What to put into the heating system, so she doesn't freeze?
Any, who has a heating system in a private house or cottage. Surely sooner or later you will encounter a question, how to replace water?
Water, despite its perfection, has two serious drawbacks.
Water, facing zero temperature, and, what's worse, expands when frozen. This may damage the pipes, radiators, boilers, pumps, cranes, etc.. d. All this can happen when completely frozen. In this case, there are only two solutions to the problem.
1. Choose between ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.
2. May be, it's worth using something homemade (For example, moonshine)?
Stores offer special liquids, that do not freeze - antifreeze based on ethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol. Both options are similar in composition and are designed to be poured into a car’s expansion tank. However, there are two key advantages of these antifreezes:
1. Non-freezing and non-evaporation.
They really reliably protect the system from freezing and evaporation.
2. Ease of purchase. They can be easily purchased in stores.
Unfortunately, store-bought antifreeze based on polypropylene glycol is not the best option for the following reasons:
– High probability of thickening, what can affect the operation of the heat pump.
– Significant cost.
– The need for regular complete fluid changes.
– Damage to standard seals.
– Reduced heat capacity.
– Sparse in a static state and dense in movement, than water.
– Toxicity (especially in the case of ethylene glycol), and polypropylene glycol is also more expensive.
– Damage to standard seals.
Glycols can cause damage to system seals, and their use is not recommended by many manufacturers. Glycols may require a larger pump. Replacing a pump can be challenging, especially for those built into boilers. Besides, The rarity of glycol in a static state and its density in motion can affect the efficiency of the system.
All in all, It is important to consider the details and risks when choosing antifreeze for your heat pump, as they may affect its effectiveness and service life.
HOWEVER, you can do it yourself!
ETHYL ALCOHOL SOLUTION
Additionally, you should consider, that under pressure a liquid boils at a higher temperature. Typically for a typical system this is two additional atmospheric pressures, so the boiling point will be approximately 107,1 degrees.
Considering, that the automation of any boiler is set to the maximum temperature 90 degrees, that 107,1 > 90. It means, that the system can cope with boiling.
Thus, for Kharkov, where sudden drops in temperature are possible, you will need a mixture with 34% alcohol to minimize risks. At this alcohol content, the mixture will freeze at approximately -23,6 degrees, with boiling temperature 85 degrees.
Given the pressure, in which a liquid boils at a higher temperature (considering, that with increasing pressure on 1 atmosphere above atmospheric boiling point increases by 13%), we get, which is approximately at pressure 2 atmosphere the boiling point is 107,1 degrees. Since the boiler automation is set to maximum temperature 90 degrees, this avoids boiling.
Thus, taking into account all parameters, 34% the solution is safe, which will not freeze or boil. Similar results are possible with 39% mixtures.
Now calculate the amount of alcohol to achieve the required concentration. Based on the formula X = N/B – 1, where X – required amount of water per liter of alcohol, N – initial concentration (usually 96%), B – required concentration (in this case 34%), we get, what you need to add to get the required amount of water 1,82 liters of water to 1 a liter of alcohol.
Thus, you need to use a solution from 2,82 liters (1 liter of alcohol + 1,82 liters of water) to achieve concentration 34%.
If you don't know the initial volume, It is recommended to use an alcohol meter to accurately measure the concentration of a solution using a simple algorithm of adding alcohol and water and then measuring.
General conclusion: with the correct calculation of the concentration, an alcohol solution can be an effective coolant without the risk of fire and other disadvantages, typical for glycols.
