During the operation of various life support systems, engines, devices in the cold season, a situation arises when a negative ambient temperature negatively affects the physical properties of the liquids that are inside them. For example, these are coolants that serve to prevent overheating of the mechanisms themselves or various coolants.
Therefore, so-called antifreeze fluids are used. Antifreeze is a liquid substance that retains all its properties regardless of temperature differences. Antifreezes are used in construction, in the production of automobiles, in heating and ventilation systems of private houses or industrial buildings.
Heat media and their types
Almost all antifreezes contain water and special additives. The basis of any coolant can be:
- Propylene glycol - if you compare it with other types of antifreeze, then this substancedoes not cause any harm to human he alth, not only by direct contact, but even by inhalation of its vapors. The main advantage of this type of antifreeze is its safety. That is why it is actively used in double-circuit heating systems, since even if the substance gets into the hot water circuit, nothing bad will happen. In addition, propylene glycol is used as an agent in the confectionery industry, being also a food additive. Propylene glycol is usually green in color. Due to the availability of different colors of antifreeze on sale, confusion arises as to whether antifreeze of different colors can be mixed or not. It all depends on the purpose and operating conditions. Like other antifreezes, the freezing point of propylene glycol is around -35 C.
- Ethylene glycol is a very popular type of antifreeze, mainly due to its low market value, and in addition, it is available in two types: with freezing temperatures of -30 ° C and -65 ° C. Its main drawback is an increased danger to human he alth. Therefore, this brand of antifreeze has a red color so that in the event of a leak, it will be noticeable and the consequences of its consequences can be quickly eliminated.
- Triethylene glycol is the least commonly used antifreeze, mainly in systems where temperatures are high. Triethylene glycol is considered a speci alty antifreeze.
Therefore, choosing which brand of antifreeze you need, it is better to resolve this issue before you start building a house.
Properties of antifreezes and their characteristics
Antifreezes are different:
- Density.
- Freezing point.
- Viscosity.
- Acid-base balance (pH).
- Color.
- Heat capacity.
Each individual brand of antifreeze has its own unique characteristics. Antifreezes in their composition have various additives that are necessary to improve their quality.
Properties of antifreezes that are important during their operation
They are:
- Operation for a long time. Without replacing the coolant, antifreeze systems can be safely operated for a long time. This also achieves an increase in the service life of the entire heating or ventilation system as a whole.
- Antifreezes are resistant to corrosion. It is due to the presence of special additives in the composition of antifreezes that rust does not form inside the heating systems. This helps to increase the efficiency of heating the room, and at the same time significantly reduces energy costs.
- Resistant to cavitation. In ordinary water, if the pressure in the system decreases, bubbles will inevitably appear. In the case of antifreeze, this is not observed. Thus, they also save systems from hydraulic shocks and vibrations.
In the production of antifreeze additives are required. The non-use of these components in propylene glycol or ethylene glycol would be unreasonable from an economic point of view.view.
Nuances when buying antifreeze
All antifreezes sold on the construction market have a different price, depending on the brand, manufacturer, and the distinctive performance properties of the substance itself. Ignorant people often buy automotive antifreezes for their heating systems (transformer oil, antifreeze, and others). This is categorically unacceptable, since they contain substances harmful to humans and animals. In addition, they are highly flammable.
The optimal solution in choosing a heat carrier for heating is ethylene glycol. That is, the brand of antifreeze that is based on it.
Tips & Tricks
One of the most common questions shoppers ask in stores is "Can I mix different colors of antifreeze?" Sometimes this is acceptable, but only after a serious check of substances for compatibility. Most often, mixing different colors of antifreeze leads to a decrease in the performance properties of the coolant and the formation of rust deposits on the pipe walls.
It is best to dilute antifreeze with distilled water. It does not contain s alts of such chemical elements as calcium and magnesium, therefore it is usually softer than the required value. Ordinary water, when used along with antifreeze, will most likely also lead to precipitation. The permissible hardness of the water used to dilute the antifreeze is 5 mg-eq.
When carrying out any work with heating systems, it is necessary to monitor such an indicator as densityantifreeze. The table, as a rule, is placed on the back side of the tank; it can be used to determine the performance of a given brand of coolant.
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is less thermally conductive than water (by 15-20%).
Without fear of reducing the efficiency of the heating system, antifreeze can be used for 5 years. Then you should completely drain the old one and fill in a clean, new coolant.
What is the density of antifreeze measured in?
Density is indicated in grams per cubic cm. Checking the freezing point and the amount of ethylene glycol will help the density of antifreeze. The density table contains many indicators and is easy to use.
To check the density of antifreeze, you can use a hydrometer. This is a device for measuring the density of antifreeze. It has two scales - for measuring density and freezing point.
Checking the density of antifreeze with a refractometer
You can check the density of antifreeze and a refractometer. Checking is quick, just a drop of coolant is enough.
The measurement order is as follows:
- Pip antifreeze onto the instrument's prism with a pipette.
- Sharpen with eyepiece.
- Read readings from the scale along the index line.
You can also use the folk way - put a little substance in a plastic bottle, cork and put in the freezer of the refrigerator. Stir after an hour. If the solution does not crystallize, then this antifreeze can be used when-24°C (medium freezer temperature).
The density of antifreeze varies significantly depending on the temperature, and when used at temperatures below -65 ° C, it still begins to decompose. As a result, the operation of the heating system will be disrupted, and the coolant itself will fail.
