anti freeze

Glen

Buy a good refractometer, toss in some pH testing strips, and digital thermometer - and boiler service/diagnostics will get much easier!

Rich_2

how do you check anti freeze

Got a customer that want's me to check the anti freeze in his heat system ,dont know how to go about it.

hr

The two most important items to test are freeze protection level, then ph. The freeze protection is obvious and base it on what is comfortable in your area. This meter will measure both propylene and ethylene. If you do not know which you have error with the lower number, propylene I think.

The ph test will tell you how strong the inhibitors are in the glycol. Some manufactures suggest replacing the fluid when it drops to below 7 ph. You can also buy hydronic glycol boost kits. Usually a small pint or quart container will bring the ph and inhibitors back to a safe range.

Should the ph be below 6 ph I would highly recommend changing the fluid as it will really start attacking the boiler and components.Graingers has digital ph testers for under $100 bucks. Much more accurate than a test strip.

For a more involved test you would send a sample to one of the glycol manufactures.

You could also take a sample to a Quick Lube place. They a at least have a freeze tester, possibly a ph tester. Good luck.

hot rod


www.misco.com/Traditional/glycol-refractometer.html

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sootmonkey

Rich

Hey, I have had a lot of experence with antifreeze in h2o systems. (not that much with spelling or typing). ( I live in Maine) I strongly agree with Hotrod. You must test freeze proctection AND ph level. I can not stress PH testing enough!!! I would hope and pray that the system would not have ethylene in it. (code in my area only allows nontoxic additives in boiler water). We use a product that goes by the name of no-burst. Soot