Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a chemical commonly used in many commercial and industrial applications including antifreeze and coolant.  Ethylene glycol helps keep your car’s engine from freezing in the winter and acts as a coolant to reduce overheating in the summer. Other important uses of ethylene glycol include heat transfer fluids used as industrial coolants for gas compressors, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems, and ice skating rinks.

Ethylene glycol also is used as a raw material in the production of a wide range of products including polyester fibers for clothes, upholstery, carpet, and pillows; fiberglass used in products such as jet skis, bathtubs, and bowling balls; and polyethylene terephthalate resin used in packaging film and bottles.  Many of these products are energy saving and cost-efficient as well as recyclable.

Propylene Glycol Heat Transfer Fluids for Drums and Totes

Keller-Heartt TRUEGARD propylene glycol is built for reliable heat transfer, corrosion protection (when inhibited), and consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures. Whether you’re running process cooling, glycol loops, refrigeration, de-icing, or food and beverage applications, we offer 55-gallon drums and 275/330 totes in the most common formulations so you can standardize your system and simplify maintenance.

Quick way to choose:

• Need corrosion protection in a closed-loop system?

  • Choose Inhibited propylene glycol.
    

• Need to add your own inhibitor package or you’re blending?

  • Choose Uninhibited.
    

• Whats the easiest to fill?

  • Choose 50/50 prediluted.
    

• Want flexibility and best unit economics?

  • Choose 100% concentrate (dilute with de-ionized water).
    
    

• Food/beverage contact risk?

  • Choose NSF food-grade (and USP/Kosher when required).
    
    

Concentrate vs 50/50 (What We Recommend)

For most maintenance teams, 50/50 is the safest, fastest option because it removes mixing errors and supports consistent freeze protection. If you need custom freeze points or run multiple systems, 100% concentrate gives you the most flexibility and can reduce total cost when you’re buying in bulk. We recommend dilutions no lower than 30% to maintain performance and corrosion protection.

Freeze Protection by Concentration

Your target concentration depends on the coldest temperature your system will see and the requirements of your equipment. In general, higher glycol concentration improves freeze protection, but it can also increase viscosity. If you’re not sure what concentration to run, tell us your location, application, and target freeze point, and we’ll recommend the right mix.

Ethylene Glycol Questions

What’s the difference between propylene glycol and ethylene glycol?

Propylene glycol is commonly chosen when lower toxicity is important (for example, facilities where incidental contact with food or people is a consideration). Ethylene glycol typically offers stronger low-temperature performance at the same concentration, but it’s more toxic. The right choice depends on your application, safety requirements, and target freeze point.

Can I mix propylene glycol and ethylene glycol in the same system?

We don’t recommend it. Mixing glycols and additive chemistries can reduce corrosion protection, change performance, and make testing/maintenance harder. If you’re switching fluids, plan a proper drain and flush per your equipment guidelines.

Inhibited vs Uninhibited

What does “inhibited” mean, and when do I need it?

“Inhibited” propylene glycol includes a corrosion inhibitor package designed to protect metals in closed-loop systems (steel, copper, brass, aluminum, solder). Most HVAC, refrigeration, and process loops should use inhibited fluid unless you have a specific reason not to.

When should I choose “uninhibited” propylene glycol?

Uninhibited is typically used when you’re blending your own inhibitor package, using it as a raw ingredient, or for applications where inhibitors aren’t desired. For most recirculating systems, inhibited is the safer choice.

Concentration, freeze protection, and mixing

What concentration should I run for freeze protection?

It depends on your minimum ambient temperature and system design. Many operators choose 30%–50% in typical climates, but colder environments may require higher concentrations. Share your location and coldest expected temperature and we’ll recommend a target.

What’s the minimum recommended dilution?

For most systems, we recommend not going below 30% glycol to maintain performance and protection.

What water should I use to dilute concentrate?

Use de-ionized or distilled water. Avoid tap or well water because minerals can contribute to scale, reduce heat transfer efficiency, and impact inhibitor performance.

Is 50/50 always the best option?

50/50 is best when you want speed, consistency, and fewer errors. Concentrate is best when you need flexibility, custom freeze points, or you’re standardizing multiple loops.

Food-grade, NSF, USP, Kosher

What does NSF food-grade mean for glycol?

NSF certification indicates the product meets criteria appropriate for applications where incidental contact may occur (common in food and beverage processing environments). If you need to meet specific plant requirements, confirm the certification needed and we’ll point you to the correct product.

Do you carry USP or Kosher propylene glycol?

Yes. USP and Kosher options are available for applications that require those specifications. If you’re matching a plant standard, we recommend confirming the exact requirement before ordering.

Heavy duty vs regular duty

Heavy duty vs regular duty: how do I choose?

If your system regularly sees sustained high temperatures (often above ~250°F) or harsh operating conditions, heavy duty formulations are typically recommended. For applications operating across typical HVAC/process ranges, regular duty is usually sufficient. If you share your operating temperature range and application, we can recommend the right fit.

What are common applications for propylene glycol heat transfer fluids?

Common uses include refrigeration loops, process cooling, food and beverage facilities, glycol chiller systems, de-icing, ice rinks, and building HVAC loops.

Storage, shelf life, and maintenance

How do I know if the glycol in my system is still in spec?

Use regular testing for concentration, pH, inhibitor reserve/alkalinity, and contamination. If you have a program like Keller-Heartt’s Fluid Care Program, that’s the most reliable way to confirm the system is protected.

Are your products made with virgin or recycled glycol?

TRUEGARD uses high-quality virgin raw materials to reduce risk of impurities that can contaminate systems or reduce performance.

Ordering, sizing, disposal

Drum vs tote: what should I buy?

Choose 55-gallon drums for moderate usage, easier handling, or multiple formulas. Choose 275/330 totes for high-volume operations, standardizing one product across multiple loops.