If you operate a system that benefits from being cooled, such as a wine storage room or a cooling tower, you may have looked into your options for chillers. Glycol systems are a common choice, because they are easy to maintain and effective in keeping things cool without the risk of freezing. However, if you choose to use a glycol system, you will need to have it cleaned prior in order to ensure that it operates at its most efficient and remains in good working order for an extended period of time.
What Is Glycol?
Glycol is an organic compound belonging to the alcohol family. The substance is typically broken into two types: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. You have most likely already heard of or even used ethylene glycol, because its most common application is as antifreeze for automobiles. It is known for its slightly sweet taste, but it is toxic to humans. Propylene glycol, in contrast, is often included in foods, cosmetics, and other products as a solvent; it is non-toxic, and it helps to retain moisture and preserve substances.
Benefits Of Glycol System Services
Glycol is effective as a cooling method because it has a freezing point lower than water. Depending on the type of glycol you choose to use, its freezing point may be as low as -66 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you can achieve much more comprehensive cooling by using glycol without the risk of freezing your pipes.
However, if you choose to utilize a glycol system, you would benefit from system pre-cleaning and filling services. This is necessary to keep all of your piping and cooling applications operating at their best and ensures that your system is safe and set up for long-term success.
Ensures Systems Operate At Full Capacity
Over time, even a brand new system will begin to degrade, and this can impact the performance of the cooling that you are receiving from your glycol piping. Most often, this happens as a result of wear and tear on the pipes, which reduces the overall smooth surfaces within the pipes and slows the flow of glycol. This can lead to heat pockets and an uneven distribution of temperature throughout the glycol system, which means that your glycol is not cooling as effectively as it could be.
Over time, this is going to cost you more money and hassle than a clean system. Depending upon the reason you are using a glycol cooling system, you may even see other costly consequences, such as food spoilage or machinery damage from overheating, since the glycol is not cooling as efficiently anymore. Be sure to reach out to an expert who can clean and fill your glycol system as part of your regular maintenance.
Protects Systems From Corrosion
Even the most sturdy of glycol systems will eventually be subject to corrosion or rust due to time and constant contact with moisture. When corrosion occurs in a pipe, it can create buildup or pockets of uneven surfaces within the piping, and the glycol may have a difficult time moving through these areas with ease. This causes the cool glycol solution to mingle with piped liquid that is not at the ideal temperature as the flow turns to a small eddy within the pipe, reducing your system’s efficiency.
Acidic conditions will lead to Corrosion and can also introduce particulates and debris into the pipes as the sediment flakes off. Over time, you may begin to experience fouling of your system and other undesirable consequences. This is why regularly staying in touch with a water treatment professional to have your glycol system cleaned, filled, treated and monitoredis critical for your operation.
Reduces Harm To The Environment
When you choose to use a glycol system but do not perform proper maintenance to clean and fill it, and treat it you risk having a negative impact on the environment. Remember that some types of glycol can be toxic, and failing to properly care for your system can allow chemicals and other debris to leach into the environment where they do not belong.
Contact The Cooling Water Experts At Tower Water For Glycol System Cleaning
If you need your glycol system to be cleaned and refilled, or if you would like to set up a regular maintenance schedule, reach out to the experts. The technicians at Tower Water set the standard in water treatment services and would be happy to assist you in maintaining your glycol system for maximum efficiency and longevity. When you take proper care of your cooling system, it will save you money and run for a longer lifespan.
Reach out to schedule an appointment with an expert. During this meeting, the project managerwill review your unique situation and offer a personalized solution suited to your individual glycol system so that you receive the best results possible.