Choosing Propylene Glycol: A Step Toward Safer Marine Solutions

In our commitment to delivering superior boating experiences, we’ve made an important transition in our heat exchanger system—from ethylene glycol to propylene glycol. This change is driven by Smartgyro dedication to creating products that are not only high-performing but also safer and more environmentally responsible.

Smartgyro Cooling System

Our custom-made heat exchangers are essential to keeping Smartgyro stabilizers running smoothly. The system uses a mixture of glycol and water for freeze protection and to prevent oxidation, with key components ensuring optimal cooling:

• A seawater pump brings fresh water to the heat exchanger.
• A glycol pump circulates the mixture, cooling the inverter and hydraulic manifold, as well as dissipating heat generated by the motor and spinning bearings inside the gyro sphere.

Why the switch?

By switching to propylene glycol, we maintain high cooling performance while significantly enhancing safety. While ethylene glycol has been widely used due to its good heat transfer properties, its toxicity poses risks to both people and the marine environment. Accidental exposure can be harmful, and leaks in marine environments can have serious ecological consequences.

At Smartgyro, safety is paramount. That’s why we’ve switched to propylene glycol—a much safer, less toxic alternative. Commonly found in products like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, propylene glycol offers low toxicity, making it safe for our production teams, maintenance network, and marine environments.

"Our decision to switch to propylene glycol is a direct reflection of Smartgyro's dedication to safety. We’ve found a way to keep our gyro stabilizers performing at the highest level while ensuring our systems are safer for people and better for the planet." — Fabrizio Stifani, Smartgyro R&D Manager.

Environmental Responsibility And Marine Safety

In marine settings, accidental spills or leaks can happen, and the toxicity of ethylene glycol can pose significant risks. By choosing propylene glycol, which is biodegradable and safer for marine life, Smartgyro systems are now more eco-friendly. This switch underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Does It Impact Performance?

A key concern with switching fluids is performance. While ethylene glycol has excellent heat transfer properties, after extensive testing, we’ve confirmed that propylene glycol delivers the same high-level performance for our gyro units.

With its excellent thermal characteristics, propylene glycol effectively cools critical components, such as the gyro sphere, even under high-temperature conditions.

Here are the fundamental properties of the propylene glycol we use:

• State: Clear liquid

• Color: Blue

• Odor: Typical

• pH Level: 9.03

• Boiling Point: 100°C

• Density: 1.03-1.05 kg/l

• Solubility: Fully soluble in water

• Non-explosive and non-oxidizing

Conclusion

Switching to propylene glycol aligns with Smartgyro’s values of performance, safety, and sustainability. It ensures our gyro stabilizers continue to deliver top-notch reliability while protecting both people and the environment.