ASTM D3321-94(1998)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
Standard Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the use of a portable refractometer for determining the approximate freezing protection provided by ethylene and propylene glycol-based coolant solutions as used in engine cooling systems and special applications. Note 1-Some instruments have a supplementary freezing protection scale for methoxypropanol coolants. Others carry a supplementary scale calibrated in specific gravity readings of sulfuric acid solutions so that the refractometer can be used to determine the charged condition of lead acid storage batteries.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 3321 – 94 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Test Method for
Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the
Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3321; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope scales. Some refractometers have a coolant scale for indicating
the freezing point of aqueous ethylene glycol coolants only,
1.1 This test method covers the use of a portable refracto-
while other refractometers also have a scale for indicating the
meter for determining the approximate freezing protection
freezing point of aqueous propylene glycol coolants. The range
provided by ethylene and propylene glycol-based coolant
of the scales varies from one device to another.
solutions as used in engine cooling systems and special
3.3 Freezing point measurements are concentration-related
applications.
values and are in turn directly related to refractive index. It has
NOTE 1—Some instruments have a supplementary freezing protection
been empirically determined that freezing point measurements
scale for methoxypropanol coolants. Others carry a supplemental scale
are accurate within 1°C (2°F).
calibrated in density or specific gravity readings of sulfuric acid solutions
so that the refractometer can be used to determine the charged condition
4. Significance and Use
of lead acid storage batteries.
4.1 This practice is commonly used by vehicle service
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
personnel to determine the freezing point, in degrees Celsius or
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Fahrenheit, of aqueous solutions of commercial ethylene and
only.
propylene glycol-based coolant. A durable hand-held refracto-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
meter is available that reads the freezing point, directly, in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, when a few drops of engine
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
coolant are properly placed on the temperature-compensated
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
prism surface of the refractometer. This refractometer is for
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
glycol and water solutions, and is not suitable for other coolant
solutions.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 The hand-held refractometer should be calibrated before
2.1 ASTM Standards:
use (see Section 7).
D 1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine
4.3 Care must be taken to use the correct glycol freezing
Coolants
point scale for the glycol type being measured. Use of the
wrong glycol scale can result in freezing point errors of 18 and
3. Summary of Test Method
more degrees Fahrenheit.
3.1 These coolant testers are critical-angle refractometers
4.4 Ethylene glycol/propylene glycol mixtures will result in
designed for rapid, approximate measurement of ethylene and
inaccurate freezing point measurements using either freezing
propylene glycol coolant freezing point protection. Only a few
point scale.
drops of test solution are required. Some testers automatically
correct for ambient air temperature and the temperature of the
5. Interferences
solution being tested. The instrument is rugged, simple to read,
5.1 Interference can occur if the mixture is contaminated or
and easy to clean and maintain.
if the prism surface is not clean. The presence of other glycols
3.2 The coolant freezing point readings are taken at points
such as diethylene glycol in small amounts will not cause
where the dividing line between light and dark crosses the
interference.
6. Apparatus
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-15 on Engine
Coolants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on Physical
6.1 The hand-held critical angle refractometer is a rugged
Properties.
die-cast portable instrument that is covered with a high-impact
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1994. Published October 1994. Originally
published as D 3321 – 74. Last previous edition D 3321 – 93. plastic to minimize damage to the eyepiece lens if dropped. A
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05.
polished glass prism is opposite the viewing end. A hinged
Coolant testers are available from Leica Inc., P.O. Box 123, Buffalo, NY 14240
plastic cover is moved over the prism (sampling end) to allow
and Misco Products, 3401 Virginia Rd., Cleveland, OH 44122.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 3321
for even sample distribution and prevent liquid sample spillage
during the test. No eyepiece or prism adjustments are required
for sample testing.
6.2 The telescopic recessed eyepiece is located at one end
and the graduated, translucent prism on the opposite end (see
Fig. 1).
7. Calibration
7.1 Calibration of these coolant testers should periodically
be verified by testing a water sample in accordance with the
procedure outlined in Section 8.
7.2 If the sample tested deviates from 0°C ( + 32°F) the
coolant tester is out of calibration and should be recalibrated.
7.3 This calibration test is best performed with the coolant
tester and water sample at room temperature. If the instrument
used is designed to be automatically
...
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