heating systems - water. Water is not dangerous, does not harm the environment, has a high heat capacity coefficient, and the operating periods are not regulated by a time interval.
However, one significant disadvantage negates all the advantages - water crystallizes already at zero temperature. Quite often, we do not heat our home for the full duration of the heating season. Often we leave country houses during vacation or simply go to the city. In this case, during downtime, water will do a disservice. When freezing, we will most likely encounter failure of the boiler, pipes and radiators.
In such cases, liquids containing propylene glycol or other antifreezes come to the rescue. Being exposed negative temperatures, such liquids largely lose their fluidity, but do not freeze and do not have a sharp expansion coefficient, as a result of which the equipment remains in working order, even when subjected to freezing.
Thus, it is not difficult to decide which coolant to use for the heating system: for constant operation and maintaining a positive temperature, we recommend using ordinary pre-settled and boiled water. Ordinary tap water contains various salts and is saturated with oxygen, which contribute to the deposition of scale in the heating system.
Boiled water will reduce the occurrence of scale in the heat exchanger, since during boiling the percentage of dissolved gases O2, Cl, H2S decreases and the water softens slightly. The disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to carry out the task of boiling large volumes of water. In addition, boiling does not provide complete removal of dissolved salts.
The most effective is the use of so-called “softener filters.” Such filters carry out cleaning based on the reagent, ion exchange or electromagnetic principle of influence. You can purchase such a product in special stores. thermal equipment. Most of these filters are used specifically for boiler water preparation. In addition, you can filter the water yourself using an ion exchange filter (GEYSER type).
There is a practice of mixing special reagents with water to help soften it. A well-known remedy is soda ash; sodium orthophosphate is also used. In both cases, you need to be moderate and follow the indicated dosage. Exceeding the ratios leads to the opposite effect; such a coolant has reduced thermal characteristics and provokes the corrosiveness of the solution.
The best option, however, would be to purchase water from a company engaged in production drinking water. The most expensive solution is to use distilled liquid.
If you use your home as a temporary residence or often leave it in winter, then the only the right decision the heating system will be operated with a coolant containing glycol or glycerin. Such liquids will allow you to leave the heating circuit and boiler equipment unattended for a long time. The use of antifreeze virtually eliminates the possibility of heating equipment “defrosting”. In addition, you don’t have to worry about scale deposits.
We invite you to get acquainted with well-known manufacturers, and also understand the three main compositions used in coolants. Consider their distinctive characteristics and areas of application. Today, the domestic market does not experience a shortage of antifreeze mixtures. Antifreeze for heating a country house or summer cottage can be found at any construction market.
Modern coolant has a complex set of components chemical elements. Known antifreeze fluids used in heating systems are based on three fundamental components. Accordingly, each liquid is endowed with different properties and characteristics. The main difference in the technical characteristics of the presented brands is determined by the fillers on which the coolant is mixed:
- ethylene glycol;
- propylene glycol;- glycerin.
The coolant is produced in the form of a concentrate or is often offered a little more expensive, ready for use, without additional enrichment with water. Manufacturers offer high-quality antifreeze. Thanks to the moderate concentration and proper proportions of polyhydric alcohol, a good coolant does not “corrode” the rubber gaskets of pumping equipment. There is a complete absence of negative impact on polypropylene or metal-plastic pipes.
The Russian market offers antifreeze liquids with a huge variety of brands from various, both domestic and foreign manufacturers. In common parlance, “anti-freeze” is found under the names: “Warm House”, “Dixis”, “Thermagent Eco”, “Thermos Eco”, “TeploDom”, “Antifrogen N” and many others. As a rule, antifreezes have different colors, repeating almost the entire range of the rainbow palette: green, blue, yellow, red and even pink.
Most likely, due to its simple preparation and low cost, the group of antifreezes that contain ethylene glycol is the most common among others. As we noted, the coolant is found in the form of a concentrate or in a ready-made solution, usually with a crystallization threshold at -30º C. Antifreeze is red, supplied in cans from 10 to 50 liters. The declared characteristics in a concentrated state are capable of serving a temperature range from – 65º to + 110º C.
If necessary, guided by climatic realities, you can always bring the coolant to the required crystallization value. The requirement for antifreeze concentration is regulated service center Your boiler and pumping equipment. It is recommended to mix the concentrate with distilled water according to the table below. The red color of antifreeze warns of the need to adhere to the strictest safety measures.
|
Water percentage |
Concentrate percentage |
Freezing threshold |
Boiling threshold |
Thus, ethylene glycol antifreeze can be used only when boiler equipment is equipped with a control and adjustment system that maintains specified temperatures.
As we can see, there are a lot of shortcomings, and quite significant ones at that. The only attractive aspect is the low cost of the product. The price of ready-made formulations does not exceed 60 rubles per liter, the cost of concentrated products stops at 90 rubles per liter in 2017 prices.
A significant limitation to the use of ethylene glycol as a coolant is the manufacturers of wall-mounted gas boiler equipment. Companies strictly prohibit the injection of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze into systems using their devices and withdraw them from warranty service if the rules are ignored by the consumer.
Propylene glycol defines the concept as environmentally friendly pure product and the logo “ ECO", which by the way, is highlighted for good reason. In heat exchange equipment in the temperature range from −40 °C to +108 °C, propylene glycol and antifreezes based on it are absolutely non-toxic.
Unlike ethylene glycol, propylene glycol coolant is approved for use in double-circuit boilers. The characteristics of the composition allow mixing a small amount with hot water, without serious consequences for the skin or digestive tract.
The next type of coolant that we will consider is based on a solution with glycerin. We are often asked which coolant glycerin or propylene glycol should be chosen for the most efficient operation of the heating system, let's figure it out.
Glycerin has been used as antifreeze compounds since the end of the last century. The characteristics and properties are more like a cross between ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The price range is also located in the middle with a bias towards expensive coolant.
Opinions regarding the advisability of using glycerin in heating systems are often diametrically opposed. We will try to compose SWOT analysis based on the arguments of supporters and opponents, since the truth is somewhere in the middle of the judgments.
It is worth noting that glycerin in antifreeze is known and used at the beginning of the 20th century, at the dawn of heating systems. Subsequently, they were replaced by cheaper analogues of glycol coolants. Thus, glycerin antifreeze is not an innovation, but rather a new look at a forgotten past.
To summarize, it remains to add that in European countries that are members of the EU, the production and use of coolant based on ethylene glycol is prohibited by law. At the same time, there is no development of glycerin-containing products, since this approach is unpromising and ineffective. With this review, if you have a coolant based on glycerin or propylene glycol on hand, it is better to opt for the latter.
How to select a coolant for a heating system and choose a suitable antifreeze is not an idle question. Of course, it is better to use water, but if you expect heating downtime, you will need antifreeze. It should be taken into account that different compositions have distinctive characteristics of thermal conductivity and heat capacity.
Add to this the fact that antifreeze will require up to 10% additional capacity of your system when compared to plain water. Despite the fact that the crystallization threshold is lower, the coefficient of thermal expansion of non-freezing liquid is slightly higher compared to water.
Taking into account the set of coolant parameters, it is selected suitable equipment for heating your home. As an example, the size of the expansion tank is selected based on compliance with the parameters specified in the table. There is a dependence on the volume of coolant pumped into the heating system.
When choosing an antifreeze liquid, the most important consideration should be given to the type of your heating system: open or closed. The actual parameters of the coolant will also depend on the design of the boiler. Wall-mounted installation will require a more “gentle” approach as opposed to floor-mounted installation.
Some of the antifreezes discussed above are not permissible for use in dual-circuit versions and are suitable only for single-circuit versions. Taken together, all this affects both the cost, heating efficiency, and ultimately your healthy well-being.
The easiest way to pour coolant into a finished heating system is to gradually fill the expansion tank until it is completely filled. Of course, this simple method is only suitable for open-type structures. The manual filling method will not require you to additional equipment- maybe a bucket and a ladle.
The procedure for pumping coolant into a closed system circuit is a little more complicated. It will be necessary to install an additional “tie-in” into the pipeline circuit. It’s good if the mechanics and installers prudently do this work in advance, during the installation work. You can install a standard tee with a threaded connection of no more than half an inch. Next, using a threaded connection, screw on a shut-off valve equipped with a fitting for connecting hoses using a clamp.
Coolant must be pumped under pressure. A hand pump is suitable to create pressure. You can also use inexpensive electric submersible pump type “Baby”. To make the process more efficient, pour all the required coolant into one large container. After filling the system, be sure to return the valve to its original closed position.
We advise you to pay attention to the boiler operating instructions; perhaps your modern unit already has a built-in make-up tap on its body. In this case, it will be easier for you to fill and subsequently add antifreeze directly through the boiler equipment.
We hope our article helped you find the answer to which coolant for a country house heating system is best suited to your needs. By choosing an antifreeze based on propylene glycol, ethylene glycol or glycerin, you can be sure that this is the optimal solution for domestic conditions, in the absence of year-round heating.
Moreover, high-quality antifreeze additives will help prolong the life of the equipment and protect your circuit from corrosive processes and the formation of scale deposits.
The main condition that you must strictly observe in order to choose the right coolant is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and carefully read the boiler instructions. Often the manufacturer gives advice, including the recommended brand and composition of the ratio of the proportions of antifreeze liquid and water. Also, keep in mind that the coolant does not retain its beneficial properties forever and must be replaced approximately once every 5-7 years.
A glycerin-based coolant is a solution of glycerin in water with the addition of various additives and dye.
The presence of glycerin in the coolant reduces its freezing point, which makes the heating system (CO) more resistant to malfunctions that lead to temporary cessation of operation of the heating boiler.
The probability that the glycerin-based coolant will freeze in the lines, which will lead to their rupture and failure of the CO, is significantly less than that which exists for systems using only water as a coolant.
Glycerin in the heating system is the main factor influencing the further choice of the CO project for a private house, the type of heating boiler, the power of installed heating devices (convectors or radiators), the power of the main pump and the list of materials used.
When deciding to purchase a coolant produced using glycerin, you should definitely analyze the main parameters of the latter so as not to experience unnecessary difficulties in the future with the operation and maintenance of CO:
The ideal choice is a glycerin-based coolant, the chemical composition of which takes into account the possible results of its interaction with all substances currently used in the designs of heating boilers and CO heating lines of private houses (steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum).
Because otherwise reactions may occur leading to electrochemical corrosion.
Glycerin in the heating system must have additives that prevent oxidation and foaming.
Glycerin for heating does not have a hazard class assigned to it and, according to international standards, is considered a food additive with code E 422.
Having given preference to a non-freezing liquid, you need to understand that the system does not require car antifreeze, ethyl alcohol or transformer oil, but a special glycerin-based antifreeze, which is created specifically for use in heating systems.
We cannot discount the requirements regarding fire safety, as well as the requirements for the chemical composition of antifreeze from the point of view of the safety of its components for human health.
Any manipulations with coolant containing glycerin for heating, such as filling or replacement, require professional training and special equipment.
Therefore, they must be performed by specialists.
It is recommended to store coolants made using glycerin in a hermetically sealed container specially designed for this purpose and in a cold room.
It is necessary to protect this coolant from direct sunlight, as this can lead to a chemical reaction of decomposition of the additives included in the coolant and the main substance.
In all other cases, the specified coolant is stable and retains its properties without changes for eight years.
Article rating:
22.11.13 Source: http://teplo-faq.net/
As is known, both water and non-freezing liquids - antifreezes - can be used as a coolant in heating systems. Each of these coolants has its own advantages and disadvantages. We will tell you about them today.
Coolant "Gulfstream-65" is produced on the basis of high-quality monoethylene glycol with the use of a balanced package of functional additives (anti-corrosion, anti-foam, antioxidant and heat-stabilizing, as well as additives that increase inertness to sealing materials), providing protection of the heating system from foaming, scale and corrosion.
The safe coolant "THERMAGENT EKO -30" is produced on the basis of pharmacological propylene glycol DOW (Germany) and using the latest technology "Organic Acid technology". Contains non-toxic, organic (carboxylate) corrosion inhibitors and a package of special additives made in Germany.All three of the above substances belong to the so-called. polyhydric alcohols - substances that have two or more -OH groups in their molecules, due to which many hydrogen bonds are formed between their molecules, and the substances themselves are easily mixed with water in any ratio. From the point of view of their effects on the body, glycerin solutions are completely harmless, since it is naturally found in dietary fats and is registered as a food additive E422. Propylene glycol is not included in food, but in most countries it is registered as a food additive E1520 and is often used in shampoos, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, etc. Finally, ethylene glycol is a moderately toxic substance: its LD50 is approximately 4700 mg/kg (for comparison, the LD50 of table salt is about 3000 mg/kg - i.e., when taken orally, it is formally much more dangerous).
From a technical point of view, an antifreeze additive to the coolant must meet a whole set of requirements, the most important of which are:
All other things being equal, glycerin coolant has the highest viscosity - therefore, due to the increased total hydraulic resistance The heating system will require a more powerful circulation pump. In addition, glycerin-based antifreeze for heating systems has increased corrosive activity, which leads to the use of ready-made compounds with specially introduced anti-corrosion additives. Compositions based on ethylene glycol now usually have a “bad reputation”, although their viscosity is minimal and from the figures given above it is obvious that they are quite safe in use - if you do not splash around in liquids with ethylene glycol and do not take them orally in glasses. In terms of the totality of technical parameters, glycerin antifreeze for heating systems is not the best, although it usually leads in cheapness.
To recap: in the resulting dilemma of “should I use propylene glycol or glycerin for heating as antifreeze?” The final price usually plays a decisive role, since propylene glycol compounds have the best overall technical specifications have higher prices.
