Dowfrost Monograph

General Information:

Dowfrost is a thick, clear, and nearly odorless substance with a faintly sweet taste. It is an organic double alcohol with a chemical formula of C3H8O2 and a CAS number of 57-55-6. Its official name in IUPAC is propane-1,2-diol, though it is also known as α-propylene glycol, methylethylene glycol, and Sirlene. It is moisture-absorbent and mixes well with water, acetone, ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform.

Physical Properties:

Molecular mass:            76.10 g/mol
Melting point:               -59° C
Boiling point:                187.6° C
Vapor pressure:             0.2 (23° C)
Vapor density:               2.62 (air=1)
Viscosity:                      91.41 cp (10.45° C)
Surface tension:             40.1 g/s2 (25° C)
Refractive index:            1.4324 (20° C)
Heat of vaporization:      66.27 kJ/mol
Heat of combustion:        -1828 kJ/mol

Production:

Dowfrost is usually sourced from either glycerol or propylene oxide hydrolysis. Production involves either catalytic (150°-180°C) or non-catalytic high-temperature process (200°-220°C) using ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali. Final products include 20% propylene glycol, 1.5% dipropylene glycol, and other polypropylene glycols. Then, resulting glycols are further distilled to be purified prior to storage and distribution. To assure high quality and compliance with hygienic standards, production is monitored and controlled through a track-and-trace system from the start of process up to delivery point. Dowfrost is a product of The Dow Chemical Company.

References:

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

University of Akron Chemical Database - http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/Chemicals/8000/
7709.html

Cefic - http://www.propylene-glycol.com/production.html

Dowfrost Hazards and First Aid Treatment

Like other propylene glycol-based transfers, caution should be exercised when handling Dowfrost. Below are the following steps in order to ensure safety.

Eye Exposure:

Dowfrost can cause mild eye irritation. If exposed, wash eyes with cold, running water for 15-20 minutes to soothe from redness and pain, occasionally lifting both eyelids. Victims should also remove and clean contact lenses as well.

Skin Exposure:

Mild skin irritation may be experienced by subjects who were exposed with the chemical. Remove any clothing on which Dowfrost has been spilled and wash skin areas that were exposed with soap and water. If rashes develop on exposed areas, apply an antibacterial cream to provide remedy.

Ingestion:

As Dowfrost is not a USP grade of propylene glycol, ingestion is prohibited. Intake of greater than 3-4 oz. (or approximately 100 ml.) can cause symptoms of nausea, extreme gastric pain, or even vomiting. In case of large ingestion by the victim, DO NOT induce vomiting, but should rather call the local poison control center to get proper guidance on how to alleviate the problem.

Inhalation:

Dowfrost’s flash point is around 107°C (225°F). This is the crucial temperature in which substance will be converted from liquid to gas at regular atmospheric pressure. Dowfrost does not usually cause problems in well-ventilated areas but can cause breathing difficulties if otherwise. In cases of breathing problems, victims should be transferred immediately outside the exposure room or at areas with fresh, circulating air. Oxygen may also be supplemented if breathing problems persist. 

Flammability:

At a very high temperature, Dowfrost can ignite at around 371°C (700°F). In case of fire, it should be extinguished with a water fog, water spray, dry fire-suppression, or foam.

Reference:

University of Akron Chemical Database - 

http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/Chemicals/8000/7709.html

Dowfrost

Dowfrost is a propylene glycol-based heat transfer product, specially formulated as a food grade industrial inhibitor to help prevent corrosion. Because propylene glycol has low acute oral toxicity, Dowfrost is often used in applications where contact with food or beverage products could occur. Specific applications for Dowfrost include: cooling liquid foods, packaging carbonated beverages, fermentation cooling, process heating, and solar heating. Product is available in 1, 2, 4, 5, 15, 30, and 55 gallon containers but custom blends can also be purchased in any size.

Dowfrost HD heat transfer fluid also serves as an industrial corrosion inhibitor with a formulation of 94 percent propylene glycol. The fluid is dyed fluorescent yellow to aid in leak detection. Solutions in water provide freeze protection to below -50°C (-60°F) and burst protection to below -73°C (-100°F). Recommended use temperature range is from -45°C (-50°F) to 160°C (325°F). Suitable applications include: single fluid process and cooling, closed loop, water-based HVAC applications where propylene glycol solutions are preferred or required. (Note: Dowfrost HD is not approved for food use by the USDA and FDA, nor is suitable for food or beverage application.) Product is available in 1, 5, and 55 gallons.

Dow Frost Glycol

DOWFROST Glycol is a propylene glycol-based fluids are often used in applications where contact with food or beverage products could occur.

Dowfrost Glycol recommended use temperature range: -45°C (-50°F) to 120°C (250°F) Suitable applications: secondary cooling and heating, freeze and burst protection of pipes, various deicing, defrosting, and dehumidifying.

For health and safety information for this product, contact your Dow sales representative or call the number for your area on the second page of this sheet for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).