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-   -   Antifreeze solutions in GSHP? (https://ecorenovator.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4597)

TechShop 10-18-15 08:03 PM

Antifreeze solutions in GSHP?
 
I'm at the point where I'm ready to do an initial test-run of a 4-ton GSHP / Hydronic system I've been working on and I have been thinking about protecting my system with antifreeze. My system is comprised of PEX with a standard water heater for storage. There is one iron pump in the hydronic system and one iron pump to circulate the ground loops.

Where are you guys sourcing your Propylene Glycol antifreeze?

I've read some things about the importance of using the proper type of antifreeze due to the corrosion inhibitors it contains whereas the RV/Marine type antifreeze does not have these inhibitors.

Is it possible to purchase the inhibitor package and add it to a RV/Marine antifreeze or other source of PG that I can purchase locally?

Thanks in advance.

AC_Hacker 10-19-15 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechShop (Post 47522)
I'm at the point where I'm ready to do an initial test-run of a 4-ton GSHP / Hydronic system I've been working on and I have been thinking about protecting my system with antifreeze. My system is comprised of PEX with a standard water heater for storage. There is one iron pump in the hydronic system and one iron pump to circulate the ground loops.

Congratulations on your progress!

Some things to keep in mind about anti-freeze
  • it increases the viscosity of the working fluid, and your pumps will work harder, the greater the percent of antifreeze/water.
  • It lowers the ability of water to transfer heat, depending on the percentage of antifreeze/water.
...In other words, it reduces the efficiency of your system, so use it if you must, and use the minimum amount that you actually need.

You are from Washington? What part of Washington are you in?

Best,

-AC

TechShop 10-19-15 11:23 AM

Thanks AC. I'm in the 98366 zip code.

While researching anti-freeze I came to the conclusion that in my area I can probably get away with a 20% antifreeze solution in my ground loops. I will accommodate the transfer and pumping efficiency losses with a correctly sized loop pump.

I don't need a whole lot of cooling in the summer, so I probably don't need anti-freeze in the hydronic system. It wouldn't kill me to have some corrosion protection in that portion of the system.


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