Which coolant is best to use for aluminum radiators?

When installing a heating system at home, you should not only choose the right pipes and radiators, but also pay attention to the coolant. Let's find out which coolant to choose for aluminum radiators, what conditions for using such liquids exist.

If the room space is more than 20 sq.m., then installation of an additional radiator is necessary.

Types of coolant

Water is the most popular and accessible coolant for water heating circuits. However, due to its use as a coolant for aluminum heating radiators, the metal begins to rust, and scale and deposits appear inside the pipes. Therefore, such systems require periodic flushing and cleaning. Also, during winter shutdowns, there is a real danger of freezing: in such cases, it is necessary to drain the water. If this is not done, freezing of the liquid will certainly lead to rupture of pipes and batteries.

All this indicates that, in addition to correctly calculating the power of the batteries for the room, it is important to use exactly the coolant that is not afraid of freezing and chemical interaction with metal walls. It is important to keep in mind that such special solutions do not have a negative impact on human health when the circuit leaks.

We are talking about antifreeze: this coolant is not afraid of low temperatures, which is facilitated by additives and additives dissolved in the liquid, which act as inhibitors of corrosion and mineral deposits.

Results

Discussions on the topic of whether it is possible to pour antifreeze into aluminum radiators brought very specific answers. Responsibility for choosing a coolant lies entirely with the owners of the household. When considering various liquid options, one should keep in mind one more feature of systems filled with antifreeze coolant. If the operating temperature regularly exceeds the limit of +70ᶷ degrees, it is better to refrain from using antifreeze solutions, because because they have a very high expansion due to the alcohol content. This is fraught with pipeline ruptures and damage to heating devices.

Types of coolants

The most common coolant in centralized and autonomous heating systems is water. Its popularity is explained by its general availability, low cost, environmental safety, and good thermal characteristics. However, there are also a number of significant disadvantages.

The presence of dissolved salts in water leads to the formation of scale on the internal walls of radiators. As a result, heat transfer is significantly reduced, the flow diameter of radiators is reduced, which impairs coolant circulation.

Another disadvantage is the rather high freezing point of water (0 °C). Freezing water leads to the destruction of radiators. Therefore, if interruptions in the operation of the system are possible, it is recommended to use a non-freezing coolant for heating radiators - antifreeze.

The freezing point of antifreeze can reach -65 °C. This is enough to operate the heating system in almost any conditions. In addition, even when frozen, it turns into a gel-like state, which does not lead to destructive consequences for radiators.

The operating temperature of antifreeze is about +75 °C, which is also quite consistent with the parameters of most heating systems. The use of antifreeze has a beneficial effect on the service life of gaskets, seals and other non-metallic elements of the system.

Today, antifreezes based on ethylene glycol and propylene glycol are most often used in heating systems. Ethylene glycol has optimal thermophysical characteristics, but is a strong toxin. Therefore, antifreezes based on propylene glycol, which is a harmless substance, are most widely used.

When using antifreeze, it is very important to control its acidity level. For most radiators, a pH level of 7-8 is recommended

If it is exceeded, the metal of the radiator can quickly corrode.

Heat dissipation and power

When considering the characteristics of radiators, you should learn more about battery power and heat dissipation. Usually the power of only one section is indicated. You will have to independently calculate the power of the radiator before installing it.

The heat transfer of cast iron batteries is much less than that of aluminum and other radiators. The heat transfer is approximately 2 times less. But thanks to its low inertia, cast iron remains warm longer and will release useful energy longer.

The power of one section of this radiator reaches a maximum of 160 W, and for example, for an aluminum section it is 200 W. The most profitable option would be to purchase a cast iron battery with natural coolant circulation.

Some coolant features

It is important to remember that it is not recommended to use antifreeze in radiators where zinc is present. It is not recommended to use antifreeze in aluminum heating circuits containing copper or brass.

Its reaction with these metals can cause an electrolytic reaction

It is not recommended to use antifreeze in aluminum heating circuits containing copper or brass. Its reaction with these metals can cause an electrolytic reaction.

When using antifreeze, you should use polymer rather than rubber seals as gaskets between radiator sections.

Antifreeze must also be used in circuits that have more than one section, because this coolant has a low heat capacity, and therefore it needs more space.

When choosing a coolant, you should decide on the required volume of solution, the power of the boiler and circulation pump, and you also need to carefully check the general condition of the heating system before filling it.

The use of antifreeze in aluminum heating radiators has a number of positive aspects compared to other types of fillers. Thanks to the use of antifreeze, the heating circuit will last a long time and will consistently provide the required level of heat.

You can find out what is better to fill the heating system with water or antifreeze from the video below.

Aluminum heating radiators

Aluminum batteries have good heat dissipation, about 190 W, and low inertia, i.e. able to heat up quickly when heat is applied. They can withstand operating pressure of about 20 atmospheres, so they can be installed with centralized heating. It is possible to expand individual sections if necessary.

For a private developer, it is important that one aluminum section has a volume of about 0.37 liters, which allows saving on heating water or antifreeze in the heating system.

Aluminum is a soft metal in properties, so it is sensitive to various solid and debris particles. This is mainly true for houses with central heating. For a private developer this is not particularly important. But still, if you have chosen aluminum radiators, it is recommended to install additional filters along with them to collect various dirt in the system.

Aluminum radiators differ in the manufacturing process. There are cast and stamped. Stamped batteries are not recommended for installation in houses with central heating because... they are sensitive to the quality of the coolant.

Aluminum is a reactive metal, which means it has some disadvantages. When in contact with other metals, a so-called galvanic couple can form at the junction. This is where metal corrosion occurs. To do this, the various parts of the heating system are connected to each other using adapters, which prevent the metals from coming into direct contact, and therefore prevent the corrosion process.

If you use antifreeze as a coolant, then there is a high probability of corrosion inside the battery because... it reacts with aluminum, which reduces efficiency. Therefore, it is better to use such radiators in a country cottage, where the coolant is water.

When heated, the inside of aluminum radiators reacts with the coolant and, over time, hydrogen begins to be released and accumulates. To ensure that hydrogen does not linger in the pipes, a special valve is installed that slowly releases it. Aluminum heating radiators have an aesthetic appearance and do not require additional painting.

• high efficiency;
• elegant design;
• withstands high pressure;
• light section weight.

• possible corrosion due to low-quality antifreeze;
• it is necessary to remove air using a valve.

Types and properties of heat-carrying liquids

The working fluid of any water system - the coolant - is a liquid that takes a certain amount of energy from the boiler and transfers it through pipes to heating devices - radiators or underfloor heating circuits. Conclusion: the efficiency of heating depends on the physical properties of the liquid mediator - heat capacity, density, fluidity, and so on.

In 95% of private houses, ordinary or treated water is used with a heat capacity of 4.18 kJ/kg•°C (in other units - 1.16 W/kg•°C, 1 kcal/kg•°C), which freezes at a temperature of about zero degrees. The advantages of traditional heating fluid are availability and low price, the main disadvantage is the increase in volume when frozen.

Crystallization of water is accompanied by expansion; cast iron radiators and metal-plastic pipelines are equally destroyed by ice pressure

The ice that forms in the cold literally splits pipes, boiler heat exchangers and radiators. To prevent the destruction of expensive equipment due to defrosting, 3 types of antifreeze made on the basis of polyhydric alcohols are poured into the system:

1. Glycerin solution is the oldest type of non-freezing coolant. Pure glycerin is a transparent liquid of high viscosity, the density of the substance is 1261 kg/m³.
2. An aqueous solution of ethylene glycol - dihydric alcohol with a density of 1113 kg/m³. The starting liquid is colorless and is inferior in viscosity to glycerin. The substance is toxic, the lethal dose of dissolved glycol when taken orally is about 100 ml.
3. The same, based on propylene glycol - a transparent liquid with a density of 1036 kg/m³.
4. Compositions based on the natural mineral - bischofite. We will analyze the characteristics and features of this chemical separately (below in the text).

Anti-freeze products are sold in two forms: ready-made solutions designed for a certain subzero temperature (usually -30 ° C), or concentrates, which the user dilutes with water himself. Let us list the properties of glycol antifreezes that affect the operation of heating networks:

1. Low crystallization temperature. Depending on the concentration of polyhydric alcohol in an aqueous solution, the liquid begins to freeze at a temperature of minus 10...40 degrees. The concentrate crystallizes at 65 °C below zero.
2. High kinematic viscosity. Example: for water this parameter is 0.01012 cm²/s, for propylene glycol - 0.054 cm²/s, the difference is 5 times.
3. Increased fluidity and penetrating ability.
4. The heat capacity of non-freezing solutions lies in the range of 0.8...0.9 kcal/kg °C (depending on concentration). On average, this parameter is 15% lower than that of water.
5. Aggressiveness towards some metals, such as zinc.
6. The substance foams when heated and quickly decomposes when boiling.

Propylene glycol antifreeze is usually colored green, and the prefix “ECO” is added to the marking.

In order for antifreezes to meet operational requirements, manufacturers add additive packages to glycol solutions - corrosion inhibitors and other elements that maintain antifreeze stability and reduce foaming.

Main characteristics

The main technical characteristics are:

• The depth of the section is usually from 7 to 12 cm, the width is 8-10 cm, and the height ranges from 37 to 57 cm;
• Working pressure reaches no more than 18 atmospheres;
• 200W is the power of each section;
• The radiator weight is quite large. The weight of each section can be from 3 to 7 kg;
• The section volume is 0.7-1.5 l;
• The average service life is 30-50 years.
• Radiators made of cast iron are superior to other batteries in many ways.

Advantages of radiators with antifreeze

If you fulfill all the above requirements, then:

1. A radiator with antifreeze will last 10 years or more.
2. It is environmentally friendly and harmless to human health.
3. A huge selection of aluminum radiators suitable for filling with antifreeze.
4. High-quality antifreeze from the manufacturer (well-known brands), in a large assortment.
5. Indispensable in schools, hospitals and residential premises in case of sudden power outage or gas supply.

Bimetallic heating radiators Flat heating radiators Heating radiators or heated floors Heating radiators with bottom connection

The most popular brands of refrigerants

Today there are several brands that deserve attention from drivers. The following companies produce good auto chemicals for aluminum engines:

1. "Tosol-Sintez" A Russian company that produces antifreezes of the popular Felix line. There are four types of compounds that have different properties.
2. Liqui Moly. German manufacturer. The compositions from this company are very high quality and today are among the leaders in sales.
3. Motul. A French company that pays special attention to the biological safety of materials and the complete safety of users.
4. "Obninskorgsintez" A Russian brand engaged in the development and production of Sintec antifreeze.

Various antifreezes are popular in Russia. In addition to these, we can also highlight Long Life and Nord.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing antifreeze to fill into a radiator, you should select a special composition intended for these purposes. Antifreeze refers to a special liquid that does not freeze at low temperatures. Special solutions for heating circuits contain special impurities and additives that do not harm the radiator and maintain its stable operation.

Among the negative aspects of antifreeze, several factors can be noted.

The thermal capacity of antifreeze is low. Such liquids are 115% inferior to water in this indicator. To use this coolant in a radiator, a special pump is required to start the entire system, since fluids for heating circuits have a high viscosity. Therefore, they must be accelerated by a pump for the system to start working. Antifreeze has high fluidity

For this reason, special attention should be paid to welds and connections on the radiator. Some compounds are extremely toxic and harmful to human health.

But despite the above-mentioned disadvantages of this type of coolant, it is perfect for use in aluminum circuits with an autonomous heating system.

How to fill coolant into an aluminum radiator?

Typically, many heating systems are made specifically taking into account the further use of antifreeze in them. The power of the boilers and the materials used in the system itself are planned. But this doesn't always happen. A situation often arises when you need to pour a special coolant into a radiator that previously used water. In this case, some recalculations related to the boiler power should be made.

And it is also strongly recommended that the pipes be thoroughly cleaned or completely replaced.

Benefits of ethylene glycol antifreeze

How do antifreezes differ in general? They do not freeze at fairly low temperatures. Pure ethylene glycol is a viscous, oily, colorless liquid with little odor. Its boiling point is +197 and its freezing point is -13 degrees Celsius.

But in a dacha that is closed for the winter, the room temperature can be much lower.

In order to prevent the ethylene glycol concentrate from freezing and causing the heating system to fail, it is diluted with water and a solution is obtained, the freezing point of which can be as low as -70 degrees Celsius.

For the production of coolants, not only ethylene glycol, but also propylene glycol is used, but the latter ingredient has the highest viscosity, and therefore the highest density.

And according to the laws of physics, it will have the highest freezing temperature. That’s why experts often recommend the antifreeze composition G11 G12 based on ethylene glycol.

Coolant

A coolant is a liquid intended for use in heating systems to transfer heat. In most cases, water or antifreeze is used as a coolant. It comes in two types - regular ethylene glycols and food grade propylene glycol. The type of coolant largely influences the service life of the heating device itself. This is why modern heating systems often use water. Despite the fact that it is highly corrosive and prone to salt formations, the water is environmentally friendly. In addition, it has high thermophysical properties. To reduce its corrosive properties and reduce salt formation, inhibitor additives are added to it. This improves its properties and allows you to increase the service life of the heating system. If there are concerns that you will need to defrost the system, then it is definitely better to choose antifreeze. Such a coolant also has high technical properties, which are inferior to water only in terms of thermophysical properties. Antifreeze is divided into several types, depending on the substance used for production, the crystallization temperature and the set of additives.

Antifreeze is mainly produced on the basis of ethylene glycol. This is a fairly toxic liquid that can cause corrosion in pipes and radiators. That is why it is diluted with other substances, including water. The coolant in the form of antifreeze is suitable for powerful boilers, since its heat capacity is 10-15% lower than that of water. It also has increased viscosity, it is necessary to select the correct pipes and fittings, they must have a larger diameter. Antifreeze can have different freezing temperatures -30°C and -65°C. In this case, a concentrated liquid with a temperature of -65 ° C can be diluted to the concentration you need. This coolant can be used in various heating systems, including underfloor heating systems. Antifreeze can be diluted in any proportions, this will reduce its corrosive properties and reduce the formation of salts inside heating systems. There are a huge number of different types of antifreeze, so you can easily choose the composition you need. It is distinguished by high quality and high technical properties, which goes well with an affordable price. The coolant has a warranty period, which averages 2 years, depending on its type and technical capabilities.

How to pour antifreeze into the heating system

As professionals advise, a heating system using antifreeze should be planned before installing it. It must take into account such nuances as the power of the boiler, the material of the pipes and shut-off devices, the presence of an expansion tank through which the coolant is supplied to the system.

If the product is introduced into a system that previously operated on water, then a lot of work will have to be done to recalculate the power and size of its radiators, thoroughly rinse or replace the pipes.

If you need to add coolant to the heating system, you can only use the same brand as when filling it for the first time. Different types of antifreeze enter into a chemical reaction, causing the formation of sediment, and the additional additives they contain will be neutralized.

To summarize, we can say that non-freezing coolant has a number of advantages that attract many consumers. Thanks to antifreeze, aluminum radiators last much longer. It is important to follow safety rules and not use the product without protective gloves, and in the case of an ethylene glycol-based carrier, also a mask.

Until recently, all houses were heated using conventional cast iron radiators. Today the situation has changed and they have been replaced by aluminum, steel and bimetallic heating radiators, i.e. there was a choice.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type, try to determine which one is better suited for an apartment or a country house and calculate the heating radiators.

Safety rules when working with antifreeze

It is not recommended to mix products from different brands. If such a need arises, first check for compatibility. In addition, not all manufacturers use the same additives. These components can mutually neutralize. Then the anti-corrosion properties of the coolant are lost.

Experts do not recommend pouring antifreeze into an open system. The reason is an open expansion tank. Through it, harmful substances can enter the atmosphere. Therefore, when using “anti-freeze” it is recommended to make the system closed.

Open type heating systems are of little use for the use of antifreeze.

The home owner does not always know which product was used to fill the heating system last time. In this case, the pipes are completely freed from the previous product, and only then the system is filled.

Distilled water is used to dilute the concentrate. It should not contain calcium and magnesium salts. If you use tap water with a hardness higher than 5 mg-equivalent, there is a possibility of sedimentation.

If it is assumed that antifreeze will be used in the heating system, then you should pay attention to the characteristics of the radiators. Preference is given to models with higher heat transfer rates, internal volume and diameter

The pump power should be 60% higher than that of equipment working with water.

Hard water should not be used to dilute concentrated products.

Automatic air exhaust devices are not designed to work with such coolants. To make it possible to free the system from air, Mayevsky taps are installed on the radiators.

In the system, it is better to use inserts made of materials resistant to glycol media - paronite, Teflon, etc. Threaded connections are laid with flax tow, and a special sealing paste is used as a lubricant. Oil paint is not suitable. The active components of the coolant are good solvents for paintwork materials, as a result of which the system begins to leak.

Antifreeze concentrate is mixed with water in a separate container, and only in this form is the system filled. If you first add coolant and then water, the system may fail. Consequences of ignoring this rule:

• uneven heating of the system, and some radiators may be completely cold due to uneven distribution of the product;
• failure of the circulation pump;
• foaming, which makes it necessary to repeatedly empty and refill the system.

If by mistake you add concentrate and water separately, the circulation pump should not be turned on at full power. Take a wait-and-see attitude and periodically bleed air from the system through the radiators. After some time, more or less uniform mixing of water and antifreeze will occur. If the heating system is gravitational with a gravity function, then this process lasts longer.

Video - Disadvantages of using antifreeze in heating systems

Antifreeze should not be used in systems that do not have an accurate temperature controller. When the temperature rises to 70 °C and above, the coolant disintegrates, which is dangerous for the heating system.

After draining the antifreeze and before filling a new portion, the system is washed with clean water or special solutions.

Before refilling antifreeze, it is recommended to flush the heating system

Ethylene glycol for heating systems

Molecular structure of ethylene glycol

Very poisonous composition. Moreover, it is poisonous both in liquid and gaseous form. If you pour such antifreeze into an open heating system, then the design of the expansion tank must be modified. It must have a lid that closes tightly. Holes must be made in the lid to allow gases to escape. Insert a pipe into the hole (also hermetically sealed) and take it outside the room, to the street.

Contact with skin or eyes is highly undesirable. Therefore, even an ordinary fistula can become a serious danger to others. Under no circumstances should it be used in double-circuit heaters, the danger is very serious, do not tempt fate. This is an inexpensive composition. The additive package of ethylene glycol is not as high quality as that of propylene glycol, which is why it is cheaper.

The toxicity is so great that a dose of 350 mg can send a healthy person weighing 80 kg to the next world.

What we have as a result:

• very high toxicity;
• low quality additive package;
• cheap.

The service life is approximately the same as the previous composition. It is also five years, after which a complete replacement is required.

Types of antifreeze

The market for these specific products is very large. Recently, due to the increased demand for anti-freeze products, manufacturers have greatly expanded their range.

Antifreeze liquids are made based on various chemical compounds:

• Glycerin;
• Ethylene glycol;
• Propylene glycol;
• Bishofite brine;
• Saline solution.

The most common household anti-freeze products are made from aqueous solutions of ethylene glycol, glycerin and propylene glycol. Since these substances are highly aggressive, special components are added to them - additives.

The purpose of which is to prevent damage, corrosion, scale and foaming.

1. Ethylene glycol is the most popular among our consumers. Their main advantage is their low price. But at the same time, it is the most toxic non-freezing liquid, the use of which is prohibited in double-circuit boilers, due to the high probability of entering the water supply system, which is dangerous to human health. It is worth considering that when the boiling point increases above 110 degrees, ethylene glycol gives a precipitate that can damage some elements of the system.
2. Propylene glycol is similar in properties to the first type, but is harmless and safe. They are recommended by most manufacturers.
3. Glycerin is absolutely non-toxic and environmentally friendly, providing maximum protection against corrosion. It does not increase in volume when it turns into a solid state, and to start the system it is enough to simply heat it.
4. Antifreezes based on natural bischofite solution have unique physical and chemical properties. Low freezing point and high boiling point, as well as greater heat capacity and heat transfer than water, which is not typical for most of these products.
5. Salt coolants are produced on the basis of solutions of mineral salts (magnesium, calcium, sodium and their compounds). A significant disadvantage of these liquids is their high corrosiveness to equipment.

Antifreezes are sold either already diluted and ready for use (experts recommend using a coolant with a freezing point of -20 to -25 degrees), or in the form of concentrates, and then the solution must be prepared independently.

Example of dilution of ethylene glycol liquids. They come in two types:

1. With a freezing threshold no higher than -30 degrees (then, to reach a freezing temperature of -25, the mixture must be diluted with distilled water in a ratio of 9:1);
2. With a freezing threshold no higher than -65 degrees (to get a freezing threshold of -25, antifreeze and water are mixed in proportions of 6:4).

Instructions for use

If your system previously ran on water, switching to antifreeze will not be easy. Theoretically, radiators with a boiler can be emptied and filled with cold-resistant coolant, but in practice the following will happen:

• due to lower heat capacity, the output of batteries and the efficiency of heating rooms will decrease;
• due to viscosity, the load on the pump will increase, coolant flow will drop, and less heat will reach the radiators;
• antifreeze expands more than water, so the capacity of the old tank will not be enough, the pressure in the network will rise;
• To improve the situation, you will have to increase the temperature on the boiler, which will lead to excessive fuel consumption and increased pressure.

Addition. After filling the liquid, the old connections sealed with flax and paint are guaranteed to flow.

Leaking joints must be repacked, sealing the threads with dry flax or thread with sealant
. In order for heating to function normally using a chemical coolant, you need to calculate in advance or remake the existing system according to the new requirements:

1. Select the capacity of the expansion tank at the rate of 15% of the total volume of liquid (water was 10%);
2. The pump performance is assumed to be 10% more, and the generated pressure is assumed to be 50% more. Let us explain with an example: if previously there was a unit with a working pressure of 0.4 Bar (4 meters of water column), then use a 0.6 Bar pump for antifreeze.
3. In order to operate the boiler in optimal mode and not raise the temperature of the coolant, it is advisable to add 1-3 (depending on power) sections to each battery.

4. Pack all joints with dry flax or use high-quality pastes - sealants such as LOCTITE, ABRO or Hermesil.
5. When purchasing shut-off and control valves, consult with the seller about the resistance of rubber seals to glycol mixtures.
6. Pressure test the system again by filling the pipes and heating equipment with water.
7. When starting the boiler unit at negative temperatures, set the minimum power. Cold antifreeze needs to be warmed up slowly.

Advice. The total amount of coolant is easy to calculate - the cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe is multiplied by its length, the capacity of the boiler and radiators is indicated in the product data sheets. Find out how to properly place and connect the expansion tank in our separate publication.

Before pumping in frost-resistant liquid, fill in water and test the pipelines with a pressure exceeding the operating pressure by 25%. The
concentrated coolant must be diluted with water, ideally with distillate. Do not rely on an excessive reserve of frost resistance - the more water you add, the better the heating will work. Recommendations for preparing coolant:

1. For heating elements, electric and gas double-circuit heat generators, prepare the mixture at minus 20 degrees. A more concentrated solution may foam upon contact with the heater, and carbon deposits will form on the surface of the heating element.
2. In other cases, mix the components at freezing point according to the table below. Proportions are indicated per 100 liters of coolant.
3. If there is no distillate, first conduct an experiment - dilute the concentrate in a jar with plain water. If you see a precipitate of white flakes - a product of the decomposition of inhibitors and additives, this water should not be used.
4. A similar check is done before mixing antifreeze from two different manufacturers. It is unacceptable to dilute ethylene glycol with propylene composition.
5. Prepare the coolant immediately before pouring.

The ratio of concentrate and water is given per 100 liters.
To find out the amount of ingredients for a volume of 150 liters, multiply the given figures by a factor of 1.5. The maximum service life of any non-freezing substance in pipes and heating radiators is 5 years. At the end of the specified period, the liquid is drained, the system is flushed twice and filled with fresh antifreeze.

Antifreeze properties

Consumers are so accustomed to using water as a coolant that they do not even suspect that there is water of better quality.

Water's biggest advantage is its cost and non-toxicity, but otherwise it can be an adversary for a heating system. Its ability to cause corrosion of metals has “ruined” more than one generation of radiators.

In addition, in the event of a tragedy on a heating main in winter, when the heating is forced to stop working, it can freeze in the pipes even at zero temperature. Its ability to expand, both when frozen and heated, causes them to rupture.

Antifreeze, enriched with special additives for use in heating systems, has some advantages next to water, but it also has negative properties:

• This coolant freezes at -70 degrees.
• It does not harm aluminum, which is extremely important for such a “sensitive” metal.
• It has a good level of thermal conductivity, although it takes slightly longer to heat up than water.

These were the positive properties of antifreeze.

Among its disadvantages:

It has greater viscosity, so to move it through the heating system you need a fairly powerful boiler. The fluidity of antifreeze is dangerous if the integrity of joints or parts of the heating network is compromised. Antifreeze is toxic, so precautions should be taken when using it.

Many consumers are wondering, knowing about these shortcomings, whether it is possible to use antifreeze in duralumin radiators. In this case, it is even preferable when it comes to an autonomous heating system. The durability of this coolant is enough to heat a house for 10 winters, which in itself is good news. During this period, aluminum batteries do not change at all under its influence, which also has a positive effect on their service life.

Find out useful information about duralumin batteries on our website:

How to choose a suitable cooler for an aluminum engine?

It is important to choose the right product for your vehicle. Filling with harmful coolant can lead to engine malfunction and even deformation. There are a number of tips that will allow you to buy a product that meets all the characteristics:

1. Many refrigerants have different shades. Often, the color scheme corresponds to the class of liquid. G 11 is characterized by green and blue colors; for G 12, 12+ and 12++, manufacturers choose red, orange, and sometimes green tints. G 13 - predominantly red, sometimes purple, lilac.
2. It is important to study the composition of the product. For aluminum motors, it is worth choosing a minimally toxic product.
3. It is necessary to take into account what is added to antifreeze as additives.

It is imperative to make sure that the substances sold in the store are original. To do this, you need to carefully inspect the canister and ask the seller for a quality certificate.

Benefits of ethylene glycol antifreeze

Antifreeze does not freeze at low temperatures. Pure ethylene glycol is a viscous, oily, colorless liquid with little odor. Its boiling point is +197 and its freezing point is -13 degrees Celsius. But in a dacha that is closed for the winter, the room temperature can be much lower.

To ensure that the ethylene glycol concentrate does not freeze and cause the heating system to fail, it is diluted with water and a solution is obtained, the freezing point of which can be as low as -70 degrees Celsius.

To make coolants, not only ethylene glycol is used, but also propylene glycol, but the latter ingredient has a higher viscosity and, therefore, greater density. And according to the laws of physics, it will have a higher freezing point. Therefore, experts often recommend the antifreeze composition G11 G12 based on ethylene glycol.

Historical excursion

To begin with, I’ll briefly talk about the history of engine building. The first motors were designed and implemented about two hundred years ago. Previously, there were no antifreezes, and they had not yet figured out how to use water as a coolant. As a result, the engine was cooled naturally - using air.

Literally a few years later, a water-cooled motor appeared, which subsequently began to be actively introduced. The first antifreezes were developed only in the 19th century, and were produced in the form of layered, alcohol or glycerin (with the addition of sugar and honey) formulations. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did substances protect internal combustion engines from the negative effects of corrosion go on sale.

Ethanol compounds

The significant cost of this antifreeze for aluminum radiators often becomes a serious obstacle to its use in private autonomous systems. The composition can be obtained from distilled water and 40% ethanol (ethyl alcohol). The quality of such a solution is superior to the factory analogue in certain parameters. The matter mainly concerns its low viscosity (although compared to water it remains quite high). There is also a decrease in fluid fluidity, which makes it possible to be less demanding on the connecting areas.

The use of homemade ethanol antifreeze for heating radiators has a beneficial effect on the safety of the rubber sealing gaskets that are present in any circuit. It is recommended to dilute alcohol with hard water: in combination with ethanol, it will become a serious obstacle to the formation of scale on the inner walls. In this case, you cannot do without solid sediment, but you can easily get rid of it by flushing the system. In cases where the percentage of ethyl alcohol in water does not exceed 30%, it will not evaporate.

Due to the fact that the coolant for aluminum radiators is similar in its characteristics to water, its boiling point is approximately the same as that of water. This suggests that when the temperature reaches + 85-90ᶷ, no steam release will be observed. Thanks to ethanol, the thermal expansion of water is reduced by an order of magnitude, which allows the system to more comfortably tolerate lower temperatures in the room.

What proportions to use

It is important to understand that to lower the freezing point it is necessary to increase the percentage of ethanol in the solution:

• When the indicator drops to -10.6 degrees, ethyl alcohol must be present in an amount of at least 20.3%.
• When the temperature drops to -23.6 ᶷ degrees, the share of ethanol increases to 33.8%.
• At a temperature of -28.7 degrees, alcohol is added in a volume of 39% alcohol.
• At a temperature of -34 degrees - 46.3%.

It should be taken into account that one liter of 96% ethylene contains 960 ml of anhydrous alcohol. Therefore, to obtain a 33% solution, you will need 96/33 = 2.9, that is, 2.9 liters of distilled water. That is, to make a 33% solution you need one liter of ethyl alcohol and 2.9 liters of distilled water. The antifreeze obtained in this way for heating can be safely poured into a circuit with aluminum radiators, because it will retain its fluidity even at -22 degrees below zero.

There are certain restrictions on the use of homemade and factory-made non-freezing coolants for bimetallic radiators:

1. It is strictly forbidden to use antifreeze in heating circuits with electrolysis boilers.
2. Antifreeze cannot be used in open heating systems. We are talking primarily about toxic ethylene glycol compounds.
3. It is not advisable to allow the liquid temperature to drop below -20 ᶷC. This significantly deteriorates the quality of the additives used, which provokes the formation of scale on the internal walls.
4. In systems with antifreeze, it is prohibited to use flax tow placed on the paint. Under the influence of ethyl alcohol, it quickly disintegrates, which leads to depressurization of the connection. It is best to use Unipak plumbing paste in such cases.
5. Antifreeze liquids have a destructive effect on galvanized elements.

Which radiator to choose

Iron radiators are chosen for a personal home.

The most popular types of alloy for radiators are cast iron (in almost everyone’s old apartments), steel, bimetal, and aluminum.

1. Cast iron batteries are made up of sections and are extremely strong and durable. But the appearance and design are somehow somewhat outdated, plus they are extremely heavy to move and mount.
2. Steel radiators are the most beautiful and lightweight.

   They can be either panel or tubular. The downside is that it is short-lived and more susceptible to corrosion.

3. Aluminum batteries are lightweight, aesthetically beautiful, and comfortable for the garden. But they are extremely selective in the composition of the water that is heated in them. Therefore, when turning off batteries for the winter, you need to be especially vigilant in choosing antifreeze.
4. Bimetallic radiators are made of an alloy of aluminum and steel and are the most successful solution in your home. Only the cost is high compared to duralumin radiators.

Cast iron heating radiators

Cast iron batteries were installed in all standard apartments. Now they are also in demand, although to a lesser extent, mainly for apartment buildings.

Cast iron heating radiators are highly inert, i.e. They take a long time to warm up when heat is applied and take just as long to cool down. It is necessary to take into account that one such cast iron section has a volume of 1.45 liters, which is a disadvantage, especially for suburban buildings.

A significant drawback is that water hammer is dangerous for such batteries, because cast iron itself is a rather fragile material. The average pressure that cast iron batteries can withstand is 9 kg/cm2 at a temperature of 130 0 C.

The appearance leaves much to be desired, so they are often covered with special screens for a more aesthetic appearance. They require constant painting, because... The cast iron on the outside is constantly rusting. They are heavy and inconvenient to use.

Positive properties include the price and the ability to expand additional sections.

Cast iron radiators are resistant to corrosion and have high thermal conductivity. One cast iron section produces 160 W of heat.