Propylene Glycol

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Robby
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Post by Robby » Sat. Sep. 13, 2008 2:58 pm

I was shopping in box store today, and noticed they are selling "Pet Friendly" automotive antifreeze. When you read the ingredients, it is propylene glycol with corrosion inhibitors, lubricants,etc. Would this not be perfect for boiler system. My system has steel boiler, copper lines, aluminium lines (Kitec) and brass and copper fittings. Other odds and ends in expansion tanks, pumps, valves etc. Seems that automotive cooling system is very similar. The price was $19.99 per gal. Much less than I have been quoted at plumbing wholesaler. Anyone with information, please let me know.

Robby

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Sat. Sep. 13, 2008 3:31 pm

Propylene based anti-freeze has a molecule that the body cannot absorb, that is what makes it safe as opposed to ethylene based fluids that will be absorbed and cause tremendous damage.

I'm not sure if it is boiler friendly though, if cheaper, I would look into it if that is what you need.

 
sarge
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Post by sarge » Sat. Sep. 13, 2008 6:15 pm

all I did is left a tote at the local scrap yard and they called me when it was full most yards will give for free since they have to dispose of it but you can just put straight water into your system just don't shut it down in freezing weather most plumbers have a additive for straight water


 
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Robby
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Post by Robby » Sat. Sep. 13, 2008 10:34 pm

Yeah, I probably won't use any antifreeze in boiler part of system. I have read that it decreases efficiency by about 18%. I have no choice on the solar portion. It is out in freezing temperatures. Because it then goes into my domestic tank (dual stainless coils) it is highly recommended that non poison antifreeze only. I thought maybe this would work OK.

Robby

 
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Freddy
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Post by Freddy » Sun. Sep. 14, 2008 5:56 am

Code says you can't, some people do.

Antifreeze doesn't reduce efficiency, it reduces heat flow. There's a big difference. It might use a teeny tiny bit more fuel, but basically it does not use more fuel if you have antifreeze in the system, but it does make it so the baseboard or radiators give off the heat more slowly. If you were building a new house and knew you were going to use antifreeze, you'd add 20% more baseboard. Conversely, if your heating system is designed very close and on cold days you can just barely keep warm, then you might not be able to keep up if you have antifreeze in the system.

Antifreeze is a maintenance issue. It must be checked and replaced every so often. Bottom line, if you do not NEED it, don't use it.

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