Coolant Testing | POLARIS Laboratories®

Cooling System Do’s and Don’ts

40% of engine failures can be attributed to issues within the cooling system. Knowing the do’s and don’ts for maintaining your cooling system will help protect your equipment, increase reliability and avoid failure. Here’s few things to do and a few things not to do.

Do:

Use a water that meets specifications
- This includes water being used for top offs, mixing a concentrate and if you are unable to remove the majority of the flush water.
- Water that meets specifications will not add contaminates to cooling system and will help maintain fluid properties.
Use the same coolant formulation for maintenance adjustments
- If you are unable to use the same coolant in the cooling system (this is recommended), then select a coolant that has similar corrosion protection inhibitors (this will maintain the inhibitor levels for adequate corrosion protection)
Test your engine coolant and observe fluid at every PM
- Every engine sample should have at least one coolant sample tested by the laboratory to ensure equipment health and fluid properties are adequate
- Catching issues early will stop further corrosion or potential for corrosion by proactively correcting the issues found before catastrophic failure occurs
Ensure the correct coolant testing is included in your test package
- Testing all inhibitors in the formulation will help determine if the corrosion protection levels are adequate or not
- Advanced testing will help determine if degradation acids are present, identify mechanical issues and determine if the system was contaminated with sulfate and/or chloride
- Using the right test package will provide the best recommendations and protection for your equipment

Do not:

Use any type of water to mix with antifreeze
- This includes top offs, diluting a concentration or leaving excessive amounts of flush water in the system
- Using hard water that does not meet specifications, will cause scaling of the system components resulting in loss of heat transfer abilities of the cooling system
Mix different coolant corrosion protection formulations
- Be aware, if you mix an organic formulation with a conventional formulation, some OEMs or coolant manufacturers will state the coolant now must be treated as a conventional antifreeze
- Some OEMs and coolant manufacturers may also only recommend to change out the coolant if mixed. It’s important to know what recommendations for mixing are for you equipment
- Mixing formulations will hinder corrosion protection levels and could cause inhibitor drop out, leaving the system vulnerable for corrosion. Concerns of incompatibility between inhibitors can be concerning for the equipment health, too.
Put coolant in and forget about the cooling system
- The most preventable engine failure is not maintaining the cooling system. The cooling system should circulate, absorb heat and dissipate heat from the engine. If issues within the cooling system hinder the removal of heat from the engine then equipment issues and eventually engine failure will occur
Simply choose to just test the cooling system
- Not understanding the proper testing needed for the coolant formulation may not provide the whole picture of corrosion protection levels, equipment health and contamination that may be present in the cooling system
- These can lead to premature engine failures if the cooling system is not being properly maintained

These simple do’s and don’ts are some of the ways to maintain your cooling system from premature engine failures. The cooling system is part of the overall health of your equipment and should not be ignored.

If you aren’t sure what coolant testing is best for your equipment, reach out to us for guidance and explanation. We’re here to answer your questions – and help you save your equipment!

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Published February 19, 2019

Extended Life Coolant: Why You Should Monitor Your Corrosion Inhibitors

Extended Life Coolant formulations contain organic acid inhibitors for corrosion protection similar to how conventional formulations use inorganic inhibitors. With extended life coolants becoming more popular testing, the organic acid inhibitors can be trickier in the field and require additional testing in the laboratory than what the conventional formulation would have used. For conventional formulations, monitoring nitrite and/or molybdenum was the main way to determine if corrosion protection levels were adequate or not. Now with all different possible organic inhibitors used in extended life coolants, the fluid may or may not contain inorganic inhibitors, nitrite and/or molybdenum, with the addition of organic inhibitors. Some may contain only organic inhibitors in the formulation.

Organic Acid Inhibitors

Not all extended life coolants are applicable for testing on all test strips used to determine organic levels. The test strip testing may only work on certain organic formulations because the strip is looking for a certain organic acid(s) present which may or may not be present in the formulation in use. Some of the more common organic acid inhibitors found are Benzoic Acid, Sebacic Acid and 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid for iron and aluminum protection. Azoles that are commonly used are Benzotriazole (BZT), Tolyltriazole (TTZ) and Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) for copper and brass protection. Coolant manufacturers might not use all of these inhibitors in their formulations which is why laboratory testing is beneficial in determining the type of inhibitors present in the coolant formulation.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

In the laboratory, the only testing that can report in parts per million the organic acids (carboxylic acids) is with the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing. The HPLC will report the organic acids present in the formulation and determine if the levels are adequate for corrosion protection. The testing can indicate if mixing of coolant formulation has occurred as well. To determine if mixing occurred, make sure the laboratory testing will include the testing of both the inorganic and organic inhibitors when submitted to the laboratory. If the coolant formulation is unknown it is important to include testing for both inorganic and organic inhibitors as well. If mixing did occur already, then testing will show the current level of inhibitors and help determine if levels are adequate for corrosion protection. Receiving testing that includes identification of all types of inhibitors will be the only way to help determine the type of inhibitors present currently in the system and how to maintain the fluid.

Why Add HPLC to Your Program?

Adding this testing to your current test package will help to indicate if someone has topped off with a different coolant formulation which can cause dilution of the organic acids that protect the metal in your engine or if the current fluid inhibitors are still adequate for corrosion protection. If the organic acid inhibitors are low cavitation, pitting and premature failure can occur. Overall, HPLC testing will help to ensure you achieve longevity with your Extended Life Coolant and engine. The Technical Bulletin, Benefits Gained from High Performance Liquid Chromatography Testing, will provide additional information on the benefits of HPLC testing and explain how the HPLC instrument operates.

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Published July 10, 2018

Summer Heat Got You Down?

Cooling systems are already burdened with high operating temperatures, and summertime heat can take its toll on your equipment. In order to continuously improve your system’s life and maintain effectiveness, proper cooling system maintenance is vital.

So, what can you do to monitor and identify overheating issues that can lead to catastrophic failure, loss of productivity and a decrease in ROI? Routinely test your coolant – especially during the hot summer months. Read more in our technical bulletin.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
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Published June 12, 2018

Can Your Equipment “Weather” the Cold Temperatures?

Dropping Temperatures Equals a Drop in Health

Our winters in Canada, and those in other countries will agree, are often a time of increased health risks. As temperatures drop and winter sets in, so do a whole host of circulating bacteria and viruses. A virus or illness usually starts with a trip to the doctor to assess the symptoms and typically, the doctor uses both a physical exam and potential blood tests to determine how to restore our health and get us back on our feet.

Cure Your Suffering Equipment

Similar to the human body, another winter phenomenon involving cold temperatures is the health of the equipment you use to keep your business running. Mechanical problems or symptoms often arise during the cold temperatures and can cause your equipment to suffer. Similar to the steps the doctor takes, analyzing the critical fluid inside the machine allows you to understand the causes of the problems. Fluid analysis can also allow you to see what actions need to be taken in order for the equipment to get back on it’s feet and be able to “weather” future cold temperatures.

A Prescription for Coolant Analysis

Coolant analysis is one area that is often undervalued or overlooked. But, coolant analysis goes well beyond checking the freeze protection offered by the coolant in cold temperatures. In fact, more than 40% of engine failures are caused by issues that can be traced to the cooling system, the coolant itself holds clues that appear long before any imminent danger. Coolant analysis can shed light on developing problems caused by:

Cavitation corrosion
Leaking combustion gases
Breakdown of the coolant chemicals
Overheating
Electrical ground problems

A Clean Bill of Health

It’s easy to see that sampling coolant isn’t just a winter activity. But, just like that trip to the doctor when the sniffles set in, sometimes the best course of action is to look within and proactively, to understand what we’re experiencing with our machine health and to begin to save your equipment, before a failure happens.

Let us prove how POLARIS Laboratories® can provide these same benefits to your equipment health.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
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Published January 30, 2018

Out With The Old and In With Advanced Coolant Testing

“Out with the old and in with the new.” To help start 2018 new and free of problems – and engine failure – make sure your cooling system is operating correctly with advanced coolant testing.

Prevent Engine Failures

Approximately 50 percent of preventable engine failures can be traced back to problems in the cooling system. Advanced coolant testing can be used not only when trying to detect the root cause of cooling system issues, but can be added to testing anytime to help make sure the cooling system is working correctly before issues arise. With regularly performing advanced coolant testing on the cooling system early, concerns can be addressed before a snowball effect of corrosion, loss of heat transfer and ultimately, engine failure occurs.

Ion Chromatography

Advanced coolant testing will involve Ion Chromatography, or “IC” testing. The IC test detects degradation acids that can form naturally as the glycol breaks down with age or may form due to issues with the cooling system. The IC will also detect contaminates, chloride and sulfate that may have entered the system without you knowing of an issue. Contaminates found by IC testing can form acids and create corrosion to the system rapidly. Once degradation acids form, the glycol will continue to break down, creating more and more acids that can cause severe corrosion of the cooling system components and will lead to engine failures. Two of the most common issues seen on the engine side due to issues with the cooling system include exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) failures and oxidized oil, shortening the life of the oil and increasing wear contamination.

See Trends

Performing advanced coolant testing regularly will also let you see trending results. This will help indicate possible issues such as air leaks, combustion gas leaks, hot spots or even electrical ground issues. With the ability to trend results, an increase in contaminates or degradation acids would indicate an issue or issues are occurring in the system.

For more information, view our Technical Bulletin and reach out to your laboratory to have advanced coolant testing added to your coolant sample.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published January 2, 2018

The Underwater Test: Why You Should Test Your Equipment After a Flood

Sometimes it’s hard to plan for destructive natural disasters – such as Hurricane Harvey along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast and the subsequent flooding. So, what do you do if your equipment is exposed to the disaster’s effects and flooding?

Based on years of experience in helping companies save their equipment and extend the equipment’s lifecycle, quite simply we recommend taking action.

Flooding can result in water contamination and can cause corrosion and oxidation which can be extremely harmful for your equipment and, in turn, can cause holds in production and loss of business. How will you know if you need to test your equipment’s fluids to see if any damage was caused and determine if potential maintenance is needed?

First, check for signs of water ingression or leaking. Search for answers to key common challenges, such as:

Is the high-water mark above the containers?
Is dried mud crusted on the container?
Are caps, lids and vents still in place?
Are desiccant filters saturated?

After you check for signs of water ingression, the next steps for testing depend on the type of fluid:

Oils and Lubricants

Check the fluid itself for signs of water contamination. A milky appearance indicates the oil additives have emulsified as much water as they could, and there is likely more dissolved in the fluid. An oil analysis test from POLARIS Laboratories® includes a water test, and elemental analysis can identify dirt contamination from mud or salt from sea water.

Coolants

Pressure caps on coolant containers typically prevent floodwaters from entering cooling systems. However, it is still worth the time to perform a field test using a refractometer or paper test strip to determine if the glycol/water ratio is still in balance. If you suspect contamination, a coolant analysis test from POLARIS Laboratories® will determine if the external water and dirt requires the cooling system to be drained and/or flushed.

Bulk Tanks

Bulk tanks typically have water drain-off ports to remove free water that settles to the bottom of the tank, but the fluids should be checked for water as well as using the techniques above. A “thief bomb” or “bacon bomb” may be needed to collect the sample. Diesel fuel and new lubricant testing from POLARIS Laboratories® will determine if the fluid quality is adequate for future use.

It’s crucial for any contaminated oils, coolants or diesel fuel to go through analysis testing when flooding occurs. Testing can prevent future issues from arising and can help determine what equipment maintenance is needed to resume work.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published September 6, 2017

5 Steps for Selecting the Proper Coolant Formulation

There are many different formulations of coolant, most of which aren’t fully compatible. Prevent premature engine failure by learning the right way to maintain your coolant.

Below are five quick steps for selecting the proper coolant formulation. This approach should keep your cooling systems free of coolant cross-contamination.

Determine what the equipment requires. The engine manufacturer and ASTM specifications can be found in the equipment manual or on the company’s website.
See if you are on spec. Make sure your bulk fluid meets the engine manufacturer and ASTM specifications.
Avoid mixing coolants. Using different formulations will dilute the protective inhibitors from each formula and leave the cooling system metal unprotected.
Check the coolant during scheduled maintenance. Check for color change, petroleum contaminants, precipitate, abnormal odors, inhibitors, glycol and pH levels.
Perform laboratory testing. Test coolant quarterly in high-hour, heavy-duty engine applications and twice a year (before summer and winter) in all other applications.

Cooling system problems are responsible for more than 50 percent of unexpected maintenance. Protect your engines with coolant analysis.

Download the coolant solution sheet to learn about protecting your cooling systems and your engines at the same time.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published March 14, 2017

Seven Steps to Managing an Effective Fluid Analysis Program

Managing your fluid analysis program is simple. At least it should be. If you struggle to ensure your fluid analysis program meets your maintenance goals, check out these seven steps. I guarantee, it will make a world of a difference.

Set attainable program goals
Take a moment to set your goals. Then, review your current maintenance practices and strategies to determine if they will help you accomplish your goals.

Identify the resources you need to sufficiently run the program
Resources play an important role in program success. Another factor is the size of your program. This will impact the personnel and resources needed to reach your goals.

Build the appropriate equipment lists
Equipment list information should be sent to your laboratory before samples are submitted for processing.

Determine sampling intervals
Although an equipment manufacturer’s recommendations provide a good starting point for developing preventive maintenance practices, sampling intervals should be based on various factors.

Take an active role in minimizing sample turnaround time
Don’t compromise the value of your fluid analysis results and the laboratory’s maintenance recommendations with unnecessary delays in turnaround time.

Report key results to management
When reviewing your most critical information, consider what management needs to know most – and share the results with them. The size of your operation and your goals and resources will dictate the best and most efficient metrics to share with management.

Select a laboratory that will help you every step of the way
To realize the true value that an effective fluid analysis program can have on your overall business performance, you need to select the right partner.

To learn more, read this article about what makes a successful fluid analysis program or contact us a custservice@eoilreports.com.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published February 7, 2017

Building a Championship Organization

At the root of every successful fluid analysis program is a program champion committed to success. From creating a project plan to assembling a sampling team, there are a number of actions maintenance professionals can take to maximize the value sampling provides.

A global leader in providing temperature control, temporary power generation and compressed air systems already had a robust maintenance program, but they decided to explore fluid analysis as a way to reduce downtime and costs.

With the leadership of their program champion, they developed into a reliability program saving between $750,000 to $2 million each year using fluid analysis. By documenting their process and program success, the team proved their value to their leadership team ten times over.

Read the Full Case Study

Measuring Success

The success of a fluid analysis program is usually measured by the amount of money or number of assets saved. However, program success can also be measured through an organization’s compliance.

A global lubricant manufacturer partnered with POLARIS Laboratories® to provide oil analysis to their customers with the goal of ensuring product quality. Determined to prove their commitment to their customer’s success, the manufacturer hired business consultants to help showcase the value of their product and extend drain intervals using oil analysis. Providing this free service helped the company build long-term relationships with their customers based on mutual trust.

Read the Full Case Study