Houghton Chemical Corp.

Geothermal heating systems utilize the latent heat energy of the earth in order to conserve the energy used to cool and heat residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. With a constant temperature ranging from 50-60˚ F, the upper crust of the earth’s surface provides a perfect environment for harnessing energy. Geothermal designers and technicians utilize specialized ground source heat pumps and a geothermal fluid to transfer this energy from the earth’s crust to the surface. Geothermal fluid is typically formulated from either inhibited propylene glycol or inhibited ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is a molecule having one hydroxyl group on a 2 carbon chain, making it less viscous and providing slightly better heat transfer properties than either propylene glycol or ethylene glycol. Ethanol is a flammable liquid with a flash point as low as 13˚ C or 55˚ F. Ethanol can be obtained from petroleum (fossil fuels) or crops such as corn (renewable resource). While ethyl alcohol can be metabolized by the human body, our geothermal fluid does contain a bittering agent.

While water is an economical and thermodynamically superior heat transfer fluid, it suffers from some important deficiencies. Using properly inhibited heat transfer fluid overcomes these difficulties while preserving the beneficial properties of water. Properly manufactured heat transfer fluids offer the most effective combination of both corrosion protection and freeze tolerance. Heat transfer fluids can be made from inhibited ethylene glycol, inhibited propylene glycol, or inhibited ethyl alcohol.

Heat Transfer Fluids Team is pleased to offer an Extensive Glycol Analysis. Please fill out the form below or contact our office if you have any questions Glycol type (if necessary) % Glycol Freeze Point pH Reserve Alkalinity Comments Recommendations Inhibitor level Corrosion Products Degradation Products Contaminants

Heat Transfer Fluids Team is please to offer you a Free Standard Glycol Analysis. Please fill out the form below or contact our office at 1-800-777-2466. Includes: Glycol type (if necessary) % Glycol Freeze Point pH Reserve Alkalinity Comments Recommendations

Houghton Chemical Corporation is a family-owned and operated distribution and manufacturing company headquartered in Boston, MA with diversified but interrelated operations. For over 85 years we’ve built an enviable reputation for high quality and prompt, courteous service in chemicals and chemical-related products marketed on a national and international basis. Well-known for our profit sharing plan, Houghton Chemical provides quality employment and encourages all employees to be active participants in community activities at work and at home.