Chiller Glycol
Antifreeze Monitoring For Industrial Chillers
Glycol antifreeze is a critical fluid used in automotive, industrial, and HVAC systems to prevent freezing and overheating. It is primarily composed of either ethylene glycol (EG) or propylene glycol (PG), both of which lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of water when mixed. This allows engines, refrigeration systems, and other cooling systems to function efficiently in extreme temperatures.
Glycol antifreeze operates by disrupting the formation of ice crystals in water. When mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio, ethylene glycol can lower the freezing point to around -34°F (-37°C) and raise the boiling point to 265°F (129°C). This prevents engine blocks from cracking in cold weather and overheating in hot conditions. Additionally, glycol antifreeze contains corrosion inhibitors that protect metal components from rust and scale buildup, ensuring the longevity of the system.
Glycol Applications
- Automotive Industry – Used in car radiators to maintain optimal engine temperature and prevent coolant from freezing or boiling over.
- HVAC Systems – In heating and cooling systems, glycol antifreeze prevents pipes from freezing, especially in colder climates.
- Industrial Cooling – Used in manufacturing processes where temperature regulation is essential, such as chemical plants and power plants.
- Food Industry – Propylene glycol, a less toxic alternative, is used in food-processing cooling systems and pharmaceutical applications.
- Aerospace – Utilized in de-icing fluids for aircraft to prevent ice buildup on wings and fuselages.
While effective, ethylene glycol is toxic to humans and animals, necessitating careful handling. Propylene glycol is often preferred in environmentally sensitive applications. The choice of antifreeze depends on the specific requirements of the system it is protecting.
The Solution - The Cool Gauge RT-100
The Cool Gauge RT-100 is an advanced, reliable solution for glycol monitoring antifreeze levels in process chilled water systems. It offers continuous, accurate measurements of common heat transfer fluids (HTFs) such as Mono-Ethylene Glycol (MEG), Mono-Propylene Glycol (MPG), ALV, and ALV+, along with system temperature readings.
Equipped with 4-20mA and RS485 Modbus capabilities, the RT-100 enables seamless integration with existing Building Management Systems (BMS) or standalone panels, allowing real-time data access. Its advanced microprocessor features an OLED display and an integrated datalogger capable of storing up to 56 days or 80,000 data points of operational temperature and concentration values.
By maintaining optimal HTF concentrations, the RT-100 helps preserve efficient fluid viscosity, leading to reduced energy consumption and operational costs. It also minimizes manual sampling errors and prevents potential glycol overdosing, which can increase fluid viscosity and pumping costs. Furthermore, the RT-100 provides early warnings of potential issues, such as low glycol levels, through alerts via email or SMS, enhancing system protection and reducing the risk of freeze damage.
Incorporating the Cool Gauge RT-100 into antifreeze monitoring protocols ensures precise control over cooling systems, promoting efficiency, cost savings, and system longevity.
Call our friendly Sales team today for more information.
case studies
Adiabatic Cooling System - Control HTF dosing for an aerospace engineering company
The Requirement
A clearly identified need for greater control and management of the site’s ‘production critical’ adiabatic cooling system. One of the key parameters to be kept under strict control is the HTF level, as, by monitoring and controlling the optimum HTF (inhibited) reserve, the system receives the necessary protection from freezing, corrosion and scale. Continuous collection of vital HTF data by Cool Gauge is delivered to the controller via Cool Gauge’s RS485 capability which effectively enables accurate dosage of the selected HTF to the system.
The HTF reserve is maintained accurately by adjustable high and low set-points in the controller. This data can also be seen by remote viewers in real-time, and, if necessary, alerts sent to operators via text or email if the set-points are breached. This facility warns operators of any impending problems such as drops in the HTF level due to leaks.
The Data
This graph shows data as viewed by operators after logging in to the cloud account. It can be seen that steady HTF conditions are maintained over the 13 month time-scale selected. Fluctuations, such as those seen if a manual shot dose of HTF is made, can be easily noted as a rise in the monitored level. The on-going HTF system average is shown in the grey box. Any historical data can also be seen by adjusting the start and finish dates in the cloud website.
news post
Most Recent News
Cool-Gauge is in ACR News!
“Exciting news! Cool-Gauge is featured in the latest edition of ACR News! We are thrilled to announce that our innovative product, the Cool-Gauge RT-100 cooling system monitoring device, was recently highlighted in an article published by ACR News. This article shines a spotlight on the advanced technology and unique features of our RT-100, which offers unparalleled monitoring capabilities for cooling systems, helping to improve efficiency and reliability. We’re proud to be commited to innovation and customer satisfaction in the HVAC industry!”
