Why is Propylene Glycol used as an Engine Coolant?

Coolants are used to aid in dissipating heat. In an internal combustion engine, this heat is generated by fuel combustion and the friction between the various moving parts. A basic internal combustion engine is able to convert only a third of the total energy generated into mechanical energy. Out of the remaining two-thirds, a third goes out of the engine through exhaust. The remaining energy is converted into heat. It is for this heat that an engine coolant is required. Once an engine is powered on, the coolant flows from top to bottom in a repetitive motion extracting heat from the engine. It may also have anti-freeze and corrosion protection properties. Coolant transfers heat to the radiator and it blows it out into the environment. Engine coolant thus helps an engine work smoothly and efficiently.

Not every liquid is an efficient heat transfer material. Selection of right engine coolant according to the environment and other prevailing conditions and the materials that constitute the engine is necessary. In extreme cold, the engine requires a coolant which has inherent or added anti-freeze properties. When glycols are combined with water they display all these characteristics. This is why glycols are the base for all engine coolants. A modern engine coolant is a combination of ethylene or propylene glycol with de-ionized water with added anti-corrosion materials and dyes.

Glycol based engine coolants contain one of two frequently used chemicals - ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Both can be used in internal combustion engines and heavy-duty engines. Ethylene glycol is cost effective but toxic in nature. Propylene glycol is also used as a de-icing agent on runways and in aircraft. Propylene glycol is not that cheap but environment friendly. Propylene Glycol is a widely used engine coolant because of its several advantages:

•    Has a low freezing point and high boiling point that enables it to work in extreme weather conditions.
•    Because of low freezing and high boiling points, it provides burst protection to an engine. Since liquids expand when they freeze solid, low temperatures make pipes, tubes and containment vessels vulnerable.
•    Its high boiling point allows it to sustain extremely hot conditions. It has a comparatively lower chance of catching fire than any other coolant.
•    It decreases the freezing point when added to water.
•    It is non-toxic and rarely harmful to animal life though frequent contact with skin may cause irritation.

Different Road Dust Control Products and Chemicals

Dust is a big problem, especially when building access and haul roads as well as landing strips. When choosing road dust control products and chemicals, there are two important things you need to consider—effectiveness and environment impact. More often than not, highly-effective chemicals and products have the consequence of causing plants nearby to wilt and die, or to contaminate and pollute water sources. On the other hand, environment-friendly products may not be as effective. Here is a quick description of common road dust control products and chemicals available:

•    Calcium chloride – This chemical attracts moisture and can resist evaporating.

•    Magnesium chloride – This acts the same way as calcium chloride, but with the added benefit of reducing erosion to prevent the development of potholes.

•    Magnesium chloride hexahydrate – This chemical achieves aggregate stability and is less toxic than salt and baking soda.

•    NovaMax DCP 7525 – This resin-modified emulsion is an excellent treatment for road surfaces that are unpaved. It has high bonding strength, thanks to non-ionic emulsion technology. It is long-lasting and is effective for dust and erosion control and treatment for shoulders and stabilization of roads. This reliable and environmentally-friendly binder can be used even if your site of construction is close to wetland areas.

Make sure to purchase dust control products and chemicals from reputable chemical manufacturers or distribution companies. One way to check a company’s reliability is to look at their list of clients. If there are testimonials about their products and services, be sure to read them. The best manufacturers are those that can offer flexible solutions. Some can tailor road dust control products and chemicals to suit your needs.

You should also check on the background of the manufacturing and distribution company. See if they comply with strict rules and regulations to keep from harming the environment. They should also have an excellent health and safety standards.