WITH NANO THERMO TECHNOLOGY!
INTRODUCTION
TO
HEAT TRANSFER
AND
HYDROMX
Brought to you by Green Way Solutions, Inc., exclusive distributers of Hydromx in North America
INDEX
WHAT IS HYDROMX
PAGE 2
WHAT IS A NANO-FLUID
PAGE 2
NANO FLUID AND HEAT TRANSFER
PAGE 3
WHAT IS HEAT TRANSFER
PAGE 4
HOW DOES HYDROMX WORK
PAGE 5
CORROSION IN HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS
PAGE 6
IS HYDROMX HARMFUL
PAGE 7
HYDROMX AND THE ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 7
WILL HYDROMX DAMAGE MY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
PAGE 8
HOW MUCH HYDROMX IS USED
PAGE 8
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
Page 1
WHAT IS HYDROMX?
Hydromx is a next- generation h eat transfer fluid that uses revolutionary Nano-Thermo ™Technology to
reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions and cut energy bills. Hydromx is a specially formulated
organic fluid that replaces water currently used in most, if not all, closed-loop hydronic heating systems.
Because of its superior heat transfer properties Hydromx will reduce energy costs up to 35% in heating
systems, and will reduce compressor energy by up to 20% in chilled water systems.
Hydromx, developed in Europe, contains properties that eliminate the need for conventional water treatment.
The natural organic inhibitors prevent corrosion and scaling which will extend the life of piping systems and
equipment. At the recommended concentration, 50% Hydromx and 50% water, Hydromx has a pH of between
8.5 and 8.9.
In addition to saving energy, Hydromx extends equipment life while offering freeze and burst protection. Its
operating range is -30°F to +250°F. In a test with dry ice, Hydromx has proven to provide valuable burst
protection down to -109° F. Therefore, Hydromx is ideal where equipment and piping systems are exposed to
or vulnerable to sub-freezing temperatures or systems that require propylene or ethylene glycol such as data
room cooling equipment. Typical glycol systems are 15% to 20% less efficient because of its properties. Since
Hydromx is up to 35% more efficient than water, its energy saving potential is even higher compared to glycol!
In addition, Hydromx will remain effective up to 4 times longer than glycol!
Hydromx is non-flammable, non-corrosive and is made of organic compounds and is safe to use in all piping
systems such as steel, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, PEX and PVC or CPVC. Certified laboratory
tests have shown Hydromx has near zero corrosion on steel, copper, aluminum and brass.
The reliability and performance of Hydromx has been tested, approved and endorsed in a major University
study, a notable Professor of Thermodynamics well as numerous end users from a variety of industries. Once
Hydromx is installed in your system it immediately begins saving energy and provides valuable corrosion and
freeze protection.
WHAT IS A NANO-FLUID?
One of the characteristics of water that is not often discussed is the fact that although it conducts heat quite
effectively, there are many other substances that conduct heat more efficiently. A prime example is metal. For
example, the thermal conductivity of aluminum is about 400 times that of water and copper is more than 600
times better! If a frost inhibitor (such as glycol) is added to water, this makes the heat transfer efficiency of the
system even worse. In addition pumping penalties are incurred because of the higher viscosity of glycol. So, in
simple terms, we would expect our space heating system to work more efficiently if the heat transfer fluid
behaved more like a metal than just water alone.
HERE COMES THE REVOLUTION – NANOTECHNOLOGY
Over the last decade, there has been intensive research into the behavior of substances that contain
extremely small particles. Nanotechnology is the science and engineering of working at the Nanoscale, where
the individual particles are 1-100 nanometers in size. It’s hard to imagine the size of a nanoparticle, but there
are about 25,400,000 nanometers in an inch.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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The behavior of substances that contain nanoparticles can be quite different from normal expectations and
exhibit complex characteristics that can be beneficial in the right type of application. Nanotechnology is
already used to create stronger materials that are lighter in weight. These materials are used in applications
such as boat hulls, sporting equipment, automotive parts and dental implants. Some pharmaceutical products
have been reformulated with nano-sized particles to improve their absorption and make them easier to
administer. Nanotechnology is now successfully used in laser-based cancer treatments where the bad cells
can be killed off without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
It is the intelligent application of nanofluid technology that will bring about a revolution in the hydronic
heating and cooling industry by making the heat transfer fluid behave more like a metal, and while doing so,
maintaining the good characteristics of water.
USING A NANOFLUID TO TRANSFER HEAT
Numerous tests have been conducted in laboratories around the world to assess the heat transfer properties
of nanofluids where minute particles of aluminum or copper are suspended in a base fluid. These experiments
have covered a wide range of operating temperatures and included a study of the impact on viscosity.
The laboratory experiments have been backed up by theoretical studies and it has been found that the
thermal characteristics of nanofluids often defy the classical equations that have been used in the past – thus
opening up a whole new world of possibilities.
The overall outcome of this research has shown that it is possible to significantly enhance the heat transfer
properties of a fluid by introducing nanoparticles. Early practical applications of this have been mainly
targeted at cooling applications, for example within high-performance computer hardware and motor
vehicles.
HOW TO HARNESS THE BENEFITS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN SPACE HEATING SYSTEMS
If a nanofluid can improve the efficiency of a cooling system by conducting the heat away more efficiently, it
follows that the same enhanced heat transfer performance can be used to deliver the heat generated in a hot
water boiler to the radiators that maintain living and working spaces at a comfortable temperature. Like the
laboratory experiments mentioned above, this appears to defy the conventional rules of thermodynamics as it
is possible to reduce fuel consumption by 20-35% just by changing the composition of the fluid in the system.
The first commercial product to deliver energy savings on this scale is Hydromx. This is a biodegradable
product which is mixed 50/50 with the water in an existing heating or cooling system to improve performance
and delivers both a rapid and substantial return on investment. Hydromx not only reduces the energy
consumed by the system, but its special formula also includes corrosion and frost inhibitors to offer a unique
three-in-one package of benefits.
Hydromx is suitable for any size system, from a small house to a large office building or industrial facility. The
same heat transfer properties that produce energy savings in a conventional space heating system also
enhance the performance of solar heating systems. This is all due to the special properties of the nanofluid
component in Hydromx which makes water perform more like a metal when transferring heat.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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WHAT IS HEAT TRANSFER?
First, remember that the flow of heat is always from a warm surface to a cold surface. We know that heat is
transferred in three different ways, conduction, convection, and radiation. Often these three occur together.
But what do these really mean? This section will attempt to describe these modes of heat transfer.
So what exactly is heat? Heat is a form of energy called thermal energy that is primarily due to the motion of
molecules and atoms within the medium. The temperature of an object is actually a measurement of the
intensity of the molecular movement, or a measure of its thermal energy. Heat transfer then is the transfer of
heat through a physical space due to a temperature difference. All heat transfer is driven by temperature
differences. Scientists and engineers who are interested in heat transfer are often interested in the heat
transfer rate, the total amount of thermal energy transferred.
Conduction is the most familiar and easy to understand mode of heat transfer. Simply put, conduction is heat
transfer due to contact between two objects. While this is true, we are usually more interested in the heat
transfer within an object. Within an object or fluid, as hot energetic molecules move, they collide with nearby
molecules, transferring some of their energy to the next molecule. These molecules are now more energetic
and transfer some energy to molecules near them. This happens on a large scale and thermal energy is then
effectively transferred from a higher temperature (high energy) region to a low temperature (low energy)
region.
Convection is the next mode of heat transfer and seems a little harder to understand at first. Convection is
similar to conduction; in fact you can think of it as "enhanced" conduction. Convection is heat transfer
in fluids, i.e. gasses and liquids. We usually think about the transfer of heat from a solid to a moving fluid or
vice versa. There are two kinds of convection, forced convection and free convection. Forced
convection happens when the fluid is moving due to some outside force, like a pump or a fan. Free
convection happens when heat is transferred to a still fluid, and the heating of part of a fluid causes motion in
a fluid; like hot air rising, bringing cooler air to move in its place. In forced convection, the fluid movement
causes the heat transfer, in free convection, heat transfer causes motion.
Radiation, the final mode of heat transfer, is completely different from either conduction or convection.
Conduction and convection require a medium for heat transfer to occur, radiation does not. Radiation is the
transfer of energy through space in the form of electromagnetic waves, which you cannot see. A surface will
radiate energy and the amount of energy emitted by an object in this way does not depend on the material,
only the temperature, like feeling the heat of a fireplace or radiator without actually touching it.
Heat transfer in a system may consist of one, two, or all three of these modes. This basic understanding of
heat transfer will help you understand the theory behind Hydromx and why it works.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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HOW DOES HYDROMX WORK?
The transfer of heat, as we have learned, depends on the movement of the molecules in the substance.
Temperature is a number expressing the movement energy of the molecules of the substance. To increase the
temperature, the substance has to be given energy from outside. In other words we have to increase the
motional energy of the molecules of the substance. Example: heating a pot of water.
By changing the density and specific heat, Hydromx increases the heat transfer properties of water. Although
widely used as a heat transfer medium, water is not perfect. The heat transfer of Hydromx is higher by 26%
when compared to water. Because of this increase in heat transfer Hydromx enables the heat (energy) to be
transferred to the target, (room or building) faster and more efficiently.
Heat that is produced by the boiler (by burning oil or gas) heats the exchanger first and then the water inside.
During this process not all of the heat produced is transferred to the water. Some of this heat is lost up the
chimney. So the faster we can heat the water or fluid, the less heat is lost up the chimney. Hydromx,
therefore, provides more efficiency with less energy and decreases the combustion cycles of the boiler which
lowers fuel consumption.
Since the development of heating and cooling systems using boilers and chillers, water is used for heat
transfer in these systems. Most water contains elements such as calcium, magnesium, suspended solids, iron,
manganese, balance chlorine and other organic and inorganic substances and sometimes heavy metals. These
elements result in unintended, but expected, consequences on equipment and piping systems. These
consequences include corrosion, scaling and heat exchanger fouling, all of which are damaging and reduce
heat transfer causing an increase in energy consumption.
When the water in the boiler is heated, dissolved oxygen increases. Oxygen is a poor conductor and reduces
heat transfer. Hydromx reduces oxygen in the system further increasing heat transfer.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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CORROSION IN HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS
Corrosion in heating and cooling systems is damaging, as much if not more, than scaling. The results of
corrosion can be very expensive having to replace piping, pumps and coils.
COMMON TYPES OF CORROSION
1. Oxygen Corrosion
2. C02 Corrosion
3. Low pH Corrosion
Air dissolved in water contains about 30%
oxygen. Oxygen corrosion causes deep
pitting, rusting, metal fatigue and thinning
of pipe walls. The dissolved C02 increases
the acidity and has a similar affect. See
Figure 5.
The pH of water determines if it is acidic or
alkaline. If the pH is too low, less than 8.0,
corrosion will occur. This corrosion is also
damaging to piping systems, equipment and
performance. See Figure 6.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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IS HYDROMX HARMFUL?
Hydromx is no more harmful than many of fluids commonly used in the HVAC industry. The components of
Hydromx are organic. It will not harm people or the environment when properly applied and handled and used
in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. Hydromx is non-caustic, non-flammable and does not contain
any carcinogens. The following precautions must be taken to ensure product safety.
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Hydromx must not to be used in potable water systems.
Wear proper eye protection when handling and working with Hydromx.
In case of skin contact with Hydromx, wash thoroughly with water, only.
In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water.
In case of ingestion, drink water and do not induce vomiting.
Keep on hand, read and understand the MSDS information on Hydromx.
HYDROMX AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Hydromx is environmentally friendly. Why? Hydromx, by reducing the consumption of oil, gas and electric
will also reduce the end users carbon footprint. Why is this important? The ocean presently takes up onefourth of the carbon C02 emitted annually to the atmosphere from human activities. As this C02 dissolves in
the ocean surface it reacts with seawater to form an acid. This change in ocean water chemistry damages
marine life and vital organisms which upsets the ecosystem of our oceans. Knowing Hydromx can reduce gas
and oil consumption by up to 35% one can readily see the amount of C02 that can be reduced.
In 2009 there were 113.6 million homes in the USA. Home energy use was (EPA Statistics):
1. Delivered electricity: 11,319 kWh per home × 1,301.31 lbs C02 per megawatt-hour delivered × 1
mWh/1,000 kWh × 1 metric ton/2204.6 lb = 6.68 metric tons C02/home.
2. Natural gas: 66,000 cubic feet per home × 0.0544 kg C02/cubic foot × 1/1,000 kg/metric ton = 3.59 metric
tons C02/home.
3. Liquid petroleum gas: 464 gallons per home × 1/42 barrels/gallon × 219.3 kg C02/barrel × 1/1,000 kg/metric
ton = 2.42 metric tons C02/home.
4. Fuel oil: 551 gallons per home × 1/42 barrels/gallon × 429.61 kg C02/barrel × 1/1,000 kg/metric ton = 5.64
metric tons C02/home.
5. Kerosene: 108 gallons per home × 1/42 barrels/gallon × 426.31 kg C02/barrel × 1/1,000 kg/metric ton = 1.10
metric tons C02/home.
Total C02 emissions for energy use per single-family home: 6.68 metric tons C02 for electricity + 3.59 metric
tons C02 for natural gas + 2.42 metric tons C02 for liquid petroleum gas + 5.64 metric tons C02 for fuel oil + 1.10
metric tons C02 for kerosene = 19.43 metric tons C02 per home per year.
Imagine the C02 reduction possibilities using Hydromx!
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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WILL HYDROMX DAMAGE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS?
No. Hydromx is an organic, alkaline solution. Its viscosity is close to that of water and less than glycol.
Hydromx protects systems and equipment from scaling, calcification, pitting, rusting, corrosion and heat
exchanger fouling. Hydromx will actually extend equipment life.
HOW MUCH HYDROMX IS USED?
Hydromx can be shipped to the customer premixed or in concentrate. The final system concentration is 50%
Hydromx and 50% water, and is installed in the system on a gallon for gallon basis based on the volume of
water or glycol removed. Once in the system the solution concentration is measured with a refractometer.
The refractometer will show the concentration, by percentage, of the fluid. The concentration of Hydromx in
the system should be monitored and measured with a refractometer periodically to ensure no dilution has
occurred. Your Authorized Hydromx dealer will perform the proper analysis of Hydromx in your system to
ensure performance and freeze protection.
Thank you for your interest in Hydromx! For more information on Hydromx contact your nearest distributor
or dealer, or visit our website at www.greenwaysolutionsco.com.
Hydromx and Heat Transfer – February 5, 2014
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