Ethylene glycol antifreeze foaming problem

• Aug 19, 2023

• #2

pierreick

Chemical

Nov 20, 2005

1,472

Hi,
Contaminant could be responsible for foaming, lack of control of Ph is also an indicator.
I would ask support from the supplier of chemicals for your cooling system .
My view.
Pierre

 

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• Aug 19, 2023

• #3

IRstuff

Aerospace

Jun 3, 2002

44,763

Is this a new system or a new installation or a new charge of antifreeze? Did it ever not foam?

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• Aug 19, 2023

• #4

georgeverghese

Chemical

Mar 19, 2015

5,044

There is probably a leak in one of the heat exchangers, most likely the refrigerant - glycol chiller HX. The refrigerant ( ammonia or HCFC ?) would have to be at a higher pressure than glycol solution at the leaking HX.

 

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• Aug 20, 2023

• Thread starter
• #5

mggkg

Industrial

Aug 18, 2009

12

Thank you for your help.
Our refrigeration system is a newly applied system. We know of no leaks in the system.
When We shook the EG 30vol% solution in a PET bottle, we saw that many small bubbles were formed, and the bubbles disappeared in a short time.
During pumping, It seems to be originally generated, So I'm concerned that the efficiency in the heat exchanger and the generated bubbles would affect the pump.

 

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• Aug 20, 2023

• #6

IRstuff

Aerospace

Jun 3, 2002

44,763

Seems like either it's boiling or air is being entrained.

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• Aug 21, 2023

• #7

georgeverghese

Chemical

Mar 19, 2015

5,044

Is there is a vortex breaker at the liquid outlet nozzle of the glycol solution expansion drum that feeds this pump ? Low level at / inadequate size of this drum can also result in gas carry under ( from the vapor space of this expansion drum) into the liquid exit feeding this pump.

 

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• Aug 21, 2023

• #8

pierreick

Chemical

Nov 20, 2005

1,472

Hi,
Weird, from Foaming tendency now we are talking about bubbles, air ingress, vortex!
Real problem or just a fear? Did you check the performance of the unit and what is the result?

Pierre

 

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