ᐅ What level of frost protection is required for a solar thermal system?
Created on: 20 Sep 2021 18:09
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HabneFrageH
HabneFrage20 Sep 2021 18:09Good day.
I have a question regarding a solar thermal system.
It is 5 years old,
filled with solar thermal fluid.
Strangely, the antifreeze measured down to -40°C (-40°F)!
The fluid was somewhat gray-blue in color, but without any flakes or particles. It was a clear liquid, but not transparent.
When should this fluid be replaced?
I have a question regarding a solar thermal system.
It is 5 years old,
filled with solar thermal fluid.
Strangely, the antifreeze measured down to -40°C (-40°F)!
The fluid was somewhat gray-blue in color, but without any flakes or particles. It was a clear liquid, but not transparent.
When should this fluid be replaced?
In my opinion, there is no clear answer to this:
Antifreeze products are mostly based on various alcohols in an unspecified mixture. Alcohols also act as solvents and can potentially attack sealing materials. However, this is not necessarily the case because the composition of the sealing materials is also generally not specified. Since the fluid circulates in a closed loop without fresh air supply, after a short time there is hardly any new aggressive chemical environment.
Therefore, the mixture can remain stable for years, as long as no sealing material is affected.
Antifreeze products are mostly based on various alcohols in an unspecified mixture. Alcohols also act as solvents and can potentially attack sealing materials. However, this is not necessarily the case because the composition of the sealing materials is also generally not specified. Since the fluid circulates in a closed loop without fresh air supply, after a short time there is hardly any new aggressive chemical environment.
Therefore, the mixture can remain stable for years, as long as no sealing material is affected.
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HabneFrage20 Sep 2021 20:03Ok, then the solar fluid should still be fine.
What I find strange is that my measuring device showed a solid -40 degrees, even though the container actually states -32 degrees. I had calibrated the device beforehand using distilled water. I will now take a sample and measure it every year.
What I find strange is that my measuring device showed a solid -40 degrees, even though the container actually states -32 degrees. I had calibrated the device beforehand using distilled water. I will now take a sample and measure it every year.