When it comes to handling glycol, centrifugal pumps are commonly used in various applications. Centrifugal pumps work by converting rotational energy from a motor into kinetic energy in the fluid, increasing its velocity and creating pressure to move it through a system. This type of pump is well-suited for glycol due to its relatively low specific gravity and viscosity.
The low specific gravity of glycol means that it is less dense compared to water, making it easier to handle with centrifugal pumps. This is advantageous as it allows for efficient pumping and reduces the strain on the pump motor. Additionally, the low viscosity of glycol ensures smooth flow through the pump, minimizing friction losses and optimizing its performance.
One of the reasons why centrifugal pumps are preferred for glycol applications is the cost-effectiveness they offer. Glycols, such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, are inert substances that exhibit broad chemical compatibility. This means that they can be used with a wide range of materials without causing corrosion or degradation. As a result, centrifugal pumps can be made from inexpensive materials like cast iron, which helps to keep the overall cost of closed-loop cooling systems using glycol low.
In my experience as a brewer, I have used glycol in the cooling systems of fermentation tanks and bright tanks. We relied on centrifugal pumps to circulate the glycol through the cooling jackets of these tanks, maintaining the desired fermentation temperatures. The use of centrifugal pumps allowed for efficient and reliable cooling without any major issues.
To summarize, centrifugal pumps are the preferred choice for handling glycol due to its low specific gravity and viscosity. They offer cost-effectiveness by allowing the use of inexpensive materials in glycol cooling systems. From a brewing perspective, I can attest to the effectiveness of centrifugal pumps in maintaining optimal fermentation temperatures using glycol.