431-028872 - Hypertherm 028872 Plasma Coolant 75/25 Mix

Technical Overview of Hypertherm 028872 Coolant

The Hypertherm 028872 is a specialized heat transfer fluid engineered specifically for liquid-cooled plasma cutting systems. This solution consists of a precise mixture of 75% deionized water and 25% pure propylene glycol. Unlike standard industrial coolants or automotive antifreezes, this formulation is strictly controlled to maintain low electrical conductivity. High conductivity in cooling fluid can lead to hard-starting of the main arc, resistive heating within the torch leads, and rapid electrolytic corrosion of the cooling passages within the torch body and cathode.

This 1-gallon container provides a ready-to-use refill for Hypertherm systems such as the HPR, HPRXD, and XPR series. The 75/25 ratio is optimized for environments where the ambient temperature does not drop below +10°F (-12°C). The propylene glycol component serves two primary technical functions: it depresses the freezing point of the water to prevent catastrophic expansion damage during storage or operation in cool environments, and it acts as a lubricant for the positive-displacement vane pumps typically found in these high-performance power supplies. Furthermore, the solution contains specific inhibitors that prevent the growth of biological agents (algae/bacteria) and mitigate the oxidation of copper and brass components within the cooling loop.

Maintenance personnel should note that using water that has not been deionized, or using coolants with silicate additives (common in automotive applications), can cause rapid fouling of the fine filtration screens and flow sensors in Hypertherm equipment. The 028872 solution ensures that flow rates remain within the manufacturer's specified liters-per-minute (LPM) range, ensuring the thermal stability of the electrode and nozzle during high-amperage cutting. Regular replacement of the coolant is recommended annually or whenever conductivity measurements exceed the system's maximum threshold.