Solar fluid, a special liquid that enables the transport of heat from the solar collectors installed in the system to the tank in the house. This fluid has specific properties, thanks to which it helps in efficient and effective heating. What are the properties of propylene glycol, how often should it be replaced in the collectors and what volume of fluid goes into the system? We answer!
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Properties of propylene glycol
Proper transport of thermal energy is only possible when the system is efficient. To reduce the risk of failure, it must be filled with an appropriate fluid with special properties. One of the most important features is frost resistance, which prevents the fluid in the system from freezing in winter. Not only protection against cold is important, because the effect of high temperatures can also lead to failure. Propylene glycol must be corrosive neutral, the pH of the fluid must not negatively affect the system components. The solar fluid must not foam under the influence of pressure in the installation and temperature .
Therefore, you need to buy the right fluid for the installation , prepared on the basis of glycol , with special additives, such as: anti-foaming agents, corrosion inhibitors, dyes and oxidants. Thanks to them, it is possible to protect the system. If it were not for the anti-foaming agents, the solar fluid could go into a gaseous state, which would lead to inefficient heat exchange and cavitation. In turn, oxidants and dyes help to assess the condition of the solar fluid . If the fluid in the system changes color, it may indicate its aging and the need to replace it .
How often should you change the solar fluid in the collectors?
In the case of solar collectors , it is very important that the fluid in the system must be replaced regularly. The aging of the fluid is a natural process, but failure to replace it could lead to serious failures. The fluid in the system changes its properties under the influence of temperature.
Especially in summer, high temperatures could lead to significant heating of water, exceeding the boiling point . Overheating can occur when the fluid does not circulate in the system, so there is no possibility of releasing the generated heat, which can happen, for example, in the event of a power outage or a failure of the tank that has overheated. These situations negatively affect the properties of propylene glycol , which is why it is so important to check it regularly.
In theory, it is assumed that if the solar installation is working properly, the fluid in the system should be replaced on average once every five years. In practice, however, many manufacturers emphasize that the main determinant determining the replacement time should not be the time, but the quality of the fluid. It is best to decide individually whether it is necessary to replace it , regularly checking the properties of the fluid, because only this will protect the solar collectors and the entire system from damage. Lack of proper monitoring can lead, for example, during severe frosts, to the freezing of water and expensive repairs.
How much propylene glycol goes into a solar system?
It is important to remember that the entire fluid must be replaced for the system to operate correctly . How much fluid enters the solar installation depends on its size. It is best to leave the replacement to specialists, because any errors may negatively affect the efficiency of the entire system. An additional advantage is that specialists will check the entire installation , including pressure , tightness, and whether the circulation pump is working properly.
When buying solar fluid, remember that an adequate supply is always necessary. After filling the system with solar fluid, it is necessary to bleed the entire installation in the solar collectors .
Onnline GliTherm solar fluid at the Onninen wholesaler
The Onninen installation wholesaler offers the GliTherm EKO-35 solar fluid . The 20 l package contains non-toxic propylene glycol. This is sufficient protection against frost and corrosion, which additionally protects the installation against the formation of possible deposits inside, including the development of microbiological life. The solar fluid is easily degradable, so it is not harmful to the natural environment, people or animals.
Good quality propylene glycol works at temperatures down to -35 degrees, which provides adequate protection in typical Polish climate conditions. The solar fluid available in the Onninen offer is a product with all the necessary certificates, which is a guarantee of safety, proper operation at a specific temperature . The product effectively transports heat , ensuring optimal functioning of the entire installation.