A tool used to determine the temperature at which a mixture of propylene glycol and water will begin to freeze. These calculators typically input the percentage of propylene glycol in the solution and output the corresponding freezing point. For instance, a 50% mixture of propylene glycol and water will have a significantly lower freezing point than pure water.
Accurate determination of the freezing point is critical for applications where freeze protection is essential, such as in HVAC systems, solar heating systems, and engine coolants. Using such a calculation prevents damage caused by the expansion of water upon freezing, ensuring the continued operational integrity of these systems. Historically, estimations relied on charts and tables, which were less precise and more time-consuming than modern digital tools.