Propylene Glycol based Heat-Transfer Fluids

Freezing points of propylene glycol based heat-transfer fluids suitable for the food processing industry

For many heat-transfer applications it is necessary to use a heat-transfer fluid with lower freezing point than water. The most common antifreeze fluid - ethylene glycol - must not be used where there is the slightest chance of leakage to potable water or food processing systems.

In food processing systems the common heat-transfer fluid is based on propylene glycol.

Freezing Point of Propylene Glycol based Water Solutions

Freezing point of propylene glycol based water solutions at different temperatures:

Freezing Point
Propylene Glycol Solution
(%)
by mass 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
by volume 0 10 19 29 40 50 60
Temperature oF 32 26 18 7 -8 -29 -55
oC 0 -3 -8 -14 -22 -34 -48

Due to slush creation propylene glycol and water solutions should not be used close to the freezing points.

Specific Gravity of Propylene Glycol Solutions

Specific gravity of propylene glycol is in the range

Specific Gravity - SG -
Propylene Glycol Solution
(%)
by mass 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
by volume 0 10 20 29 40 50 60
Specific Gravity - SG - 1) 1.000 1.008 1.017 1.026 1.034 1.041 1.046

1) Specific gravity based on propylene glycol solutions with temperature 60oF.

Boiling Points of Propylene Glycol Solutions

Boiling points of propylene glycol

Boiling Point
Propylene Glycol Solution
(%)
by mass 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
by volume 0 10 20 29 40 50 60
Temperature (oF) 212 212 213 216 219 222 225
  • T(oC) = 5/9[T(oF) - 32]

Specific Heat of Propylene Glycol Solutions

Specific heat capacity of propylene glycol

Specific Heat
Propylene Glycol Solution
(%)
by mass 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
by volume 0 10 20 29 40 50 60
Specific Heat
- cp -
(Btu/lb.oF)
1.000 0.980 0.960 0.935 0.895 0.850 0.805
  • 1 Btu/(lbmoF) = 4,186.8 J/(kg K) = 1 kcal/(kgoC)

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