HWM-H-IOM (10/14)
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B. Antifreeze Protection
When the
HWM hydronic water module
is applied to radiant panel hydronic heating, the water
circulating system must be protected from potential damage due to freeze-up by utilizing an
adequate antifreeze solution. The antifreeze protection is provided by the installer prior to the
EarthLinked
®
system start-up.
Propylene-glycol antifreeze solution with an inhibitor is the type of antifreeze solution required
for EarthLinked
®
products utilized in radiant panel hydronic heating systems. These systems
shall be freeze protected consistent with the application-specific minimum temperature, as
shown in the table below. Propylene-glycol antifreeze solutions should always be in the range of
20% to 50% by volume, as indicated in the Figure 5a.
TEMPERATURE, °F
PROPYLENE GLYCOL, %
WATER SOLUTION
MULTIPLIER FACTOR (WSMF)
18
20
x 1.03
8
30
x 1.07
-7
40
x 1.11
-29
50
x 1.16
Figure 5a. Propylene Glycol Freeze Protection Table
Propylene-glycol can be purchased in the straight form and mixed with an inhibitor prior to filling
the system, or it can be purchased as inhibited propylene-glycol. The following are examples of
manufacturers for the above:
WARNING!
ALWAYS REMOVE THE ANODE ROD(S) FROM THE STORAGE WATER
TANK OR HEATER UTILIZED IN A RADIANT PANEL HYDRONIC
HEATING AND/OR COOLING SYSTEM. IF THE ANODE ROD(S) ARE NOT
REMOVED, THE PROPYLENE-GLYCOL SOLUTION WILL REACT WITH
THE ANODE ROD(S) TO CREATE PARTICLES THAT BLOCK FLOW AND
CAUSE SYSTEM FAILURE.
IMPORTANT!
Because addition of propylene-glycol to water changes the specific heat
of water, the required flow rate of propylene-glycol solution (for the
same heat transfer as water) must be increased by the water solution
multiplier factor shown in the table above. See Section 7 for details.
IMPORTANT!
FAILURE OF THE INSTALLER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE ANTIFREEZE
SOLUTION PROTECTION IN EARTHLINKED
®
RADIANT PANEL
HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEMS AT THE TIME OF SYSTEM START-UP
WILL VOID THE EARTHLINKED
®
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR HEATING
AND COOLING SYSTEMS.
