Glycol systems present Facility Managers with a host of new challenges and opportunities. Protecting systems from freezing in cold weather climates is critical. However, glycol can behave very differently and requires that water system conditions be carefully prepared in advance. Without attention to detail, these systems can produce unwanted headaches. Dealing with fouled glycol systems for example, can be very problematic. Depending upon the severity and type of problem encountered, strategies could include filtration, microbiological control, disinfection, system-wide cleaning/flushing, or even a glycol addition to correct the concentration of a fluid. Note the calculations associated with the latter are supported by using the formula:
Δ Glycol = [Volume x (Desired % – Current %)]
(100 – Current %)
The volume must first be nailed accurately. With that information, the above formula will produce the amount of system volume (at the old concentration) which needs to be displaced. Your Metro representative can be very helpful to you in working through any of these challenges.
Written by:
John D. Caloritis, CWT
Technology Director
The Metro Group, Inc.
John is Chair of the AWT (Association of Water Technologies) Cooling Water Committee and a Member of the Association’s Legionella Task Force.
