Some chemicals sound unusual to the untrained ear and as such, may make you think you don’t even use anything that contains that chemical. Glycols are some of those chemicals that are actually used in a wide variety of products people use on a regular basis. However, when you work in these industries, you know exactly how important this compound is to the structure of each of the products in which it can be found.
Antifreeze Properties
One of the most useful aspects of these compounds is their ability to prevent freezing. When you operate engines and other machinery in freezing temperatures, the motors and other aspects of the machine have a high risk of freezing up. To avoid this, antifreeze made with glycol may be added to ensure the liquids don’t freeze. In addition, glycol can also be used in airplane deicer to help airlines keep their flights on track.
Common Products
Glycols are also used in products people use on a regular basis. Whether you are involved in the manufacturing of clothing made from polyester fibers or you work in the food industry where plastic bottles are used, glycol is used as part of the process. There are other uses for the polyester fibers as well, including marine applications, car and airplane bodies, appliances, luggage and packaging options. A variety of products for daily use all contain glycol.
Heat Transfer Fluids
Another common use for glycol is as heat transfer fluids in many situations. If you work in the HVAC industry, you need to make use of glycol to help move the heat around the building to ensure it is kept warm when the temperatures outside drop. In addition, the glycol can also carry the heat away when the building needs to be cooled. This makes it an important element in the heating and cooling process of many HVAC systems.
There are many industries that make use of the glycols that are available on the market. With its properties that can alter the freezing point of liquids, it can be used as an effective antifreeze, as well as deicer for plane wings. It is also an important element found in many products consumers use on a regular basis, such as clothing, plastic bottles, luggage, appliances and more. It is also an important element found in HVAC systems to aid in the heating and cooling of any building.
