Summary
Faced with the choice between a traditional glycol-based freeze protection system and a more innovative approach, a Mountain Region healthcare facility opted to eliminate glycol entirely from a recent expansion in favor of Cooney Freeze Block™ technology. The decision simplified the system, reduced maintenance complexity, and protected critical AHUs from freeze damage, all while meeting strict performance demands.
Design Considerations
Traditional glycol loops required feeders, pumps, heat exchangers, and controls, which added complexity, maintenance, and long-term operational costs. The engineer and owner wanted to eliminate glycol while still providing freeze protection for the AHU coils. The project was designed with Freeze Block™ in mind from the start.
Solution
To eliminate the need for glycol and simplify system design, the facility selected Cooney Freeze Block™ coils for both heating and cooling applications in a 75,000+ AHU. This approach offered:
- Freeze protection without glycol, pumps, or heat exchangers — reducing system complexity
- Factory-integrated Freeze Block™ design, installed directly into the AHU by the manufacturer
- High performance at altitude, with coils engineered for 5,500 ft and handling over 2.4 million BTU/hr
- Lower long-term maintenance, avoiding glycol testing, refilling, and corrosion-related upkeep
- A more efficient system with fewer components and reduced head loss across coils and piping
Results
- Eliminated the need for glycol, pumps, and heat exchangers
- Reduced system complexity and ongoing maintenance
- Protected critical healthcare AHUs with patented Freeze Block™ technology
- Delivered reliable freeze protection without compromising efficiency