Frequently Asked Questions

Closed circuit heating & cooling systems often contain various dissimilar materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, tin, ferrous metals, lead, brass, and other yellow metals. When dissimilar metals are present within an untreated system galvanic corrosion normally results due to differences in the electro-chemical potential of the materials. Left untreated…….. galvanic corrosion often leads to pump/seal failures, reduction in heat transfer efficiency, reduced flow, lost revenue associated downtime, and expensive system repairs. OptiShield inhibitors are very effective at controlling galvanic corrosion in re-circulating systems. Improved system life, less maintenance, fewer costly repairs, and less downtime are just a few of the benefits OptiShield provides.

Of moderate toxicity, OptiShield would normally be used in concentrations of 1 part OptiShield in 10 parts system fluid. For special applications, the amount is normally based on a number of factors such as your system’s fluid capacity, temperature, system design, and the approximate surface area of the metals present. Our engineers can recommend an appropriate concentration of corrosion inhibitor for your system. Contact Opti Temp for more information!

Some processes specify a high resistivity (or low conductivity) fluid. One should review manufacturer specifications with regard to the electrical conductivity of their system coolant to ensure that the OptiShield and water mixture falls within conductivity specifications. Opti Temp provides a graph of the electrical conductivity of OptiShield in microsiemens/cm vs. % concentration of OptiShield in DI water for reference.

Certain wavelengths of light can be absorbed by OptiShield. Sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light may cause OptiShield to break down. OptiShield is not recommended for example in “flash lamp” laser applications where the coolant can be exposed to high concentrations of “broad spectrum” or “ultraviolet” light. A relative absorption curve is available from Opti Temp.

Some processes specify a high resistivity (or low conductivity) fluid. One should review manufacturer specifications with regard to the electrical conductivity of their system coolant to ensure that the OptiShield and water mixture falls within conductivity specifications. OptiShield II is formulated for low-conductivity applications. Caution – DO NOT USE OptiShield II Plus if aluminum is in your fluid circuit!

OptiShield is intended to be used in closed loop (re-circulating) systems with atmospheric reservoirs which fall in the temperature range of 40 F to 190 F. Performance outside this range may be satisfactory but is not guaranteed. Note: OptiShield is not an anti-freeze and does not provide freeze protection. However, OptiShield is compatible with un-inhibited Ethylene & Propylene glycols. When an OptiShield and water solution will be subject to freezing substitution of the proper % of water in the solution with glycol will normally provide satisfactory results. Contact Opti Temp or the glycol manufacturer for percentage recommendations.

OptiShield should not be mixed with any other additives. Loss of protection or system damage may result. Opti Temp can not be liable for damage resulting from the use of OptiShield which is inconsistent with OPTI TEMP recommendations. Note: OptiShield is compatible with un-inhibited ethylene & propylene glycols.

If a voltage potential exists across the coolant or if electrical grounding exists, do not use OptiShield.

Many OEMs recommend OptiShield for use with their systems. However, if there are warranty concerns, the OEM and/or Opti Temp should be contacted prior to using OptiShield in the system to ensure that the terms of the warranty are not violated.

Shelf life (mixed or concentrate)-fluid can be stored for a period of 15 months from the package date when stored in accordance with Opti Temp’s storage guidelines.

OptiShield will normally provide adequate protection for a period of one year. The length of time that OPTSHIELD protects can be influenced by many factors. Protection length may vary. It is recommended that OptiShield be changed out a minimum of once annually to ensure continuous protection.

A 10% concentration level with annual change out is normally recommended. Any mixture less than 7% will compromise protection.

Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe mist or vapor. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the product. Protect eyes with safety goggles or glasses with side shields. SEE MSDS for more information.

OptiShield is available in 1-pint, 1-gallon, 5-gallon, 15-gallon, 30-gallon, and 55-gallon quantities. Freight is F.O.B. Traverse City, MI for 15 gallons or less, and F.O.B. Covington, KY for orders of more than 15 gallons.

Premixed containers of OptiShield may be obtained by contacting the Opti Temp sales department.

It is the end user’s responsibility to dispose of and handle in accordance with all current local, state, and federal regulations. At this time OptiShield is categorized as non-hazardous with respect to Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR). As long as the solution has not become contaminated by outside processes, it may be disposed of as either domestic sewage, per EPA publication 40 CFR part 261.4 or industrial wastewater discharges per section 402 of the Clean Water Act, as amended.

OptiShield solution is non-flammable, non-reactive, and contains no metal particles, thus it is not listed as hazardous waste on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) list of hazardous materials.

OptiShield is not a regulated chemical for shipping by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not breathe mist or vapor. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the product. Protect eyes with safety goggles or glasses with side shields

Contact Opti Temp sales department for more information at 231-946-2931.

Yes, OPTISHIELD® is useable if frozen during transportation. Here is what we recommend:
1) Completely thaw the mixture returning it to room temperature.
2) Shake vigorously until particles are back in solution.
3) If particles are still present:

a. If there is a particle filter on the closed-loop system, feel free to use the OPTISHIELD®.
b. If there is NOT a particle filter on the closed-loop system, filter the additional particles with a coffee filter.
c. If large amounts of particles are present, follow Step B and use a 12% OPTISHIELD® mixture for safe measure.