ASTM D8039-16(2023)

Standard Specification for Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) for Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the requirements for ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol, and glycerin base heat transfer fluids (HTF) used in heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. When concentrates are used at up to 65% concentration by weight in water, or when prediluted heat transfer fluids (30% by weight minimum) are used without further dilution, they will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, and corrosion. The HTFs governed by this specification are categorized according to the primary base of freeze depressant used: I (ethylene glycol), II (propylene glycol), III (1,3-propanediol), and IV (glycerin).
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol as well as glycerin base heat transfer fluids (HTF) used in heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. When concentrates are used at up to 65 % concentration by weight in water, or when prediluted heat transfer fluids (30 % by weight minimum) are used without further dilution, they will function effectively to provide protection against freezing, and corrosion.  
1.2 The fluids described in this specification are not appropriate for use in systems where internal combustion engines (gasoline, diesel, or CNG/LPG) are used.  
1.3 The heat transfer fluids governed by this specification are categorized as follows by the primary base of freeze depressant used:    
Heat Transfer
Fluid Type  
Description  
I  
Ethylene glycol  
II  
Propylene glycol  
III  
1,3-Propanediol  
IV  
Glycerin  
1.4 Heat transfer fluids meeting this specification shall be tested and fully comply with requirements listed in Table 1.  
Note 1: This specification is based on the knowledge of the performance of heat transfer fluids prepared from new or virgin ingredients. This specification shall also apply to heat transfer fluids prepared using materials generated from recycled or reprocessed ingredients, provided that these ingredients meet the requirements of Specifications E1177 and D7388 for Glycols and Specification D7640 for Glycerin.
Note 2: This specification addresses concentrated inhibited glycols and glycerol that will be mixed with water for use in various climates and prediluted heat transfer fluids (HTF) that are factory-blended with purified water. A table of estimated freeze protection temperatures at appropriate dilutions is provided in Appendix X1.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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-Aug-2023
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• ICS: 91.140.10 - Central heating systems
• ICS: 91.140.30 - Ventilation and air-conditioning systems
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.30 - Industrial Heat Transfer Fluids

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D5931-20 - Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Coolants by Digital Density Meter
• Effective Date: 15-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1121-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1287-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1177-19 - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6130-11(2018) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other Elements in Engine Coolant by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5931-13(2017) - Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Coolants by Digital Density Meter
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1881-17 - Standard Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine Coolants in Glassware
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1122-16(2017)e1 - Standard Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1177-16 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1122-16 - Standard Test Method for Density or Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1177-14 - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM D6660-01(2014)e1 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Transition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1177-09(2014) - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D7388-08(2013) - Standard Specification for Engine Coolant Grade 1,3-Propanediol (PDO)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4725-13 - Standard Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013

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: D8039 − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) for Heating and Air Conditioning
(HVAC) Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8039; 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.
1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for ethylene
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3 propanediol as well as glycerin
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
base heat transfer fluids (HTF) used in heating and air
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
conditioning (HVAC) systems. When concentrates are used at
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
up to 65 % concentration by weight in water, or when
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
prediluted heat transfer fluids (30 % by weight minimum) are
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
used without further dilution, they will function effectively to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
provide protection against freezing, and corrosion.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 The fluids described in this specification are not appro-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
priate for use in systems where internal combustion engines
(gasoline, diesel, or CNG/LPG) are used.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 The heat transfer fluids governed by this specification
2.1 ASTM Standards:
are categorized as follows by the primary base of freeze
D512 Test Methods for Chloride Ion In Water
depressant used:
D516 Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
Heat Transfer
D1121 Test Method for Reserve Alkalinity of Engine Cool-
Description
Fluid Type
ants and Antirusts
I Ethylene glycol
D1122 Test Method for Relative Density of Engine Coolant
II Propylene glycol
III 1,3-Propanediol
Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
IV Glycerin
D1123 Test Methods for Water in Engine Coolant Concen-
1.4 Heat transfer fluids meeting this specification shall be
trate by the Karl Fischer Reagent Method
tested and fully comply with requirements listed in Table 1.
D1126 Test Method for Hardness in Water
NOTE 1—This specification is based on the knowledge of the perfor-
D1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine
mance of heat transfer fluids prepared from new or virgin ingredients. This
Coolants
specification shall also apply to heat transfer fluids prepared using
D1287 Test Method for pH of Engine Coolants and Antirusts
materials generated from recycled or reprocessed ingredients, provided
D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water
that these ingredients meet the requirements of Specifications E1177 and
D7388 for Glycols and Specification D7640 for Glycerin.
D1881 Test Method for Foaming Tendencies of Engine
NOTE 2—This specification addresses concentrated inhibited glycols
Coolants in Glassware
and glycerol that will be mixed with water for use in various climates and
D4327 Test Method for Anions in Water by Suppressed Ion
prediluted heat transfer fluids (HTF) that are factory-blended with purified
Chromatography
water. A table of estimated freeze protection temperatures at appropriate
dilutions is provided in Appendix X1. D4725 Terminology for Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
D5827 Test Method for Analysis of Engine Coolant for
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Chloride and Other Anions by Ion Chromatography
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
D5931 Test Method for Density and Relative Density of
only.
Engine Coolant Concentrates and Aqueous Engine Cool-
ants by Digital Density Meter
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D15.30 on Industrial Heat Transfer Fluids. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D8039 – 16. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D8039-16R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D8039 − 16 (2023)
A
TABLE 1 Physical and Chemical Requirements for Heat Transfer Fluids
Type 1 Type II Type III Type IV
ASTM
Property
Test Method
Ethylene Glycol Propylene Glycol 1,3-Propanediol Glycerin
Relative density
B B B B C
report report report report D1122, D5931
15.5 ⁄15.5 °C (60 ⁄60 °F)
D, B
Freezing point,
E
-16 °C (+4 °F) min -13 °C (+9 °F) min -13 °C (+9 °F) min -10 °C (+15 °F) min D1177, D6660
°C (°F), undiluted
pH, undiluted 7.5 to 11 7.5 to 11 7.5 to 11 7.5 to 11 D1287
Chloride, μg/g 30 max 30 max 30 max 30 max D5827
B
Water, mass % 70 max 70 max 70 max 70 max D1123
B B B B
Reserve alkalinity, mL report report report report D1121
A
For purposes of determining conformance with this specification, an observed value shall be rounded “to the nearest unit” in the last right-hand digit used in expressing
the specification limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E29.
B
Value as agreed upon between the supplier and the customer.
C
In case of dispute, Test Method D1122 is the preferred test method.
D
Test Methods D1177 and D6660 work with glycol/glycerin mixtures.
E
In case of dispute, Test Method D1177 is the preferred test method.
D6130 Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-propanadiol or glycerin based
Elements in Engine Coolant by Inductively Coupled heat transfer fluid concentrate and deionized water (deminer-
Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy alized).
D6660 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene
3.1.6 ready-to-use heat transfer fluid, n—a formulated liq-
Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Tran-
uid product (30 % by weight minimum) of ethylene glycol,
sition Method
propylene glycol, 1,3-propanadiol or glycerin base intended to
D7388 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade 1,3-
be used in heating and air conditioning system without any
Propanediol (PDO)
further dilution.
D7640 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycerin
D8040 Test Method for Corrosion Test for Heat Transfer
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this specification,
Fluids in Glassware
refer to Terminology D4725.
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
Determine Conformance with Specifications
4. General Requirements
E394 Test Method for Iron in Trace Quantities Using the
4.1 Heat transfer fluid concentrates or prediluted heat trans-
1,10-Phenanthroline Method
fer fluids shall be formulated with glycols or glycerols (meet-
E1177 Specification for Engine Coolant Grade Glycol
ing the requirements of Specifications E1177 and D7388 for
2.2 Other Document:
glycols and Specification D7640 for glycerin), water, suitable
Federal Method 2540B Total Solids Dried at 103-105°C
corrosion inhibitors, dye, and a foam suppressor.
3. Terminology
4.2 Ethylene glycol base heat transfer fluid concentrate
(Type I) may contain a maximum of 15 % other glycols, as
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
long as the physical, chemical, and performance requirements
3.1.1 glycerin, n—Specification D7640 grade glycerin for
of this specification can be met. Similarly, prediluted ethylene
engine coolant.
glycol base heat transfer fluids (30 % by weight minimum)
3.1.2 heat transfer fluid concentrate, n—a formulated liquid
may contain a maximum 4.5 % other glycols as long as all of
product intended to be diluted with water for use in heating and
the requirements of this specification can be met.
air conditioning systems.
4.3 Propylene glycol and 1,3-propanediol base heat transfer
3.1.3 other glycols, n—in ethylene glycol base heat transfer
fluid concentrates (Types II and III) may contain a combined
fluid, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene
maximum of 1 % other glycols (less than 0.3 % for prediluted
glycol, propylene glycol, dipropel
...