Page 16 - MMI_-- JulyAug2021 (single)

Because it performs so many center, but test strips are avail- added to help protect iron com-
critical functions, proper coolant able depending on the corro- ponents and reduce steel corro-
selection and maintenance can sion additives being used. Us- sion and pitting effects.
have a significant impact on the ing the wrong test strip, or one The Perkins ELC formulation
total cost of ownership (TCO) of that has exceeded its shelf life, practically eliminates hard wa-
a diesel engine. Home-brewed could result in incorrect results ter deposits and extends water
mixtures are seldom a good op- and improper dosing. If addi- pump seal life. Removing phos-
tion for a number of reasons in- tives need to be replenished, phates and silicates helps pre-
cluding unknown impurities and only a product meeting the vent scale formation that can
mineral content of the water and manufacturer’s specifications reduce heat transfer and en-
the exact amount and type of ad- is used. courage corrosion. Moreover,
ditives in the antifreeze. If one’s engine uses Perkins the additives that are used de-
Most engine manufacturers of- ELC or a similar product, the plete very slowly allowing ni-
fer coolants specifically formu- main requirement is to make trite levels to be maintained up
lated for their products. Perkins, sure that the system is prop- to 20 times longer than conven-
for example, offers a Long Life or erly filled and the coolant is tional coolants. Perkins ELC
Extended Life Coolant (LLC/ELC). changed at the correct period uses an
Perkins Extended Life Coolant stated by the supplier. For Per- The bottom line advanced
®
provides optimum engine pro- kins ELC, the change interval is Both types of coolants will pro- formula
with organic
tection as well as reduced main- three years or 6,000 working tect an engine, but one requires additive
tenance requirements over the hours. It is sold in a pre-dilut- testing and periodic mainte- corrosion
life of the coolant. ed mixture using mineral-free nance of additive levels, and the inhibitors.
distilled water to allow the other does not.. An extended life Instead of
Coolant management cooling system to be topped coolant like Perkins ELC also re- nitrates,
If one’s engine uses a conven- up as necessary, straight from duces disposal volume by up to silicates,
tional, commercially available the container. When the cool- 50 percent as well as the related phosphates,
heavy-duty or fully formulat- ant needs to be changed, the costs, which in an era of increas- borates,
ed coolant, the corrosion in- system can be flushed with ingly stringent environmental and amines,
hibitors are used up over time. clean water since no additional regulations can be substantial. Perkins ELC
Thus, the coolant requires test- cleaning agents are required. While it is important to follow contains
mono and
ing every six months or every Regardless of which type of an engine manufacturer’s rec- dibasic
oil change to determine if a cor- coolant is used, the level needs ommendations, Perkins ELC and organic
rosion additive needs to be add- to be checked often and topped similar extended life coolants acid salts
ed. Testing can be easy to over- up when necessary. that meet or exceed the ASTM that provide
look and is often difficult to do D6210 standard for heavy-duty, maximum
when engines are in the field. What is the difference? low-silicate antifreeze/coolants, protection
Coolant testing typically in- For example, Perkins ELC uses and ASTM D3306 for light-duty for the
volves a trip to the local service an advanced formula with or- and automotive applications are metal alloys
ganic additive cor- generally compatible with most found in
rosion inhibitors. OEM diesel, gasoline, and natu- most heat
Instead of nitrates, ral gas engines. That means only transfer
systems.
silicates, phos- one coolant needs to be stocked
phates, borates, for an entire fleet, saving addi-
and amines, Per- tional time and money.
kins ELC contains Extended life coolants are ex-
mono and diba- cellent examples of what can
sic organic acid be achieved with today’s liq-
salts that pro- uid engineering technology.
vide maximum In the specific case of Perkins
protection for ELC, more than 20 years of ex-
the metal alloys tensive testing and commercial
found in most experience has provided cus-
heat transfer sys- tomers with a robust level of
Source: Perkins molybdates are protection of cooling system
tems. In addition,
some nitrites and
components, gaskets, seals, and
hoses when properly used.

16 | July-August 2021 Modern Manufacturing India