Why Glycol Solutions Should Be Tested Regularly

Closed-loop cooling and heating systems rely on a mixture of glycol and water to protect the system from freezing during cold weather. However, that solution can only do its work if it is maintained at the recommended concentration and integrity level. This article discusses some of the important parameters that you should test on a regular basis in order to confirm that the glycol solution in your cooling system is working effectively.

The Percentage of Glycol Present

It is important to ensure that you have the correct amount of glycol in the heating or cooling system. What causes the level of glycol to alter? The concentration of glycol in your cooling system can alter when you top up the water within that system. That mark up water can be so much that it reduces the concentration of glycol in the solution. Alternatively, the mark up water may be less than the required quantity to keep the glycol at the desired concentration. Insufficient glycol can cause the system to be susceptible to freezing when temperatures drop. You therefore need to conduct frequent glycol tests using a tool, such as a refractometer, to be sure that enough glycol exists in the system at all times.

Solution Alkalinity

Your cooling or heating system can start corroding from within if the pH of the glycol/water solution drops to acidic levels. The alkalinity of the solution can be compromised by several factors, such as infiltration by microbial agents that produce acidic compounds as they feed and excrete. Periodic testing of the solution's alkalinity helps you to take remedial action so that the system is protected from corrosion.

Inhibitor Levels

Glycol/water solutions usually have different inhibitors added to them in order to protect the system from the different threats that may compromise its effectiveness. For example, an inhibitor may be added to protect the glycol solution from oxidation. Glycol can degrade quickly if it isn't shielded from mixing with oxygen rapidly in the water added to the system. Inhibitors can be added to the glycol/water solution in case you find that the level has dropped.

Microbial Contamination

It is also necessary to test the glycol/water mixture in order to find out whether it has been contaminated by biological matter. Biological agents can cause the solution to develop a foul smell. Microorganisms can also accelerate corrosion, as earlier stated. You can treat that solution in order to keep microbial matter within acceptable levels.

It may be hard for you to keep an eye on all the parameters of the glycol/water solution in your cooling or heating system if you lack the necessary skills. It is therefore prudent for you to contract an expert in glycol system maintenance to take charge of maintaining your glycol system so that it performs optimally throughout its service life. That expert will inspect your system and design a maintenance schedule that is suitable for your application.