Heat Pumps Today

Key considerations for heat pump fluid selection As well as performing its primary role of temporarily absorbing captured heat and transferring it to points of usage, a heat transfer fluid (thermal transfer fluid, glycol etc) must also be a reliable antifreeze and o er e ective corrosion protection. The type of fluid selected and installed can have a direct and long-lasting impact on heat pump system performance, longevity, output, energy, and down-time. Heat transfer fluids: required characteristics Ecient thermal energy transfer, minimal pumping-energy consumption, long-term preservation of pipework/system components, cost, and minimal environmental impact, all need to be taken into account when selecting the optimum fluid for your heat pump system. To protect outdoor pipework and critical equipment in cold weather, most manufacturers recommend heat pump systems are protected down to around -15°C. Traditional fluids: advantages and disadvantages Propylene glycol (PG) based fluids are a popular choice for heat pump systems, based on their non-toxic credentials. Salt-based brines are also in use, often selected for their e ective heat transfer properties and low viscosity. However, both have their drawbacks. PG’s relatively high viscosity makes it more of a challenge to pump. It also has a lower capacity for ecient heat transfer. Recent raw material price hikes have also seen PG price rise by over 250%. Salt-based brines (Potassium Formate, Acetate – Lower viscosity fluids), are exceptionally corrosive in the presence of oxygen, no matter the inhibitor formulation. They are also particularly ‘searching’, with low cohesive properties and small molecules, known to find even the smallest of openings. Especially those around pump seals, compression joints and manifold connections. Ethylene glycol (MEG - widely used in car coolant systems) is also considered, but not recommended. It has the best heat transfer rates of all glycols, but it’s high toxicity to humans and animals presents a significant risk in the event of a leak pre/post commissioning. The alternative: Thermox DTX, a major step forward in heat transfer Industry proven to maximise heat recovery, reduce maintenance and lower running costs, Thermox DTX is a high eciency, non-toxic geothermal heat transfer fluid with antifreeze function, for use in geothermal, GSHP & air source heat recovery systems. Specified by the UK’s largest heat pump contractors, installers and designers, Thermox DTX has been commissioned in thousands of commercial and domestic heat pump systems by industry leaders such as Kensa, Nu-Heat and Ideal. To prevent internal corrosion, scaling and biological fouling all Thermox products are formulated with long-life inhibitors which exceed ASTM D1384 standards. Propylene glycol price soar: switch to Thermox DTX for significant savings A perfect storm of extreme weather, global pandemic and logistical chaos rocked the world’s chemical markets in 2021, sending raw material costs soaring. Propylene glycol prices have risen by over 250%. Many installers, designers, consultants and manufacturers have switched from PG based fluids to DTX technology. A potential saving of around 80% per installation could be made if Thermox DTX replaced PG in a proposed heat pump system (protected to -15°C). for more information on Thermox DTX, specialist technical advice and factory direct pricing call Hydratech’s Sales Engineers: Call 01792 586800 or email info@hydratech.co.uk Thermox DTX www.hydratech.co.uk by 14 A D V E R T O R I A L February | March 2022 Heat transfer fluid composition and quality is critical to the lifespan and performance of a heat pump system