What are the practical applications of diethylene glycol as a heat carrier with its high heat transfer performance?
Publish Time: 2025-01-07
Diethylene glycol is a common organic compound with a high boiling point, low volatility and good heat transfer performance. As a heat carrier, diethylene glycol has demonstrated its high heat transfer performance in many industrial and commercial applications.
1. HVAC system (heating, ventilation and air conditioning system)
Cooling and heating systems: diethylene glycol is often used as a heat transfer medium in cooling or heating systems. In these systems, diethylene glycol solutions (usually mixed with water to prevent freezing) circulate through pipes, transferring heat to regulate indoor temperatures. Its high boiling point and low volatility ensure the stability and efficiency of the system during long-term operation.
Antifreeze protection: In cold areas, diethylene glycol solutions can prevent water in cooling systems from freezing and protect equipment from damage.
2. Industrial heating and cooling
Reactor heating: In the chemical industry, diethylene glycol is often used to heat reactors, transferring heat to reactants through a circulation system to promote chemical reactions.
Cooling towers: Diethylene glycol solutions can also be used in cooling towers to dissipate heat generated by industrial processes through evaporative cooling, keeping the system running at a low temperature.
3. Plastics processing
Injection molding: In plastics processing, diethylene glycol is used as a coolant for molds, ensuring rapid cooling and shaping of plastic products through efficient heat transfer, improving production efficiency and product quality.
Extrusion molding: During the extrusion molding process, diethylene glycol is used to cool the extrudate to help maintain the desired shape and size.
4. Pharmaceutical and food processing
Sterilization and disinfection: Diethylene glycol can be used in the sterilization and disinfection processes of the pharmaceutical and food processing industries to ensure the effectiveness of high-temperature sterilization through efficient heat transfer while protecting equipment from high temperature damage.
Temperature control: In these industries, diethylene glycol solutions are used to accurately control the temperature during the processing process to ensure product quality and safety.
5. Energy production
Solar energy systems: In solar water heating systems, diethylene glycol solutions are used as a heat transfer medium to transfer the heat absorbed in the solar collector to the water storage tank for home or industrial use.
Geothermal systems: In geothermal heating and cooling systems, diethylene glycol solutions are circulated through underground pipes, using geothermal energy to regulate the temperature in buildings.
6. Automotive industry
Engine cooling: In some high-performance vehicles or special applications, diethylene glycol solutions are used as engine coolants to help control engine temperature and prevent overheating.
Thermal management systems: Diethylene glycol solutions can also be used in the thermal management system of vehicles to ensure that batteries and other key components operate within a suitable temperature range.
As a heat carrier, diethylene glycol has shown a wide range of practical applications in many fields due to its efficient heat transfer. Its high boiling point, low volatility and good heat transfer properties make it an important material in HVAC systems, industrial heating and cooling, plastic processing, pharmaceutical and food processing, energy production, and the automotive industry. By effectively transferring heat in these applications, diethylene glycol helps improve system efficiency, protect equipment, and ensure product quality.
