While glycol is not as efficient of a heat transfer medium as water and also reduces pumping capabilities, it does provide freeze protection for the cooling system. Thermal Care recommends using a glycol solution whenever process water set point temperatures drop below 45ยฐF.
You might wonder why you need freeze protection starting at such a high process water set point temperature? You must keep in mind that the refrigerant temperatures will be 10ยฐF to 15ยฐF below the glycol chillerโs process set point. Since most breweries and distilleries operate with process set point temperatures at 25ยฐF to 27ยฐF they will see refrigerant temperatures of around 10ยฐF to 15ยฐF. Maintaining the appropriate percentage of food grade glycol will ensure appropriate freeze protection.