Our solar heat transfer fluids are designed for use with hot plate and vacuum tube solar heating systems. The most popular thermal fluids in the range are the Sentinel R100 Solar Thermal Fluid, a stable, non-toxic glycol fluid and the Cura Solar Heat Transfer Fluid, a ready to use fluid that offers frost protection to -28°C.
The following criteria could be used to choose the right type of glycol for a solar thermal application: High thermally stability at temperatures up to 350°F (177°C). Nontoxic. Good corrosion protection. High reserve alkalinity or good pH buffering.
Ethylene glycol has good thermal and physical properties when compared to other common glycols, but it is considered toxic and not normally used for domestic hot water systems for that reason. It also degrades much faster than other glycols at the higher temperature required with the solar thermal systems.
Recommended procedures: The following steps are recommended before charging the system with glycol mixture. Pressure-test the solar plumbing loop with compressed air to twice the normal operating pressure. Use the ball valves on float vents and expansion tanks to seal off these components during the test.
It is used mainly in the automotive and HVAC industries. Ethylene glycol has good thermal and physical properties when compared to other common glycols, but it is considered toxic and not normally used for domestic hot water systems for that reason.
Recommended procedures: A utility pump and three high-temperature flexible hoses are required to connect to the fill and purge ports. This pump must be capable of lifting the glycol mixture from the mechanical room up to the top of the solar collectors. Pumps are commonly used for this purpose with output pressure ratings of 30 to 60 psi.