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Thread: Ground loop antifreeze
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08-12-2009, 12:16 AM #1
Ground loop antifreeze
Hi Folks, I have been following the debate about proper antifreeze for the ground loops of a ground coupled heat pump.
Does anyone have experience with using Sierra automotive antifreeze?
I have read that you shouldn't use automotive antifreeze, but I am not sure if that was because "standard" automotive antifreeze is usually ethylene glycol as opposed to the Sierra which is propylene glycol?
Any thoughts or opinions?
Thanks, Dave
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08-12-2009, 11:05 PM #2
Re: Ground loop antifreeze
This taken from the Engineering Toolbox...
Ethylene glycol should be avoided if there is a slightest chance of leakage to potable water or food processing systems. Instead solutions based on propylene glycol are commonly used.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/et...col-d_146.htmlBrian - Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
Retired March 2015
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09-12-2009, 02:14 AM #3
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09-12-2009, 01:19 PM #4
Re: Ground loop antifreeze
Interesting thread. Thanks for the information BM & Brian.
Engineering Specialist - Cuprobraze, Nocolok, CD Technology
Rarefied Technologies ( SE Asia )
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09-12-2009, 07:23 PM #5
Re: Ground loop antifreeze
Yes, I suppose that you have to consider the result of a leak into you local groundwater area.
Not something that you plan for but things do bite you in the ass some timesBrian - Newton Abbot, Devon, UK
Retired March 2015
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11-12-2009, 01:21 AM #6
Re: Ground loop antifreeze
propylene gets hard to pump if you need the lower freeze protection temps.
Alcohols are common such as ethanol, methanol. Easier to pump.
You need to see what is allowable in your area.
I have never seen ethylene glycol ever allowed to be used in ground loopsTake the V out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC job
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