Internal combustion engines have been known to be inefficient when it comes to converting fuel into usable energy. This is owing to the fact that 50% of the heat generated is lost as heat energy. This is where engine coolant comes in, also known as. The following blog will be explaining the reasons why engine coolant (antifreeze) is essential for combustion engines.
The primary function of antifreeze is to remove excess heat from the engine. To do this, a suitable medium with a high heat transfer capacity is required. The best product for the removal of this heat is water. However, antifreeze needs to effectively perform other tasks within the engine which include:
- Protection against corrosion, cavitation, freezing, and boiling
- Seal compatibility
- No foaming
- Low toxicity
With all the above in mind, water alone cannot perform the functions mentioned above. The globally preferred substance that serves as the backbone of antifreeze is mono ethylene glycol (MEG). MEG antifreeze consists of two parts, namely the MEG and a corrosion protection additive which makes up the antifreeze concentrate. The concentrate typically contains 95% MEG and the concentrate is diluted between 33% – 50% for use in an engine.
The corrosion protection additive can be classified into three different categories. Namely:
- Inorganic/Conventional Additive Technology (CAT): based on inorganic additives such as phosphates, amines and nitrates.
- Organic Additive Technology (OAT): based on neutralized organic acids such as benzoic acid and sebacic acid.
- Hybrid Additive Technology (HAT): based on a blend of inorganic and organic additives.
Keeping your car’s cooling system in the best state can be successfully done by following the disciplines below:
- Always top up your cooling system with an antifreeze premixed to the correct concentration
- Check your coolant level daily
- Always use purified water to dilute the antifreeze
- Check for coolant leaks!
When it comes to coolants, lubricants, MWF, or greases, our industry experts are here to provide unparalleled assistance. Chemical Solutions and Innovations takes pride in offering premium-quality products that not only excel in performance but also leave a minimal environmental footprint. If you need further guidance or have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us today. We are committed to delivering innovative chemical solutions that precisely meet your needs.
