Glycol systems are indispensable for cooling and heating infrastructure, but the maintenance and upkeep of these systems demand specialized expertise and rigorous attention to detail. At Tower Water, we understand the importance of maintaining glycol systems and the potential difficulties that can arise if these systems are not properly maintained. In this blog post, we discuss why remediating a glycol system can present numerous challenges, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and the potential pitfalls of neglecting these crucial systems.

What is Glycol?

Glycol refers to a class of organic compounds that contain multiple hydroxyl groups. The most common glycol type is ethylene glycol, widely used as a coolant and antifreeze in various industrial and automotive applications. Another essential glycol is propylene glycol, which has diverse uses, including being a solvent in pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care products.

These compounds are versatile and vital in numerous industries due to their low toxicity and ability to dissolve many substances. In Glycol systems for cooling towers and HVAC, Glycol is a heat transfer fluid because of its excellent thermal properties and ability to prevent freezing.

1. Corrosion and Material Degradation

Inadequate maintenance of glycol systems can lead to corrosion and degradation of metal components within the system. Uninhibited glycol can be highly corrosive to metals, and without the presence of appropriate corrosion inhibitors, these systems are at risk of substantial material damage. Remediation efforts to address corrosion and material degradation can be extensive, costly, and disruptive to the overall functionality of the glycol system.

2. Biological Contamination and Environmental Impact

Neglected glycol systems are susceptible to biological contamination, which can lead to environmental and health concerns. Microbial growth and contaminants can compromise indoor air quality, pose health risks, and require remediation measures to mitigate biological contamination. Addressing these environmental challenges requires thorough expertise and specialized remediation techniques.

3. Costly Remediation Efforts

Remediating a neglected glycol system can result in significant financial burdens for building owners and facility managers. The extensive nature of remediation efforts can cause substantial downtime, increased energy consumption, and costly repairs, impacting operational budgets and facility management resources.

4. Operational Disruption and Downtime

When remediation becomes necessary due to neglected glycol systems, it can disrupt operational downtime for facilities and buildings. The remediation process may involve temporary shutdowns, system flushing, and extensive cleaning, impacting the functionality of cooling and heating systems. Minimizing operational disruption and downtime through proactive maintenance is crucial for preventing remediation and ensuring continuous operation.

Tower Water's Commitment to Effective Glycol System Maintenance

At Tower Water, we recognize the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning for glycol systems. Our expertise in glycol system cleaning ensures that your system is free of corrosion by-products and maintains the appropriate percentage of glycol at all times, mitigating the risk of material degradation and environmental concerns. By prioritizing proactive maintenance, we help our clients avoid the challenges and costs associated with remediation, ensuring their glycol systems' continued efficiency and reliability.

Final Thoughts

The challenges and costs of remediating neglected glycol systems underscore the critical importance of proactive maintenance and cleaning to avoid these potential pitfalls. Trust Tower Water for comprehensive Glycol system cleaning solutions and ensure your glycol systems' continued optimal performance and reliability. Contact Tower Water today to learn more about our glycol system maintenance services and the proactive measures we take to safeguard the performance and longevity of these critical cooling and heating systems.