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Benefits of Advanced Coolant Analysis
Although not performed as often as basic coolant analysis, advanced coolant analysis should be done with regularity to obtain the full benefit.
Advanced coolant analysis is performed not only to monitor the condition of the coolant, but give a clear picture of what is happening in the cooling system. Moreover, serious mechanical problems can be averted by routine evaluation of coolant condition.
As with all samples submitted to our laboratories, care should be taken during sampling to ensure an uncontaminated coolant sample is provided for testing.
Advanced Testing
While basic coolant testing provides an excellent routine screening of the coolant, advanced testing provides a more
complete evaluation of potential coolant problems.
| Recommended service interval for advanced testing is every 4th sample or about 4 months whichever comes first. |
The advanced testing package provides
the addition of two important tests.
- Reserve Alkalinity
- Spectrometry/Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Test Descriptions:
Reserve Alkalinity
The reserve alkalinity is an indication of the ability
of the coolant to neutralize acids. In essence, it is a measurement of the quantity of defensive buffer (i.e. preemptive Rolaids) still remaining
in the coolant.
Milliliters of hydrochloric acid required to obtain a pH of 5.5 in a 10 ml sample. Trending the reserve alkalinity (and inhibitor additives) helps
to predict when the coolant will become too acidic. (This is the portion of the additive package that combats acid formation, also known as buffers. The coolant\water mixture will affect this reserve alkalinity proportionally. Normal is between 6 and 13ml. Keeping buffers at optimum levels inhibits corrosion.)
Spectrometry/Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Typically identifies 3 groups of elements present in a coolant sample that require monitoring for optimal coolant performance.
- Wear Elements
- Contaminants
- Additives and Inhibitors
Wear Elements
These elements are often the result of the wear or corrosion of surfaces within the cooling system. |
Contaminants
These elements result from foreign substances present in hard or untreated water. |
Additive Elements
These elements are present in additives and inhibitors designed to enhance coolant properties. |
- Iron
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Lead
- Tin
- Zinc
- Silver
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- Phosphorus
- Boron
- Molybdenum
- Silicon
- Potassium
- Sodium
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Contact your Regional
Account Manager for more information.
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