Introduction
In a glycol dehydration system, maintaining the health of your Tri ethylene Glycol (T.E.G.) is critical. Over time, glycol often becomes acidic due to thermal decomposition, the presence of oxygen and acid gases, or carryover into the unit. Left unchecked, acidic glycol leads to severe corrosion and equipment failure. Today, we’re covering the essential process of pH control.
Glycol Sampling for PH
Collect your sample in a clean glass jar. Avoid plastic if the glycol is hot, and always flush the sample line first to ensure there is no debris or stagnant fluid collected. Add an equal amount of distilled water with a pH of 7 to the sample and let the sample cool, submerge your PH tester. While paper test strips are an option, a digital tester provides higher precision and easier testing. Samples can also be sent into Croft for a full Glycol Analysis. The ideal pH range for T.E.G. is between 7 and 8.5. Our reading of 6.2 indicates the glycol is becoming acidic. We need to take corrective action to bring it back into a neutral.
Correcting PH Levels of Glycol
To raise the pH, we add a neutralizing agent in this case Croft's PH Control 3 0 1. Croft’s PH Control 3 0 1 is a specially formulated treatment chemical designed to raise the pH of T.E.G. systems and add a protective corrosion resistant layer to the vapor spaces of the system. It is vital to add these chemicals in small increments. Over-treating can lead to foaming issues later on.
Allow the system to circulate for at least one full cycle before re-testing. This ensures the chemical is thoroughly mixed throughout the entire volume of the system.
Link: PH Control 301
Conclusion
Success! Our pH is now at 8.2, safely within our target range of 7 to 8.5. Regular monthly testing is your best defense against corrosion and ensures the long-term efficiency of your dehydration system.
