WHAT IS GLYCOL?

What is glycol and why you should care if you're managing a cooling or water system. Glycol is the unsung hero of temperature control, helping keep things cool without the hassle of freezing. But before you dive into using it, it's crucial to understand what types of glycol exist and which one will work best for your needs.

Ethylene glycol

First off, let’s break it down: there are two main types of glycol. Ethylene glycol is powerful but toxic—think antifreeze for your car or brake fluid. While effective in various applications, it requires careful handling due to its hazardous nature.

Propylene glycol

On the flip side, we have propylene glycol—the non-toxic alternative. This one’s a safer bet and even finds its way into food products and cosmetics! It’s known for preserving moisture and keeping your systems running smoothly without the health risks associated with ethylene glycol.

Now, here’s the kicker: never mix different types or brands of glycol in your system! Doing so can lead to some serious problems—clogged equipment and unpredictable freeze points that could jeopardize your entire setup.

In cooling systems, mixing glycol with water significantly lowers the freezing point, allowing you to maintain consistent temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially crucial for large areas like ice rinks where maintaining frigid conditions is essential.

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