What is Antifreeze?
Merriam Webster online defines antifreeze as follows: Main Entry: antifreeze Pronunciation: ‘an-ti-“frEz Function: noun : a substance added to a liquid (as the water in an automobile engine) to lower its freezing point Almost all forms of coolants and heat transfer fluids rely on a glycol antifreeze to lower the freezing point of the solution. Common nomenclature calls the resulting solution antifreeze as well. Technically, though, it is more appropriate to call these solutions engine coolants or heat transfer fluids. There are two varieties of glycol: ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Both can be used in automotive or heavy-duty engine coolants or glycol-based heat transfer fluids. Modern engines use a mixture of glycol and water for coolant, with corrosion inhibitor chemicals and dyes included with the glycol.
ntifreeze or coolant is used as freeze protection and as a heat transfer medium for motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and buildings. The most common type is made of ethylene glycol, a material this is toxic to humans and animals. A typical jug of antifreeze contains 95% ethylene glycol (EG) by weight, 2% corrosion inhibitors (silicates, phosphates, and/or borates), and 3% water. (A little water is added to help blend the inhibitors with the glycol). The proportions are about the same for propylene glycol (PG) antifreeze. But propylene glycol, which is only used in a few applications as original equipment fill, is readily available in aftermarket as a “safer” (less toxic) alternative to ordinary antifreeze. Ethylene (or propylene) glycol is the primary component of engine coolant. The glycol does not degrade significantly during the period of use. Once used, the fluid can be cleaned, refortified with an inhibitor package, and placed back into service. Engine coolant normally contains abo
Antifreeze, made up of mainly water and ethylene glycol, is added to radiator water in motor vehicles. Ethylene glycol lowers the freezing point and raises the boiling point of radiator fluid. In other words, it keeps the water from freezing on very cold days and boiling over on hot days. Auto maintenance experts recommend that radiators should be flushed every 1-2 years. This presents a question of what to do with the radiator fluid. Care must be taken to store new antifreeze safely and also to dispose of used antifreeze properly. What are the Hazards? Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, a hazardous chemical. Because ethylene glycol is a clear, colorless, and sweet-tasting liquid, it is very attractive to pets and small children. If swallowed, ethylene glycol will cause depression, followed by respiratory and cardiac failure, renal and brain damage. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1986 and 1988 more than 3,000 injuries related to antifreeze occurred.
Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a liquid substance which circulates through an internal combustion engine and draws off excessive heat. The two most common chemicals used as antifreeze are ethylene and propylene glycol, both of which have lower freezing points than water (32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius). This allows antifreeze to flow freely even under cold winter conditions. Antifreeze also has a higher boiling point than pure water, which makes it ideal for summer use as well. Internal combustion engines generate a significant amount of heat as part of their normal operations. This heat is eventually transferred to the metallic and synthetic parts of the engine block, which in turn causes friction and expansion. Engine oils and lubricants may reduce the friction, but the heat still needs to dissipate away from the engine. This is where antifreeze enters the picture. A closed system of hoses and a water pump circulates either pure antifreeze or a water/antifreeze mixture th
Antifreeze, or coolant, is used as freeze protection and as a heat transfer medium for motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and buildings. The most common type is made of ethylene glycol, a material that is toxic to humans and animals. Used antifreeze may also contain levels of dissolved heavy metals that can be toxic to animal life and may contaminate soils and sediments. If ethylene glycol biodegrades in large quantities, it can deplete the levels of dissolved oxygen in surface waters, killing aquatic organisms.
