Antifreeze Testing Program
Antifreeze samples
are analyzed for most or all of the following parameters to meet specifications
established in ASTM D3306. ASTM methods may be obtained by phone, fax or email
from either the Sparks
office or by directly contacting ASTM International, or the volume may be purchased from:
ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428
Relative Density by ASTM D1122
The relative density of an engine coolant may be used to determine
the approximate percent glycol and the freezing and boiling points, given that
the glycol type is known. In addition, determination of the relative density of
an engine coolant concentrate can be used as a production control
test.
pH by ASTM D1287
pH is a measure of the hydrogen
ion concentration and indicates whether an engine coolant (or an aqueous
solution of coolant) is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
pH is sometimes
used as a production control test. It is generally desirable that engine
coolants have an alkaline pH. pH is not significant from the standpoint of
predicting service life.
Boiling Point by ASTM D1120
The boiling point determination of an engine coolant is primarily
used as a production control test.
Freezing Point by ASTM D1177
The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the coolant freeze
protection. In addition, the freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to
determine the approximate glycol content, provided that the glycol type is
known.
Mass % Water by ASTM D1123
The total apparent water in engine
coolant concentrate as determined by Karl Fischer titrations consists of the
following: water present in the original glycol base; water added (for example,
in inhibitor solutions); waters of hydration of inhibitors; water formed in the
chemical reaction between borate and ethylene glycol; and quantitative
interference by the reaction of the reagent with inhibitors.
Foaming by ASTM D1881
The test method for foaming generally will
distinguish coolants that have a tendency to foam excessively from those that
are suitable for further evaluation to determine performance in actual
service.
Corrosion by ASTM B1384/B2570
Corrosion tests may be run on
engine coolants to determine the coolant’s compatibility with a variety of
materials, metals, and alloys.