Heat transfer fluids have many applications. They prevent machines from overheating, systems from freezing, and enclosed systems from corroding. These fluids are used in all types of mechanical engines, pumping systems, refrigeration and air-conditioning/heating systems, domestic and industrial heating systems, fire protection sprinkler systems, solar heating systems, undersoil heating systems (e.g., on football pitches), and geothermal heating systems.
Why Use Antifrogen™?
The most efficient heat transfer fluid would simply be water. However, water has major limitations:
- It freezes at 0°C, and as ice forms it expands (by 9% to 10%), which can break pipes in enclosed systems.
- It boils at 100°C. Applications exceeding this temperature will produce steam, creating pressure issues.
- Water is also very corrosive, which can lead to leaking metal pipes.
To solve these problems, glycols are typically used in heat transfer fluids. When blended with water in specific ratios, glycols lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point. Additionally, these blends include a highly effective anti-corrosion package that protects a wide range of metals.
At HARKE UK & Ireland, we are the agents for Clariant’s range of Antifrogen™ and Protectogen™ heat transfer fluids.
The Antifrogen™ Advantage
Antifrogen™ products are considered premium in the market. They guarantee long life and optimal efficiency, which is crucial since the systems they are used in are often very expensive. The relative low cost of the fluids helps reduce the risk of system failure and increases the time between refills, cutting operating costs.
What Sets Antifrogen™ Apart?
Antifrogen™ fluids have been developed over many years and are tested far beyond standard conditions. For example, the standard corrosion test ASTM D1384 is performed at 88°C for 336 hours. Antifrogen™ products are tested at this standard and also at extended conditions: 1000 and 3000 hours at 180°C! These tests demonstrate both thermal stability and corrosion inhibition.
Test results are available and confirm the high performance and long in-use lifespans of these fluids. Get in touch for more information.
Available Antifrogen™ Products
- Antifrogen™ N: Monoethylene glycol-based fluid for non-food applications. Working range: -35°C to 150°C.
- Antifrogen™ L: Monopropylene glycol-based solution for food and beverage applications. Working range: -25°C to 150°C.
- Antifrogen™ KF: Potassium formate-based, non-toxic fluid primarily for food industry and low-temperature applications.
- Antifrogen™ SOL HT: High-boiling glycol-based fluid specifically for solar thermal systems. Working range: -23°C to +200°C.
- Antifrogen™ GEO: Monoethylene glycol-based solution specifically for geothermal heating systems.
These products are not used neat. They are usually diluted with deionised water or, in some cases, soft mains water. Dilution levels vary by application and product type, typically between 20% to 50%.
Protectogen™ Grades
Not all systems require ultra-long lifespans or extreme performance. For these cases, Protectogen™ grades offer a more economical option. Based on similar technology as Antifrogen™ but not tested to the same extremes, these fluids are suited for less complex systems.
Available Protectogen™ Products
- Protectogen™ N ECO: Monoethylene glycol-based solution for non-food applications. Working range: approx. -50°C to +100°C.
- Protectogen™ L ECO: Monopropylene glycol-based fluid for food-related applications. Working range: approx. -50°C to +100°C.
Next Steps
HARKE UK & Ireland can supply both neat fluids in various pack sizes or ready-to-use dilutions. Comprehensive technical backup data is available to help you select the optimum product and dilution for your specific application. Get in touch today for more information – we’d love to hear from you.
