ASTM D1881-17

Standard Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test method generally will distinguish coolants that have a tendency to foam excessively from those that are suitable for further evaluation to determine performance in actual service.
Note 1: In use, the foaming tendency of a coolant solution may be increased by service aging or contamination. A properly functioning pressure cap will tend to suppress foaming in coolant solutions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a simple glassware test for evaluating the tendency of engine coolants to foam under laboratory-controlled-conditions of aeration and temperature.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate equivalents provided for information purposes only.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Section 7, Materials and Reagents.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2017
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.06 - Glassware Performance Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1881-97(2009) - Standard Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3585-24 - Standard Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E230/E230M-23a - Standard Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E230/E230M-23 - Standard Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 01-May-2023
• Refers: ASTM E128-99(2019) - Standard Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Permeability of Rigid Porous Filters for Laboratory Use
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1176-14(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1176-14 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3585-08(2013) - Standard Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1-13 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E128-99(2011) - Standard Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Permeability of Rigid Porous Filters for Laboratory Use
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E230/E230M-11 - Standard Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E230/E230M-11e1 - Standard Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3585-08 - Standard Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1176-98(2008) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2008
• Refers: ASTM E1-07 - Standard Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007

Overview

ASTM D1881-17 is the industry standard test method for evaluating the foaming tendencies of engine coolants in glassware under controlled laboratory conditions. Published by ASTM International, this standard is essential for manufacturers, quality control labs, and end-users who need to assess whether engine coolants are prone to excessive foaming-a property that may impact performance and system reliability. The method utilizes a glassware setup to simulate engine operating temperatures and aeration, enabling the observation and measurement of the coolant's foaming behavior and foam stability.

Key Topics

• Method Scope: The standard specifies a controlled, repeatable procedure for measuring foam volume and foam break time in engine coolant solutions. Testing is performed at operating-relevant temperatures and specific aeration rates to ensure reliable differentiation between acceptable and problematic coolants.
• Laboratory Requirements: Testing requires the use of pre-cleaned, heat-resistant glassware, a stable temperature bath, air supply, and precise measuring devices. The apparatus setup and cleaning procedures are critical for minimizing contamination and ensuring test accuracy.
• Test Procedure: Coolant samples are diluted with ASTM Type II water and subjected to aeration at 88°C (190°F). The resulting foam volume and the "break time"-how quickly foam collapses after aeration stops-are recorded for quality assessment.
• Significance: Results help to identify engine coolants with high foaming tendencies, which may lead to performance issues in real-world engine applications. Excessive foam can reduce heat transfer efficiency, promote air entrapment, and potentially cause engine overheating or corrosion.
• Safety Considerations: The standard references safety, health, and environmental practices. Appropriate caution is advised when handling cleaning agents, solvents, and hot apparatus.

Applications

ASTM D1881-17 has meaningful applications in several areas related to engine coolants:

• Product Development: Coolant manufacturers use this method during research and development to refine formulations and enhance product performance by minimizing foaming characteristics.
• Quality Control: The test ensures that each batch of coolant meets stringent criteria prior to distribution, reducing the risk of in-field failures.
• Comparative Analysis: Laboratories employ this standard method to benchmark different coolant products, providing valuable data for selection and procurement.
• Technical Support and Warranty Assessment: Automotive service shops and OEMs may use test data from ASTM D1881-17 to investigate coolant-related failures or to support product warranty claims.
• Regulatory Compliance: By adhering to recognized international procedures, organizations are better equipped to meet industry regulations for engine coolant performance and safety.

Related Standards

Several closely associated ASTM standards may be referenced during testing or as part of broader coolant evaluation programs:

• ASTM D1176 – Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts
• ASTM D1193 – Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D3585 – Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• ASTM E1 – Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
• ASTM E128 – Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Permeability of Rigid Porous Filters
• ASTM E230/E230M – Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples

These standards provide guidance on sample preparation, water purity, reference materials, and measurement instrumentation, ensuring the validity and reproducibility of ASTM D1881-17 test results.

By following ASTM D1881-17, professionals can reliably assess engine coolant foaming tendencies, ensuring safer, more effective products for automotive and industrial applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1881 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1881; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* E230/E230MSpecification for Temperature-Electromotive
Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
1.1 This test method covers a simple glassware test for
evaluating the tendency of engine coolants to foam under
3. Terminology
laboratory-controlled-conditions of aeration and temperature.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.1 break time, n—the time required for the foam to
standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate
collapse (after the air supply has been shut off) to the first
equivalents provided for information purposes only.
appearance of an “eye” on the surface of the test solution.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 eye, n—the appearance of foam free area on the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
surface of the test coolant surrounded by a ring of foam
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
clinging to the cylinder walls.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific warning statements, see Section 7, Materials and
4. Summary of Test Method
Reagents.
4.1 Asolution of coolant andASTMType II water is blown
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
with air at a constant rate for 5 min, while maintained at a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
constant temperature of 88 6 1°C (190 6 2°F) by means of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
a suitable temperature bath.The volume of foam, and the time
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
for such foam to break, are measured.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 The test method generally will distinguish coolants that
2.1 ASTM Standards:
have a tendency to foam excessively from those that are
D1176Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solu-
suitable for further evaluation to determine performance in
tionsofEngineCoolantsorAntirustsforTestingPurposes
actual service.
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
NOTE 1—In use, the foaming tendency of a coolant solution may be
D3585Specification forASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant
increased by service aging or contamination. A properly functioning
Tests
pressure cap will tend to suppress foaming in coolant solutions.
E1Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E128Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Perme-
6. Apparatus
ability of Rigid Porous Filters for Laboratory Use
6.1 Container—A 500-mL graduated container of heat-
resistant glass, having a diameter of 45 to 50 mm and a length
of 380 mm.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine
6.2 TemperatureBath—Aheatresistantglasscontainerlarge
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D15.06 on Glassware Performance Tests. enoughtopermitimmersionofthegraduatedcontaineratleast
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally
to the 350 mLgraduation mark.A4000-mLbeaker is satisfac-
approved in 1961 as D1881–61T. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as
tory.
D1881–97(2009). DOI: 10.1520/D1881-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.3 Heat Source—Any heating system capable of maintain-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ing a uniform bath temperature 61°C (62°F). A750-watt
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. electric hot-plate is satisfactory.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1881 − 17
6.4 Aerator Tube—A 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter spherical 7. Materials and Reagents
gas-diffuser stone made of fused crystalline alumina grain
7.1 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
which meets the following specifications when tested in
to water means reagent water as defined by Type II of
accordance with the method given in Annex A1:
Specification D1193.
Maximum pore diameter, µm Not greater than 80
7.2 Acetone, for flushing and drying the test equipment.
Permeability at a pressure 3000 to 6400
of 2.45 kPa, mL of air/min
(Warning—Acetone is extremely flammable.)
6.5 Temperature Measuring Instrument (Environmentally
7.3 Specification D3585 Test Coolant—Unless otherwise
Safe Thermometer or Thermocouple)—An ASTM Partial Im-
indicated, references to the reference test coolant means
mersion Temperature Measuring Instrument having a range
Specification D3585 coolant prepared without antifoam
from −20 to +150°C (0 to 302°F) and conforming to the
(Pluronic L-61) as defined in Specification D3585.
requirements forThermometer 1C (1F) as prescribed in Speci-
7.4 Cleaning Bath—Refers to an acid or base cleaning
fication E1 or Thermocouple as summarized in Specification
solution used to clean glassware between tests. The choice of
E230/E230M.
cleaning baths depends on individual needs. For example,
6.6 Air Supply—A clean and dry source, free from grease
Nochromix and alcoholic sodium (potassium) hydroxide are
and other contaminants, capable of maintaining the prescribed
common acid and base cleaning baths, respectively.
flow rate through the diffuser stone.
(Warning—The cleaning baths are strong oxidants and strong
acid and base, respectively.Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and
6.7 Timer—Astopwatchorsuitabletimingdevice,accurate
clothing. Do not breathe vapor. Handle in a fume hood.)
to 60.2 s.
6.8 Vent—A three-way stopcock inserted in the metered air
8. Test Solution
supply line immediately ahead of the aerator tube.
8.1 A33% by volume solution of reference coolant (Speci-
6.9 Typical Assembly Set-Up—A typical apparatus using a
ficationD3585testcoolantwithoutantifoam)shallbeprepared
hot-plate heat source is shown in Fig. 1.
with the proper quantity of Type II water.
8.2 Prepare a 33% by volume solution of the coolant to be
tested with Type II water. Use the same glassware used to
preparethereferencecoolanttestsolution.Rinsetheglassware
Forinformationonaeratorsupplierandspecifications,contactASTMSubcom-
withTypeIIwaterbetweenpreparations.Additiveconcentrates
mittee D15.06 through ASTM International Headquarters.
shall be diluted with Type II water to recommended use
concentration. Preparation of the sample shall be done in
accordance with treatment of mixtures described in Practice
D1176. Thus, any insoluble materials will be included in the
representative sample.
9. Test Conditions
9.1 Test Temperature—Thetemperaturebathshallbekeptat
a constant volume (350 to 375 mL mark of the graduated
cylinder) throughout the test. The test solution shall be main-
tainedat88 61°C(190 62°F)throughout.Thistemperature
is suitable for both high-boiling and low-boiling coolants.
9.2 Aeration Rate—The aeration rate shall be 1000 6 25
mL/min.
9.3 Number of Tests—The reference coolant shall be tested
to determine if the glassware and testing equipment is con-
taminatedwithresidu
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D1881 − 97 (Reapproved 2009) D1881 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1881; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method covers a simple glassware test for evaluating the tendency of engine coolants to foam under
laboratory-controlled-conditions of aeration and temperature.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate equivalents
provided for information purposes only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Section 7, Materials and .Reagents.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are approximate equivalents
provided for information purposes only.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D3585 Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
E128 Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Permeability of Rigid Porous Filters for Laboratory Use
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.06 on
Glassware Performance Tests.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2009Nov. 1, 2017. Published December 2009December 2017. Originally approved in 1961 as D1881 – 61 T. Last previous edition
ε1
approved in 2009 as D1881 – 97(02)(2009). . DOI: 10.1520/D1881-97R09.10.1520/D1881-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1881 − 17
E230/E230M Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 break time, n—the time required for the foam to collapse (after the air supply has been shut off) to the first appearance
of an “eye” on the surface of the test solution.
3.1.2 eye, n—the appearance of foam free area on the surface of the test coolant surrounded by a ring of foam clinging to the
cylinder walls.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A solution of coolant and ASTM Type II water is blown with air at a constant rate for 5 min, while maintained at a constant
temperature of 88 6 1°C1 °C (190 6 2°F)2 °F) by means of a suitable temperature bath. The volume of foam, and the time for
such foam to break, are measured.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The test method generally will distinguish coolants that have a tendency to foam excessively from those that are suitable
for further evaluation to determine performance in actual service.
NOTE 1—In use, the foaming tendency of a coolant solution may be increased by service aging or contamination. A properly functioning pressure cap
will tend to suppress foaming in coolant solutions.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Container—A 500-mL graduated container of heat-resistant glass, having a diameter of 45 to 50 mm and a length of 380
mm.
6.2 Temperature Bath—A heat resistant glass container large enough to permit immersion of the graduated container at least to
the 350 mL graduation mark. A 4000-mL beaker is satisfactory.
6.3 Heat Source—Any heating system capable of maintaining a uniform bath temperature 61°C (62°F).61 °C (62 °F).
A750-watt electric hot-plate is satisfactory.
6.4 Aerator Tube—A 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter spherical gas-diffuser stone made of fused crystalline alumina grain which
meets the following specifications when tested in accordance with the method given in Annex A1:
Maximum pore diameter, μm Not greater than 80
Permeability at a pressure 3000 to 6400
of 2.45 kPa, mL of air/min
6.5 Thermometer—Temperature Measuring Instrument (Environmentally Safe Thermometer or Thermocouple)—An ASTM
Partial Immersion Thermometer Temperature Measuring Instrument having a range from −20 to +150°C+150 °C (0 to
302°F)302 °F) and conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 1F 1C (1F) as prescribed in Specification E1. or
Thermocouple as summarized in Specification E230/E230M.
6.6 Air Supply—A clean and dry source, free from grease and other contaminants, capable of maintaining the prescribed flow
rate through the diffuser stone.
6.7 Timer—A stop watch or suitable timing device, accurate to 60.2 s.
6.8 Vent—A three-way stopcock inserted in the metered air supply line immediately ahead of the aerator tube.
6.9 Typical Assembly Set-Up—A typical apparatus using a hot-plate heat source is shown in Fig. 1.
7. Materials and Reagents
7.1 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references to water means reagent water as defined by Type II of Specification
D1193.
7.2 Acetone, for flushing and drying the test equipment. (Warning—Acetone is extremely flammable.Warning)—Acetone is
extremely flammable.)
7.3 Specification D3585 Test Coolant—Unless otherwise indicated, references to the reference test coolant means Specification
D3585 coolant prepared without antifoam (Pluronic L-61) as defined in Specification D3585.
7.4 Cleaning Bath—Refers to an acid or base cleaning solution used to clean glassware between tests. The choice of cleaning
baths depends on individual needs. For example, Nochromix and alcoholic sodium (potassium) hydroxide are common acid and
For information on aerator supplier and specifications, contact ASTM Subcommittee D15.06 through ASTM International Headquarters.
D1881 − 17
FIG. 1 Schematic Drawing of Apparatus for Glassware Foam
Test
base cleaning baths, respectively. (Warning—The cleaning baths are strong oxidants and strong acid and base, respectively. Avoid
contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapor. Handle in a fume hood.Warning)—The cleaning baths are strong
oxidants and strong acid and base, respectively. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Do not breathe vapor. Handle in a fume
hood.)
8. Test Solution
8.1 A33 % A 33 % by volume solution of reference coolant (Specification D3585 test coolant without antifoam) shall be
prepared with the proper quantity of Type II water.
8.2 Prepare a 33 % by volume solution of the coolant to be tested with Type II water. Use the same glassware used to prepare
the reference coolant test solution. Rinse the glassware with Type II water between preparations. Additive concentrates shall be
diluted with Type II water to recommended use concentration. Preparation of the sample shall be done in accordance with treatment
of mixtures described in Test Method Practice D1176. Thus, any insoluble materials will be included in the representative sample.
9. Test Conditions
9.1 Test Temperature—The temperature bath shall be kept at a constant volume (350 to 375 mL mark of the graduated cylinder)
throughout the test. The test solution shall be maint
...