Alternate Energy Systems

Heat Transfer Solution
for Water Bath Vaporizers

Jeffcool Brochure Excerpt
Jeffcool Brochure Original
Jeffcool Material Safety Data Sheet
Price List Heat Transfer Solution

General Information

Water Bath Vaporizers use - as the name implies - water as the heat transfer medium. However, since the heat exchanger components and the bath box of the WB series are manufactured from carbon steel, it is recommended that the heat transfer solution be a mixture of water and an industrial coolant/heat transfer fluid with inhibitors to provide rust/corrosion protection.

Under no circumstances should an automotive grade coolant be used as the heat transfer fluid. Using standard automotive coolant could cause premature deterioration of the heat exchangers.

It is also recommended that the water in the heat transfer solutions be de-ionized. While it is acceptable to use very small amounts of standard tap-water to replenish any water that might have evaporated, it is not recommended to use standard tap-water for the initial charge of the water bath. If at all possible, topping-off should be done with pre-diluted solutions at the required system concentration (see water specifications below).

Heat Transfer Solution recommended by Alternate Energy Systems

Industrial-grade heat transfer solutions are usually Ethylene-Glycol or Propylene-Glycol based. Both types have comparable heat transfer capabilities, almost identical freeze protection, and, if used with inhibitors, can provide excellent corrosion protection.

Propylene-Glycol based heat transfer fluids, while slightly more expensive than Ethylene-Glycol based solutions, are by far more environmentally friendly, and are therefore the only heat transfer solutions recommended by Alternate Energy Systems.

Alternate Energy Systems recommends a 50/50 Propylene-Glycol/DI-Water solution for all installations. This mixture will provide burst protection to -60°F (-50°C), and will provide freeze protection to -30°F (-34°C), while providing a maximum of corrosion protection.

Alternate Energy Systems has selected JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid (manufactured by Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, TX) as our preferred heat transfer solution. We are stocking JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid, pre-mixed 50/50 ( = P155) with DI-Water, in 55-gallon drums and in 275-gallon totes, and can ship the quantities needed for the initial charge on the same truck as the vaporizer at no, or very minimal, additional shipping charges. If required, we can also provide a small utility pump, complete with suction hose and discharge hose, for the transfer of the JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid from the drums or totes to the vaporizer.

Heat Transfer Solution Maintenance

Alternate Energy Systems, through Huntsman Corporation and Third Coast Chemicals, Inc. provides a comprehensive system maintenance program, including a product analysis service to assure that the heat transfer solution maintains the proper inhibitor level and desired freeze protection. Once the system is in operation, it is recommended that samples of solution be taken at least once a year. The solution should be circulated for 30 minutes prior to sampling to ensure a representative sample.

Sample test kits are available upon request from Alternate Energy Systems free of charge to customers who purchase JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid products. The kits include: self-addressed shipping box, pre-labeled sample bottle, weather-proof self-adhesive product installation tag and detailed sampling procedures. Analytical results from the samples will be forwarded by the laboratory directly to our customers.

Water Specifications
The use of hard water should be avoided. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium ions which deposit scale in the system and could also cause precipitation of a portion of the inhibitor system. When hard water conditions exist, distilled, deionized, or boiler condensate water should be used. To avoid the introduction of water with questionable quality, Alternate Energy Systems recommends to use only pre-diluted Jeffcool, and to top off with deionized/distilled Water.

Reinhibiting Procedure: Occasionally, after prolonged or severe service, a solution of JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid may need to be reinhibited. The need for reinhibition will be detected during the periodic analysis program and a recommended procedure will be included with the analytical results. JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid supplemental coolant additives (SCA) are available in five gallon and 55-gallon drum quantities from Alternate Energy Systems, or directly from Third Coast Chemicals. The components of JEFFCOOL® SCA replenish critical inhibitors required to provide continued protection. Additives used in inhibiting JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid coolant should be handled in strict accordance with instructions furnished by their suppliers.

JEFFCOOL® P150 Heat Transfer Fluid (manufactured by Huntsman Corporation, The Woodlands, TX)

JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is an inhibited propylene glycol based industrial heat transfer agent. It is a slightly hazy liquid, free of suspended solids with only a slight odor.

Since JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is formulated with propylene glycol, it is especially suitable for applications in which toxicological and environmental considerations are critical.

JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is compatible and completely interchangeable with systems currently utilizing ethylene glycol based heat transfer agents.

JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid protects heat exchanger systems from freezing in winter, overheating in summer, and corrosion in all seasons. Improved heat transfer and less internal corrosion contributes significantly to overall operating and maintenance costs. JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid coolant is recommended as a heat transfer fluid for vaporizers. The corrosion protection provided by JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid and its low toxicity level as compared to other heat transfer fluids makes it an ideal transfer medium.

HANDLING AND STORAGE
JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid may be stored in unlined carbon steel tanks and drums. If storage of concentrated JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid for periods over 12 months is desired, it is recommended that the storage vessels be constructed from aluminum, stainless steel, or lined carbon steel. Vinyl, epoxy, and phenolic linings are suitable. Amercoat®-23 and Amercoat®-75 linings have been found to be satisfactory.

JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid in undiluted form will not freeze at ambient temperatures. Freezing will not harm JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid, but when the temperature of undiluted JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is below 30°F, the viscosity will be such that pumping and transfer will be difficult. In areas where these conditions exist, it is recommended that storage vessels be equipped with stainless steel heating coils.

Diluted JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is easily pumped under normally expected temperatures. However, at temperatures below - 20°F, special pumping equipment may be necessary.

The normal precautions associated with any chemical should be observed in handling JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid. This product is neither explosive nor flammable under normal storage conditions. The propylene glycol in this product is considered practically nontoxic. Splashes onto eyes or skin however, must be washed away quickly and medical treatment is advised for eye exposure. Breathing of the vapors or mists should be avoided.

TOXICITY AND SAFETY
JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is not considered hazardous under ordinary conditions of handling and use. Propylene glycol, which is the main component of this product, is considered practically nontoxic. JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid is only minimally irritating to skin and eyes, but as with any chemical, unnecessary contact with these body parts is to be avoided.
Click on this link to download the Material Safety Data Sheet for JEFFCOOL® P150 heat transfer fluid.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information can be found in an Excerpt From Huntsman JEFFCOOL Brochure, where we have concentrated data as it pertains to the P150 product. The original Huntsman brochure can be downloaded here. A recommended Water Bath Vaporizer filling procedure is available for download here.