34 Service and Maintenance
Overcoming the challenge of system corrosion: fluid quality counts
System corrosion is a challenge faced by many companies which manufacture and sup- ply air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Here, Andrew Murray, senior manager at Kilfrost’s speciality fluids division, discusses the benefits of inhibited glycols and the importance of the ASTM standard in ensuring the good condition of systems.
AS THE INDUSTRY begins to recognise the challenge of corrosion within systems, an international standard, the ASTM D1384-05 corrosion test standard is coming to the fore. This standard, which still remains voluntary, involves immersing pieces of metal that are commonly used in HVAC systems in an inhibited glycol/ water mixture and then checking for signs of corrosion.
However, despite this, there is still a need for the industry to pay greater attention to the quality and composition of heat transfer fluids. Many fluids are glycol-based, which can have corrosive properties when combined with water to ensure the necessary frost protection. The quality of the water used can also have an impact. Hard water, for example, can lead to bacterial growth and scaling within a system, reducing its reliability and life span.
Inhibited glycol combined with water of sufficient quality is significantly less corrosive and has a number of benefits for the end user.
Less time needs to be spent on system maintenance and repairs, which in turn reduces costs.
System corrosion can result in issues such as leakages, meaning the equipment either needs to be repaired or completely replaced. In these circumstances, the installer can be subject to both reputational and financial risk. In many industries, the 24/7 functioning of refrigeration and cooling systems is essential to allow the business to operate. By selecting a good quality heat transfer fluid, the reliability of systems
is improved, which leads to greater productivity.
For example, in the food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, products need to be kept at the correct temperature to ensure their quality and safety, while in public buildings such as hospitals, schools and shopping centres, air conditioning must remain operational to keep the environments at a comfortable temperature.
Maintaining your system
While the initial choice of fluid is vital to keeping your system in good condition, it is also important to implement a thorough maintenance regime.
During servicing, it is necessary to check fluids regularly for pressure and the presence of any foreign bodies which may indicate the breaking down of the fluid. The conditions under which fluids are transferred, stored, heated and applied can also influence their performance
KILFROST’S range of inhibited glycol- based heat transfer fluids, which are used in heating, cooling and industrial applications, exceed the ASTM D 1384-05 corrosion test standard, providing high levels of corrosion protection. The Cooltrans range is designed for secondary refrigerant and industrial cooling applications. This includes CooltransCT, a mono ethylene glycol based heat transfer fluid, Cooltrans Plus CTP, a mono propylene glycol based
ACR News May 2014 Heat transfer fluids from Kilfrost
within a system. This creates the need for regular quality checks of the fluid. Maintenance regimes should of course include an assessment of the glycol content within the system, so that adequate frost protection is maintained. There are a number of reasons why inhibited glycols are a good choice for system installers. When mixed with good quality water, they can overcome the challenge of system corrosion. In addition, there is also a growing focus on the environmental benefits of glycol inhibitors.
Corn-derived inhibited glycol-based heat transfer fluids provide sustainable, biodegradable options to the HVAC industry, helping to reduce the end user’s carbon footprint. Many also have low toxicity levels, making them ideally suited to applications such as food and beverage processing and manufacturing. As we look to the future for heat transfer fluids, it is anticipated that more companies will value the ASTM corrosion test standard as a means of measuring the quality of fluids.
heat transfer fluid and CooltransSustain CTS, a bio-derived sustainably sourced propylene glycol based concentrate fluid. CooltransSustain CTS is manufactured from corn-sugar-derived glycol which is both sustainable and completely recyclable.
Not only does the fluid’s production see a large reduction in the consumption of non-renewable energy, the product itself is readily biodegradable and has low toxicity.
As industries look for more efficient and reliable systems, it will also be necessary for fluid manufacturers to continue to improve fluid performance. This can be done by lowering their viscosity and increasing thermal transfer. In today’s market where reputation is paramount, companies that can equip system installers and manufacturers with fluids that improve the reliability and longevity of their systems will be successful.
Happy end-users are those who experience time and cost savings due to the quality of the systems in use.
Visit ACR News online at
www.acr-news.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68