Brine vs Glycol Solution in Low Temp Applications 1

[ptataryn]

Which heat transfer fluid would perform better in low temperature applications (0 deg C to -40 deg C): a 50% ethylene glycol solution or a 29% calcium chloride solution? I seem to come across more quantitative information on glycol solutions than brine solutions but have heard qualitatively that brine solutions perform better than glycol solutions (less pump power, better heat transfer) in low temp applications. Just wondering if somebody can point me in the right direction on some good quantitative data on comparing these two heat transfer solutions at the above given temperature range.

 

[btrueblood]

Water, and by extension, brines, have better heat transfer performance in that the specific heat of the fluid is greater, meaning less volume or mass of fluid need be pumped to transfer a specific amount of heat.

Glycol systems have an advantage in that they can be made relatively corrosion-proof with the right additives (corrosion inhibitors). Tougher to do that (weirder chemicals and possibly hazardous ones), and typically piping/pumps/valves made from more corrosion resistant alloys are required for brines, primarily due to the chloride (Cl-) ion content.

 

[ione]

Have a look at this

http://www.process-cooling.com/Articles/Feature_Article/6e77bdedf75b7010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____