A Guide to The Different Types of Coolants

What are coolants? How are they applied? What varieties of coolants exist? In this article, we will delve into the chemistry, uses, and applications of various kinds of coolants in both equipment and machinery.

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Understanding Coolants

Coolants are specialized fluids that continuously circulate through engines, absorbing excess heat and carrying it to the radiator where it cools before re-entering the engine. Essentially, coolants are crucial for combustion engines or any engine that burns fuel to generate power. Click here if your business needs a reliable coolant and chemical supplier.

Three Main Ingredients in Coolants

Coolants are typically composed of three primary components: Water, Glycol, and a chemical additive often referred to as an inhibitor package.

Water: One of the most common substances on Earth, water is affordable and is an effective heat exchange medium. However, due to its high freezing and low boiling points, water alone cannot be used in engines. The high temperatures in combustible engines quickly cause water to reach its boiling point, rendering it ineffective.

Glycol: Also known as antifreeze (either ethylene or propylene glycol), this substance is added to water to lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point. This ensures proper engine cooling. Ethylene glycol has superior heat transfer properties but is more toxic than propylene glycol. Never mix different glycol types as it could cause issues when measuring freezing points.

Additives: The third ingredient in coolant is a chemical inhibitor designed to prevent corrosion within the radiator, water pump, and other parts of the cooling system.

Ethylene Glycol Coolants: What Are They?

Ethylene glycol is an alcohol-based compound commonly used as an antifreeze in vehicles and HVAC systems. This colorless, odorless liquid has a freezing point of -10 degrees Fahrenheit. When mixed with water, its freezing point drops even further, allowing it to remain in liquid form at lower temperatures.

Ethylene glycol is extensively used as a coolant and antifreeze, preventing engines from overheating and freezing.

Why Choose Ethylene Glycol Coolant?

Ethylene glycol is especially crucial in low-temperature hydronic systems where chillers and air handling units (AHUs) might be exposed to the elements. Its addition reduces water's freezing temperature, enabling safe operation in lower temperatures and preventing freezing. Compared to other glycol types like propylene glycol, ethylene glycol is more thermally conductive, less viscous, and flows quicker, making it ideal for heat transfer applications where performance is paramount.

How Do Ethylene and Glycol Combine to Form Effective Coolants?

While water is efficient at heat transfer, its susceptibility to freezing and boiling limits its use. Manufacturers have experimented with various chemicals to address these limitations. Due to its low volatility and versatility, glycol has become a favored antifreeze compound. The addition of glycol to water stops ice formation at lower temperatures, improving system performance.

• Ethylene glycol mixes uniformly with water.
• It has both low freezing and boiling points, making it suitable for industrial applications.
• Compounds are durable.
• High heat transfer capabilities.

Exploring Different Types of Coolants

Now that we understand the basics of what coolants are and how they function, let's explore the various types of coolants available.

Traditional Low-Silicate Coolants

Often known as antifreeze, this bright green fluid contains silicates that help increase the boiling point and lower the freezing point. The silicate also coats metallic parts to prevent corrosion.

Example: Havoline Conventional Antifreeze 50/50

• Service Life: 2 years or 50,000 miles (80,500 km) in automotive use, up to 250,000 miles in heavy-duty engines.
• Protection: Excellent for automotive cooling systems, including aluminum components.
• Temperature Range: Effective against winter freeze and summer boil.
• Anti-foaming: Minimizes foaming potential.

Fully-Formulated Coolants

These coolants use Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs) to protect cylinders from cavitation, a condition where pressure causes perforation over time. SCAs must be periodically added to maintain effectiveness. Prolonged use of SCAs can cause seal and vane damage.

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Example: Castrol Radicool Premix

• Free from nitrites, amines, and phosphates.
• Effective cooling without boiling.
• Protects against corrosion in modern vehicle alloys.
• Offers freeze protection based on concentration.
• Guards against cavitation corrosion.

Extended Life Coolants (ELC)

Primarily used in heavy-duty vehicles, ELCs are designed to prevent liner cavitation. They can be nitrate-enhanced (NOAT) or nitrate-free (OAT), according to OEM specifications. SCAs aren't necessary, but inhibitor additives can extend the coolant's life. ELCs lack solid particles, extending pump longevity.

Example: Delo ELC Advanced Antifreeze/Coolant

• Long Service Life: 1,000,000 miles/20,000 hours of operation, or 8 years.
• Optimal System Operation: Prevents gel and deposit formation.
• Eco-friendly: Biodegradable, free from phosphates, borates, silicates, 2EHA, and amines.

Mixing Coolants: Is it Advisable?

The subject of mixing coolants is contentious. While it is possible to mix coolants in emergency situations, it is generally recommended to use a single type of coolant to achieve optimal performance.

Always ensure you use the correct type of coolant for your specific needs. SC Fuels offers a comprehensive range of coolants and chemicals from well-known brands such as Chevron and Valvoline. Contact us to find out how SC Fuels can help you save on fuel, lubricants, and coolants!

When a generator operates, its diesel engine pumps coolant to the radiator to dissipate the heat generated. There are two main types of coolant, both consisting of purified water and either a rust preventive or antifreeze:

1) Rust preventive: A liquid that prevents corrosion under most conditions.
2) Antifreeze: Besides preventing rust, antifreeze is essential for cold weather operations. It stops water from freezing, thus protecting internal components.

For Cummins diesel generators, Fleetguard coolants are a convenient choice, ensuring effective coolant circulation without additional water. Alternative options require mixing liquids in various ratios based on specific temperature needs.

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