A new ASTM International specification supports the use of waterless coolants in car engines.
Waterless coolants avoid the creation of water vapor pockets that can interrupt heat transfer from critical areas of an engine, helping prevent engine damage, enhance consumer safety, and more, according to ASTM.
According to ASTM International member Jonathan T. Light, non-aqueous engine coolants that conform to the new standard will have very low vapor pressure, offering superior resistance to boil-overs and cavitation. The specification requires very acceptable viscosity and anti-corrosion characteristics as well as low temperature operation to at least -40°C.
The new standard (D8085, Specification for Non-Aqueous Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service) was developed by the committee on engine coolant and related fluids (D15).
“Non-aqueous coolants are useful in many ways,” says Light, president and chief engineer, Evans Cooling Systems Inc. “Beyond just preventing damage, waterless coolants could open the door for more engines with higher operating temperatures, better fuel economy, and lower emissions, among other things.”
The publication of this standard is the culmination of efforts of the subcommittee on non-aqueous coolants, which had to first develop a series of test methods that were subsequently referenced in this specification.
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