All you need to know about Coolant Additives

Study Confirms three-fifths of all engine problems are coolant-related. The primary function of coolant is to regulate the engine’s temperature, whereas coolant additives can enhance the effectiveness and prolong the life of the cooling system.

Coolants are generally a homogeneous mixture of glycol and water that shows flexible thermal properties like high boiling point, low freezing point, and stability over a wide range of temperatures but coolant is not enough to cause glycol to oxidize at high temperatures into organic acids like glycolic, glyoxalic, formic, carbonic and oxalic. These are highly corrosive and can be corrosive to the system metal causing problems like pitting, pinhole, and stress cracking corrosion. Even the resulting contaminants present in glycol add more to its rate, degrading the total working system. Even the resulting contaminants present in glycol add more its to rate, degrading the working system.

The primary problems associated with this unwanted acidity are:

• Affects metallic pipelines, which leads to failure of temperature balance owing to heat loss.
• Additionally, the absence of corrosion inhibitors can lead to rust and corrosion.
• Without antifreeze agents, the coolant may freeze in cold conditions, causing cracks or bursts in the system. Furthermore, the lack of lubricants can increase friction, potentially damaging the water pump and other moving parts.
• Overall, using coolant without additives can result in reduced cooling efficiency, costly repairs, and potential engine damage.

To overcome these problems, coolant additives were synthesized.

Coolant additives are designed to enhance the properties of the engine coolant. They are mixed with the coolant and can improve various aspects of the cooling system’s performance.

• Corrosion Inhibitor: A cornerstone in coolant formulations, corrosion inhibitors protect vital components from corrosion, ensuring the longevity of cooling systems. These additives form a protective shield on metal surfaces, mitigating the harmful impact of rust and erosion, thereby maintaining optimal performance and reliability.
• Antiscalant: Essential in coolant solutions, antiscalant deters scale formation within cooling systems. By preventing the accumulation of mineral deposits, these additives play a critical role in preserving the efficiency and functionality of equipment, such as radiators and heat exchangers.
• Antifoam: Crucial in coolant formulations, antifoam agents combat foam formation during the cooling process. By effectively suppressing foam, these additives enhance system efficiency, prevent potential damage to components, and ensure a consistent and smooth coolant flow.
• Thickener: In the realm of coolant additives, thickeners contribute to viscosity and stability. These agents enhance the thickness of the coolant, improving its adherence to surfaces and optimizing its performance in heat dissipation and protection of the cooling system.
• Biocide / Preservative: In coolant formulations, biocides act as guardians against microbial contamination. By controlling the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the coolant, these additives maintain water quality, prevent fouling, and extend the life of the coolant and associated components.

Benefits of Using Coolant Additives:

Enhance Heat Transfer Efficiency: It improves the heat transfer properties of the coolant, ensuring that the engine maintains the optimal operating temperature.

Extended Cooling System Life: Corrosion inhibitors and lubricants included in additives protect crucial components, such as the radiator, water pump, and heater core, from wear and damage.

Minimized Maintenance Costs: By preventing issues like corrosion, leaks, and overheating, coolant additives can save money on maintenance and repair bills.

Corrosion and Rust Formation: Coolants with corrosion inhibitors create a shield of defines on the metal surfaces, halting the development of rust and extending the lifespan of the apparatus.

To stay at the forefront of coolant technology, Chemtex Speciality Limited makes efforts in research and development which leads to breakthrough discoveries, enabling formulation of excellent additives.

Chemtex Speciality Limited is a leading chemical manufacturer and offers Specially designed solutions to meet the specific needs of manufacturers. They work closely with manufacturers to understand their requirements, assess their cooling systems, and provide tailored made solutions that address their unique challenges

To Know More: https://chemtexltd.com/industries/manufacturing-and-processing/formulators/coolant-additives/