Articles -
March 2024
Ion Exchange Cartridges for Low Electrical Conductivity Coolants
Dr. Sreya Dutta
Introduction to Liquid Cooling and Electrical Conductivity
Liquid cooling of thermally sensitive electronic components is vastly more efficient than air cooling due to superior heat transfer properties. Glycol/water-based, low electrical conductivity coolants—such as the Dynalene LC family of fluids—offer premier indirect cooling for rigorous applications, including fuel cells, batteries, electric vehicles, charging stations, semiconductors, and data centers.Over time, however, these low-conductivity glycol water coolants may experience a steady increase in electrical conductivity (EC). This occurs due to ion leaching from system components, environmental contamination, and high-temperature thermal degradation. Maintaining a consistently low EC (under 5 µS/cm) is critical to prevent short circuits and fire hazards in the event of accidental leaks. This is where ion exchange resin cartridges (also called deionizers or DI filters) become necessary to continuously strip away stray ions and maintain safe EC levels.
Dynalene IC Series Resin Cartridges
While typical ion exchange resin cartridges are commonly used just for purifying water, Dynalene has engineered the specialized IC series ion exchange cartridges. These feature a proprietary blend of cationic and anionic resin, often referred to as mixed bed resin. They are specifically formulated to efficiently remove both cations and anions across different glycol/water blends.
Designed strictly for long-term, low-conductivity applications across a wide temperature range (-25°C to 93°C), these resin cartridges demonstrate exceptional effectiveness over extended periods of time.
Temperature vs. Ion Removal Capacity
Dynalene researchers conducted extensive 12-week tests to map the effect of temperature on the resin’s ion exchange capacity. The experiments revealed that while the resin has a continuous usage rating from -25°C to 93°C, the absolute fastest ion removal rates occur between room temperature and 70°C without any significant loss of capacity. Remarkably, the cartridges will continue to provide long-term ion removal even at temperatures exceeding 90°C, albeit at a slightly reduced efficiency.
Product Features and Superior Durability
The IC series cartridges are fully compatible with Dynalene LC coolant offerings, which utilize our proprietary non-ionic inhibitor package. They have been subjected to rigorous stress testing, including pressure drop checks, high/low flow conditions, vibration simulations, and thermal cycling.
Hydrotesting at room temperature proved incredible structural resilience: cartridges greater than 8” in length and 4” in diameter can sustain pressures exceeding 80 psi, while the compact 6” length and 2” diameter cartridges withstand pressures exceeding 130 psi. Due to this superior resistance to chemical and thermal degradation, Dynalene IC cartridges boast a typical field lifespan of 18 to 24 months.
Summary of Advantages
- Removal of all types of stray ions.
- Maintenance of consistently low electrical conductivity in coolants.
- Wide operational temperature range from -13°F (-25°C) up to 200°F (93°C), with storage capabilities down to -40°F.
- High ion exchange resin capacity resulting in a longer 18 to 24-month cartridge lifetime.
- Total compatibility with Dynalene LC series coolants containing non-ionic inhibitors.
- Exceptional resistance to physical, thermal, and chemical deterioration.
- Easy installation and customization with several connection options available.