FRIOGEL

1. DEFINIT ION
FRIOGEL, based on monopropylene glycol and corrosion inhibitors, is a heat transfer fluid, concentrated
antifreeze, specially designed for refrigerating circuits working at low temperatures. After dilution with water,
FRIOGEL permits to obtain an excellent protection again frost and a reinforced protection against corrosion
of the metals that are presents in the new and existing circuits (steel, aluminium, copper, brass, welding, etc
...) ; this protection was checked by various static and dynamic tests.
The FRIOGEL formula is approved by Conseil Suprieur d'Hygine Publique in France (French Public
Health board) as heat transfer fluid in sanitary water production with single exchange because it does not
present any significant risk for health. (Authorisation n 1549 dated October 29,1981)
Its exclusive formula was developped to ensure an excellent compatibility with calcareous water as it avoids
risks of precipitation of inhibitors. However, it is better to add demineralised water to avoid deposit of fur.
Besides, risks of mid term depositions due to corrosion in the installation and alteration of chemical
components are significantly reduced thanks to the stability of the inhibition formula.
Checking the concentration in FRIOGEL is recommended during servicing (once a year at least) to avoid
any risk of clogging-up.
It is easily identified by its red color.
2. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FRIOGEL
Appearance....................................................................................................... red liquid
Density (AFNOR NF R 15-602-1) at 20C ....................................................... 1,051 0,002
pH (AFNOR NF T 78-103)

50 % volume in water ................................... 8 0,2

33 % volume in water .................................... 8 0,2

Alkaline reserve (AFNOR NF T 78-101)

(ml HCI N/10 for 10 ml FRIOGEL) ................................................................ 12 1 ml
Freezing point C (AFNOR NF T 78-102)
33 % volume in water........................................................................................ - 16 2C
50 % volume in water........................................................................................ - 34 2C
Boiling temperature C (AFNOR R 15-602-4)
at atmospheric pressure .................................................................................. 157 2C
Flash point C (ASTM D 93) ............................................................................ 104C
3. PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF FRIOGEL AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
3.1. Freezing point (AFNOR NF T 78-102)
Freezing points of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions given page 2 correspond to the formation of a crystalline
mixture and not to a compact solidification.
Freezing points are, anyhow, subject to variation due to possible surfusion phenomenons.
For use as a heat transfer fluid and especially at low temperatures (below zero C), it is imperative to take into
account the viscosity (see table page 3) to calculate pressure drops (see page 5).

Copyright 2001 dehon service Tous droits rservs.

Direction et services: 26, avenue du Petit Parc-94683 Vincennes Cedex - Tl: 01.43.98.75.00+ SDA - Fax: 01.43.98.21.51
E-mail : dehonservice.fr@dehon.com. - Site: www.dehon.com.
Sige social: 4, rue de la Croix-Faubin -75011 Paris - E-mail: dehonparis@dehon.com
Socit anonyme directoire et conseil de surveillance au capital de 5.129.909 - RCS Paris B 310 259 205

-1-

Indeed, viscosities of monopropylene glycol based solutions are perceptibly higher than monoethylene glycolbased solutions, especially when closer to the freezing point.
% of FRIOGEL (in volume)
Freezing point in C 2

15
-5

20
-7

25
- 10

30
- 13

35
- 18

40
- 23

45
- 29

50
- 34

55
- 41

60
- 51

Conservation of antifreeze / anticorrosion capacity of aqueous solutions

Decreases of FRIOGEL content in aqueous solutions, even when they are brought near their boiling
temperature, are close to zero due to the low volatility and due to the fact that no azeotrop forms with water.
Most installations being sealed nowadays, water cannot evaporate and the antifreeze capacity of aqueous
solutions is kept if no leakage occurs.
On the contrary, in older system which would include open expansions vessels, it is recommended to check
the pressure gauge and to reintroduce water in the installation if necessary, while checking the antifreeze
concentration thanks to the density.
In all cases, it is recommended to check at least once a year the concentration in FRIOGEL of the solution
by measuring its density at 20C using a densimeter or by controlling its freezing point.
It is necessary to proceed to the verification of water pH in the circuit, of external corrosion of pipings /
radiators and to the identification of the zones where circulation is poor or to valves block.
3.2. Density of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions at 20C
Percentage of FRIOGEL
(in volume)
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60

Density of the solution

kg / l
1,010
1,014
1,019
1,024
1,029
1,034
1,038
1,041
1,045
1,048
1,051

Densities read on the scale of an appropriate densimeter correspond very roughly to the density given at
20C. Taking into account small density variations of the product depending on its concentration in water, it is
necessary to use a precise enough densimeter.
3.3 Boiling points of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions
% FRIOGEL (in volume)
Boiling point (in C)

20
103

30
104

40
105

50
106

60
108

3.4. Contraction of FRIOGEL + water solutions at 20C

Mixing a volume A of FRIOGEL with a volume B of water gives a volume V smaller than the
sum A + B.
(A + B) - V
The contraction of the mixture in % volume corresponds to the following equations:
(100)
(A + B)
Mixture
(in liters)
FRIOGEL
10
20
30
40
50

Final volume obtained

(in liters)
Water
90
80
70
60
50

99,6
99,2
99
98,7
98,4

Contraction of the mixture

(% in volume)
0,4
0,8
1
1,3
1,6

3.5. Kinematic viscosity of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions (expressed in centistocks cSt)

FRIOGEL
(% in volume)
Temperature en C

25

30

35

40

45

50

60,8
29,3
15,7
9,2
5,8
3,9
2,8
2,1
1,6
1,3
1,1
0,9
0,8

206,7
83,1
38,2
19,7
11,2
6,9
4,5
3,1
2,3
1,8
1,4
1,2
1,0
0,8

45

50

3,5
3,5
3,6
3,6
3,6
3,7
3,7
3,7
3,8
3,8
3,8
3,9
3,9

3,4
3,4
3,4
3,5
3,5
3,5
3,6
3,6
3,7
3,7
3,7
3,8
3,8
3,8

Freezing range
- 30
- 20
- 10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

9,7
6,0
3,9
2,8
2,0
1,5
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,7
0,6
0,5

12,8
7,7
4,9
3,3
2,4
1,8
1,4
1,1
0,9
0,8
0,7
0,6

16,9
9,8
6,1
4,0
2,8
2,1
1,6
1,3
1,0
0,9
0,7
0,7

44,3
22,3
12,4
7,5
4,9
3,3
2,4
1,8
1,4
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,7

3.6. Specific heat of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions (in kj. kg-1.K-1)*

FRIOGEL
(% in volume)
Temperature in C

25

30

35

40

Freezing range
- 30
- 20
- 10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

3,9
3,9
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,1
4,1
4,1

3,8
3,9
3,9
3,9
3,9
3,9
3,9
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0
4,0

3,7
3,8
3,8
3,8
3,8
3,9
3,9
3,9
3,9
4,0
4,0
4,0

3,6
3,6
3,7
3,7
3,7
3,8
3,8
3,8
3,8
3,9
3,9
3,9
4,0

bibliographic data

3.7. Thermal conductibility of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions (in W.m-1.K-1)*

FRIOGEL
(% in volume)
Temperature in C
- 30
- 20
- 10
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

25

30

35

40

45

50

0,41
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,42
0,43
0,43
0,43

0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40
0,40

0,39
0,39
0,39
0,39
0,38
0,38
0,38
0,38
0,37
0,37
0,37
0,37
0,37
0,37

Freezing range

0,46
0,47
0,48
0,48
0,49
0,50
0,50
0,51
0,51
0,52
0,52
0,53

0,45
0,45
0,46
0,46
0,47
0,47
0,47
0,48
0,48
0,49
0,49
0,50

0,43
0,43
0,44
0,44
0,44
0,44
0,45
0,45
0,45
0,46
0,46
0,46

* bibliographic data
8. Index of refraction of FRIOGEL aqueous solutions at 20C
Percentage of FRIOGEL
(in volume)
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

Index of refraction
1,3685
1,3795
1,3903
1,4003
1,4108
1,4190
1,4265
1,4340

9. Protection of metals with FRIOGEL in aqueous solution (NF R 15-602-7)

Metals in FRIOGEL solution

Copper
Weld seam
Brass
Steel
Cast iron
Aluminium

Loss in mass
(mg / test tube)
2
3
2
1
1
2

Limits of standard
NF R 15-602-7
- 5 <=
- 5 <=
- 5 <=
- 2,5 <=
- 4 <=
- 10 <=

<= + 5
<= + 5
<= + 5
<= + 2,5
<= + 4
<= + 20

These tests were implemented with FRIOGEL diluted at 33 %

4. CALCULATION OF PRESSURE DROPS

When using an antifreeze solution in a transfer circuit at positive and especially negative temperatures, it is
necessary to take into account the viscosity of the solution to calculate pressure drops.
As an indication, the following table gives the increase of pressure drop to apply compared to water :
- for turbulent smooth flow (copper K = 0,03)
- for turbulent rough flow (steel K = 0,05)
Pressure drop coefficient
FRIOGEL 30 % in volume in water
Water 20C
FRIOGEL 40 % in volume in water
Water 20C

- 10C

0 C

+ 20C

copper 1,96

copper 1,61

copper 1,30

steel 1,42
copper 2,08

steel 1,28
copper 1,86

steel 1,15
copper 1,43

steel 1,46

steel 1,38

steel 1,20

5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE

5.1. Cleaning of the installation
It is highly recommended to clean thoroughly the systems before filling them with the FRIOGEL + water
mixture if they contain significant deposits and especially metallic oxides.
Operating mode is as follows :
- empty rapidly and completely the installation at the lowest point, after making water flow during 1 or 2 hours,
- prepare a 20 g/liter solution of "dispersant D*" in water,
- introduce the obtained solution into the installation,
- allow the product to circulate during at least 2 hours,
- empty rapidly the installation at its lowest point,
- rinse abundantly and thoroughly with plain water until water flows clear and that pH is near 7 ( 0,5).
Depending on the state of the circuit, a second cleaning is sometimes necessary. After each cleaning, it is
important to empty and rinse thoroughly.
Note : if the installation is furred and very oxydised with incrustations, it is recommended to treat it first with a
100 g/l solution of "desoxydant P*" in water circulating 2 hours at 50C. After emptying, use "dispersant
D*" as described above.
5.2. Introduction of FRIOGEL in the installation
It is recommended to prepare the mixture before filling the installation, in order to obtain a good homogeneity
and to carry out filling with an appropriate pump, connected to the discharge outlet.
Since glycol-based water solutions have a higher wetting capacity than water itself, it is recommended to
check the compatibility of the joints with this product (especially with porous joints such as paper or fiber...).
When filling an installation, it may be necessary to re-tighten joints and fittings to avoid any oozing.

In order to obtain a sufficient corrosion protection, the minimum concentration should be of 33 % volume.
However, considering the diversity of materials used in the installations (exchangers, fittings, nozzle...), it is
recommended to contact the components manufacturers to check that their products are compatible with
monopropylene glycol.
* Commercialized by dehon service.

"Information contained in this document is the result of our experience. It is given in good faith but cannot be considered a guarantee,
nor imply responsibility, especially where it may affect third party's rights, or where users do not meet the legal requirements
concerning our products. "

Rf. CA02/07.02/V1/E

5.3. Recommendations