Things You Need to Know About Propylene Glycol Coolant ? A Heat Transfer Fluid

Posted by novamen on July 19th, 2016

Propylene Glycol is popularly used as an industrial chemical and engine coolant. It is an antifreeze agent with an amazing ability to decrease the freezing point of water.  It is widely known as a heat transfer agent.

The reason why propylene glycol is so popular is that it has a high boiling point and low vapor pressure. It is also ‘low–flammable’ and has the lowest mammalian toxicity. Even in the case of accidental oral intake, it is easily treated and considerably less harmful than other options.

Propylene glycol’s ability to preserve the flow in freezing temperatures means it does not allow pressure to form that might lead to bursts or other damage. This quality makes it a perfect choice for pipes and vessels.

On an industrial scale, propylene glycol is used as a transitional material for manufacturing resins for paints and varnishes. It is also used in creating high-performance resins that are used as gel coatings, sheet molding compounds, synthetic marble castings, and plastic laminates for marine construction.

Propylene glycol is also used in the manufacture of many ready-to-use industrial and day-to-day products like engine coolants, paints, varnishes, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids, resins, unsaturated polyesters, and urethanes. As a coolant, the major function of propylene glycol is to protect the engine from the heat produced by friction. After the engine starts up, the coolant flows from top to bottom in a repetitive motion that can keep the temperature of the engine low. It also protects the engine from corrosion.

A basic internal combustion engine can only convert one-third of the total energy generated into mechanical energy, and the other two-thirds is wasted in the form of heat that is dissipated through the exhaust and general heat radiation. Engine coolants transfer the remaining heat to the radiator so that the engine can perform efficiently.

While choosing the right coolant for your engine, you should also consider the climate conditions and the engine’s metals. Propylene glycol based coolants are considered best for  aluminum engines. For extremely cold climates, the coolant should also have anti-freeze properties. Propylene glycol, when combined with water, shows amazing anti-freeze properties that protect the pipes and tubes efficiently. Modern coolants contain high-quality propylene glycol with de-ionized water supported with anti-corrosion additives. These coolants often come in various colors like neon green and florescent that is acquired through dyes of different colors. This helps to locate any leaks in the system.

Apart from an engine coolant, Propylene glycol is also useful for various other purposes. For instance, it is also used as a de-icing agent on runways and roads. It melts the snow quickly and does not create a slippery surface. Propylene glycol is more expensive than other options, but it is environmentally friendly. It can cause mild irritation if it comes in contact with the skin. With adequate medical attention, it can be easily dealt with. Such qualities rank propylene glycol high on the checklist for safety parameters for industrial chemical usage. 

About the Company:

Novamen Inc. is a privately held company and was started in 2010. With over 30 years of combined knowledge and experience in these markets, the founders are building the company with the intention of offering products and services to industrial clients that go beyond those of traditional chemical companies. Operating in Alberta, Novamen Inc. focus is primarily to industrial, oil, natural gas and mining industries throughout Canada. Visit Novamen Inc. to learn more about the chemical solutions you need that are more accessible, efficient, and cost effective than ever.