AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

ASRTU SPECIFICATION FOR ANTIFREEZE COOLANT CONCENTRATE

0.0 SPECIFICATION NO. : AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

1.0 SCOPE:

1.1 This standard prescribes the requirements and methods of sampling and test
for mono-ethylene glycol base antifreeze coolant to be used for prevention of
freezing of cooling liquid and corrosion prevention of the cooling mechanism
of the internal combustion engines.

1.2 This is a purchase specification and does not include manufacturing details.
The material supplied against this specification shall be compatible with the
original equipment.

1.3 The supplier shall provide detail specifications to the purchasing / inspecting
authority whenever such information is specifically called for.

1.4 The material offered against this specification shall conform to this
specification in full. The tests shall be carried out on the material directly or on
the specimen prepared from the components'. If any of the samples fail in
any one or more tests specified, the sample shall be considered as not having
met the requirements of this specification.

1.5 It is the manufacturer's prime responsibility to satisfy the inspection authority

that the commodity conforms to this standard. This may be accomplished by
performing the tests specified in this standard.

1.6 Sample selection shall be the responsibility of the Quality Assurance Officer.

1.7 This specification supersedes the earlier specifications including

AS: 253:72:JUN:2008.

2.0 APPLICATION & REFERENCE:

2.1 This specification covers the requirements of engine coolant concentrate used
for prevention of freezing of cooling liquid and corrosion prevention of the
cooling mechanism of the internal combustion engine.

2.2 The supplied coolant concentrate shall be suitable for 20% concentration
application/use. Thus the supplied coolant concentrate shall be diluted with
water in the proportion of 20:80 for Copper Radiator & 50:50 for Aluminium
Radiator, while using in the radiator by State Transport Undertakings.

2.3 The following standards are necessary adjuncts to this standard, but only for
testing methodologies to be followed/adopted for the specified test
parameters. Other requirements laid down in these standards shall perpetuate
(be applicable) for application whenever/wherever specifically called for
against any test parameter in this specification.
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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

ASTM Publications may be obtained from ASTM, 1916 Race Street,

Philadelphia,
PA 19103, USA.

ASTM Annual Book of ASTM Standards.

a) ASTM D 1120 Standard Test Method for Boiling Point of Engine

Coolants.
b) ASTM D 1123 Standard Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant
Concentrate by Karl Fischer Reagent Method.

c) ASTM D 1176 Standard Method for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous

Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing
Purpose.

d) ASTM D 1287 Standard Test Method for measurement of pH of Engine

Antifreeze, Antirusts and Coolants.

e) ASTM D 1384 Standard Test Method for Corrosion Test for Engine
Coolants in Glassware.

f) ASTM D 1882 Standard Test Method for Effect of Cooling System

Chemical Solutions on organic finishes for Automotive
Vehicles.

g) ASTM D 2570 Standard Test Method for Simulated Service Corrosion

Testing of Engine Coolants.

h) ASTM D 3321 Standard Test Method for use of Refractometer for

determining Freezing Point Aqueous Engine Coolants.

i) ASTM D 4725 Standard Terminology for Engine Coolants.

j) JIS: 2234:1994 Standard Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of

Coolant at room temperature (Clause 7.3)

k) JIS: 2234:1994 Standard Test Method for Corrosion Property of Cast

Aluminium at heat transfer surface (Clause 7.10)

l) IS:1448(P98):1981 Standard Method for Preparation of Hard Water for

Compatibility with Hard Water Test

3.0 TERMINOLOGY:

3.1 Life Expectancy:

The time period for which the engine coolant is suitable for use in internal
combustion engine cooling systems without adversely affecting coolant flow
and heat transfer.
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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

3.2 Engine Coolant Concentrate:

A mixture of mono-ethylene glycol and additives, such as corrosion inhibitors
and a foam suppressor, which are used to prepare an engine coolant for use
in internal combustion engine cooling systems.

3.3 Engine Coolant:

A heat transfer solution used in an engine cooling system to transfer heat
from the engine to the radiator, which provides adequate protection against
freezing, boiling and corrosion.

3.4 Quality of water to be used for preparing engine coolant for service:
Caution to the user: The water used for preparing engine coolants for
service shall be of such quality that it does not contain solids, hardness salts,
sulphates and chlorides. Water containing excessive hardness salts may be
softened to minimise formation of hard water scale. Excess amount of
chloride and sulphate may increase the corrosion rate of the engine cooling
system metals. The chloride and sulphate may be removed by deionisation or
distillation.

4.0 TEST & REQUIREMENTS:

4.1 General Requirement:

4.1.1 Required quantity of concentrate i.e. 10 Litre Minimum for complete testing as
per this specification shall be obtained in accordance with IS:1447/ASTM
D1176 and supplied.
4.1.2a) The Coolant concentrate shall be a clear homogeneous liquid consisting
of mono- Ethylene glycol and additives such as corrosion inhibitors and a
foam suppresser required to provide corrosion and freeze protection to the
engine cooling system components.

4.1.2b) The material shall be rejected by the user in case material is found having
separation of phases, dirt, suspended matter and solids.

4.1.2 The Coolant concentrate shall have an identifying colour (preferably

green/blue Green.

4.1.4. The Coolant concentrate shall be free from scale forming chemicals e.g.
Silicates Phosphates, Borates and Amines.

4.1.5. It shall not contain any ingredient injurious to persons using or handling it
either in the original state or in the form of dilution.

4.1.6 The Coolant concentrate shall not affect, nor be affected by its container after
storage for 1 year when exposed to temperature ranging from -18° C to 50° C.

4.1.7 The engine coolant prepared after dilution of concentrate shall be compatible
with the engine coolant present in the cooling system irrespective of
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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009
concentrations of either, provided that the coolant present was meeting the
requirements of this specification.

4.1.8 The Coolant concentrate is diluted with water as specified in ASTM D 1384
using Sodium Salts for different tests except for Compatibility test

4.1.9 It shall be compatible in all proportions (e.g. 20%, 30%, and 50%) with hard
water of 700ppm hardness, prepared as per IS 1448(P98)-1981 and tested as
detailed in Appendix 'A'.

4.2 Detail Requirements:

4.2.1 The engine coolant shall comply with the detail requirements of Table 1, the
limits of which are absolute and not subject to interpretation based on the
precision and bias of the test methods.

5.0 KEEPING QUALITY:

5.1 The material when stored in original sealed container under ambient
temperature shall conform to all the requirements described in Table 1 upto a
storage period of one year minimum, from the date of supply.

6.0 PACKING AND MARKING:

6.1 Packing:
The material shall be packed in vapour tight tinplate or HDPE or any other
suitable containers as agreed to between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.

6.2 Marking:

The container shall be marked with the following:

a) Engine Antifreeze Coolant concentrate.

b) Indication of the source of manufacture and recognized trademark, if any.

c) Name of the antifreeze coolant (marking of `ethylene glycol' as main

constituent).

d) Net mass of the material.

e) Year and month of manufacture.

f) Batch No. or code No. or otherwise to enable the lot of manufacture to be

traced back from records.

g) Distinct marking of the letters of `NOT FIT TO DRINK'.

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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

h) Use: Prevention of freezing of cooling liquid of liquid cooled internal

combustion engine and corrosion prevention of the cooling mechanism.

i) Direction for use.

6.3 Cautions for Handling:

The following precautions shall be stated in the direction for use.

a) If the temperature of cooling water is too high, steam or hot water may blow
out when the radiator cap is suddenly taken off.

b) Cautions against drinking, because it is poisonous.

c) In the event of drinking, cautions for vomiting it and consigning to medical

treatment.

d) In case of coolant gets into the eye, caution for washing it out immediately
and receiving a medical treatment

e) In the case of preserving it, cautions to mark the container with the indication
of antifreeze coolants, to apply a lid, and to keep it out of reach of children.

Note -1 : Testing to be terminated in case of failure in preliminary tests.

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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

TABLE – 1

Physical, Chemical and Performance Requirements

Sr. Test Parameter Requirements Test method

No
1. Appearance Coolant concentrate shall be a
clear homogeneous liquid, free
from suspended or of any type of
impurities.
2. Colour Blue / Blue Green
3. Compatibility with Hard Water of No separation of phases or Appendix A
Hardness,700 ppm precipitation or gelling shall be
observed.
4. Foaming Tendency 4 JIS :2234:1994
Foam Volume, ml. Max. Clause 7.3
( 20% concentration)
5. pH, Min.
Concentrate and 20% Vol., Aqueous 7.0 D 1287:91
6. Boiling Point,°C, Min.
a) Concentrate 163 D 1120
b) 20% Vol., Aqueous 103
7. Total Apparent Water, %, Mass, Max. 5 D 1123:93
8. Freezing Point, °C, Max.
a) 20%Vol, Aqueous -10 ASTM D 3321
9. Compatibility with cooling system Appendix B
Non-metals
Volume swell, %, Max. 5
10. Effect on Painted Finishes No discoloration, loss of gloss or ASTM D 1882:92
swelling of film or other visible
effects shall be observed.
11. Corrosion Test in Glassware for all ASTM D 1384:93
concentrations
It shall be conducted after dilution with
water at 88 ± 30C for 336 ± 2 Hrs.

a) Foaming during test No foam shall flood out of the

collar during test.

b) Appearance of liquid phase No separation of phases or

generation of gel or gelling and
precipitation shall be observed.

c) Amount of precipitation, %, Vol./ 0.5

Vol. Max.

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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009
Sr. Test Parameter Requirements Test method
No
d) Change in mass of metal test
pieces, mg/cm2
Aluminium Casting ± 0.30
Brass ± 0.15
Cast Iron ± 0.15
Copper ± 0.15
Solder ± 0.30
Steel ± 0.15
12. Circulating corrosive property for all ASTMD 2570 91
concentrations at 88 ±3°C for 420±2
Hrs.

a) Appearance of liquid phase No separation of phases or

precipitation or generation of gel
or gelling shall be observed

b) Properties of the solution after the

test
Change in pH value, unit ±1

c) Precipitation, %, V/ V, Max. 0.5

d) Appearance of internal surfaces of No Corrosion and cavitation,

Water Pump Casing and Vanes of erosion on surfaces of water
Pump pump casing and impeller vanes
shall be observed.

e) Rubber Components
Appearance of Rubber No deteriorating effects on the
rubber parts shall be observed
e.g. disintegration, carbon
deposition etc.
f) Change of mass of metal test
pieces, mg/cm2
Aluminium Casting ± 0.15
Brass ± 0.15
Cast Iron ± 0.15
Copper ± 0.15
Solder ± 0.15
Steel ± 0.15
Aqueous = Diluted with distilled water

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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

Appendix A

Compatibility with Hard Water:

Antifreeze Coolant Concentrate shall be diluted to recommended concentration with
hard water of 700-ppm hardness (Prepared as per IS: 1448(P98):1981) in a
stoppered measuring cylinder and shacked vigorously for 10 minutes.

The following observations shall be made after 5 minutes of resting.

“There shall be no separation of phases, precipitation or gelling shall be observed.”
In case precipitation is observed; determine its volume and report.

Appendix B

Compatibility with Cooling System Non-Metals (Rubber Volume Swell Test –

Effect of coolant)
Scope:
This method prescribes the test conditions to be followed to evaluate the volume
swell of the rubber parts used in engine cooling system to ensure the coolant does
not adversely affect the rubber parts in service.

Test Specimen:
Test slabs of following types of rubber polymers shall be used for preparing test
specimen. The engine parts are made from these rubber polymers and used in
engine cooling system.
1. Natural Rubber
2. EPDM Rubber
3. Nitrile Rubber
4. Chloroprene Rubber
5. Silicon Rubber
6. Poly Acrylic Rubber

Test Specimen Size:

Test specimen pieces from the test slabs of above rubber polymers shall be sheared
to the suitable size or of 25 x 25 x 3mm size with tolerance of 5%.

Visual Inspection:
Each test specimen shall be carefully examined for surface defects, moulding
defects and drawn ends etc.

Test Method:

a) Determine the initial volume of all the test specimen.

b) Prepare the 1000 ml of test solution by adding 500ml solution prepared as per
ASTM D 1384 & 500ml distilled water.

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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009
c) Now immerse / keep the prepared rubber polymer test specimen in the above
coolant, maintained at 90± 2° C for a period of 72 hours.
d) The loss of coolant due to evaporation during the test shall be compensated
by adding water.
e) After completion of 72 hours, remove rubber polymer test specimen and wash
them thoroughly in running water to removed any adherent e.g. coating or gel
formed by the coolant during test, under ambient conditions.
f) Dry the rubber polymer test specimen at room temperature and find out their
volume after the test.
g) Calculate the volume change as below:
Volume Swell % = Volume after the test – Initial volume x 100
Initial Volume

Acceptance: The volume swell shall not exceed 5% for all types of rubber
polymer test specimen.

TABLE-2
WEIGHTAGE MARKS FOR ANTIFREEZE COOLANT
AS: 253:73:FEB:2009

Sr. Properties Clause No. Marks allotted P/T

No
1. Appearance 4.2.1 Tbl.1 2 T
2. pH, Min. 4.2.1 Tbl.1 (5) 4 P
3. Compatibility 4.2.1 Tbl.1(3) 4 T
4. Foaming Tendency 4.2.1 Tbl.1(4) 3 P
5. Total Apparent Water 4.2.1 Tbl 1(7) 5 P
6. Boiling Point, °C, Min. 4.2.1 Tbl.1(6)
a) Concentrate 3 P
b) 20% Vol., Aqueous 3 P
7. Freezing Point, °C, Max. 4.2.1 Tbl.1(8)
a) 20% Vol., Aqueous 3 P

8. Compatibility with cooling system 4.2.1 Tbl.1(10) 6 (1 mark for each T

Non-metals type of polymer
under reference)
9. Effect on Painted Finishes 4.2.1 Tbl.1(9) 2 P
10. Corrosion Test in Glassware 4.2.1 Tbl.1(11)
a) Foaming during test (a) 2 T
b) Appearance of liquid phase (b) 1 T
c) Amount of precipitation (c) 5 P
d) Change in mass of metal test
pieces
Aluminium Casting 3 P
Brass 3 P
Cast Iron 3 P
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 AS: 253:73:FEB:2009
Sr. Properties Clause No. Marks allotted P/T
No
Copper 3 P
Solder 3 P
Steel 2 P
11. Circulating corrosive property 4.2.1 Tbl.1(13)
a) Appearance of liquid phase 14 (a) 1 T
b) Properties of the solution after 14( b) 3 P
the test. Change in pH value,
unit. 14 (c) P
c) Precipitation, % Vol./Vol. Max. 14 (d) 3 T
d) Appearance of Internal 2
Surfaces of Water Pump
Casing and Vanes of Pump 14 (e) T
e) Rubber Components 1
Appearance of Rubber 14 (f)
f) Change of mass of metal test
pieces P
Aluminium Casting 5 P
Brass 4 P
Cast Iron 5 P
Copper 4 P
Solder 5 P
Steel 5
12. Marking & Handling 6.2 to 6.3 2 T
Total 100

P= Proportionate marks shall be considered.

T= Total marks shall be considered.

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