ASTM D1177-94(1998)

Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freezing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the laboratory.  Note 1-Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested, they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Test Methods D1176. Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be separated. Note 2-These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form (prediluted).
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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Oct-1998
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.03 - Physical Properties

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D1177-94(1998)e1 - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-1994
• Referred By: ASTM D4985-10(2023) - Standard Specification for Low Silicate Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Heavy Duty Engines Requiring a Pre-Charge of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D8039-16(2023) - Standard Specification for Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) for Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D3585-08(2020) - Standard Specification for ASTM Reference Fluid for Coolant Tests
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D7583-16(2023) - Standard Test Method for John Deere Coolant Cavitation Test
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D3306-21 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D3321-19(2023) - Standard Test Method for Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D7714-11(2021) - Standard Specification for Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D7713-18 - Standard Specification for Aqueous Engine Coolant Grade Glycol (53 % by Volume Nominal)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D7518-20 - Standard Specification for 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998
• Referred By: ASTM D6660-01(2023) - Standard Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolants by Automatic Phase Transition Method
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-1998

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation:D1177–94 (Reapproved 1998)
Standard Test Method for
Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1177; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope of the horizontal or flattened portion of the freezing curve.The
freezing point is taken as the intersection of projections of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freez-
cooling curve and the freezing curve. If the solution super-
ing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the
cools, the freezing point is the maximum temperature reached
laboratory.
after supercooling.
NOTE 1—Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested,
they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Test
5. Significance and Use
Methods D1176. Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be
5.1 The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the
separated.
coolant freeze protection.
NOTE 2—These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form
5.2 The freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to
(prediluted).
determine the approximate glycol content, provided the glycol
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
type is known.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
6. Apparatus
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6.1 Freezing Point Apparatus, shown assembled in Fig. 1,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
consisting of the following:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6.1.1 Cooling Bath, in which the refrigerant is contained,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
consisting of a standard 1.9-L (2-qt) Dewar flask. The flask
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
may be silvered or unsilvered, and is supported in a close-
fitting container.Apad of glass wool is placed in the bottom of
2. Referenced Documents
the flask to protect it from damage by tip of freezing tube.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.2 Freezing Tube consisting of a 200-mL (6.8-oz.)
D1176 Test Method for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous
unevacuated, unsilvered Dewar flask. The tube is closed by a
Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing
cork having a central hole for the thermocouple or thermom-
Purposes
3 eter,asecondholeplacedtoonesideforpassageofthestirring
E1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
rod, and a third hole for introducing wire for seeding at
appropriate time.
3. Terminology
6.1.3 Stirring Mechanism, consisting of a five-coil stirrer
3.1 Definitions:
⁄16in.)indiameter.The
formedofstainlesssteelwire1.6mm(
3.1.1 freezing point—the temperature at which crystalliza-
coils are so spaced that, in the extreme upward position during
tion begins in the absence of supercooling, or the maximum
operation, no coils are exposed above the surface of the
temperature reached immediately after initial crystal formation
sample. The stirrer is agitated by means of an ordinary
in the case of supercooling.
windshield wiper motor or other motor devices, operating
4. Summary of Test Method through suitable linkages so as to provide linear motion of the
4.1 This test method involves the determination of the
time-temperature curve prior to freezing and the determination
ADewar flask is available on special order from Kontes Glass Co., Spruce St.,
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD-15onEngine Box 729, Vineland, NJ 08360, Tel. No. 609-692-8500. Part No. 611430-2124.
Coolants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on Physical For routine work, a tube with a seeding tip as described in the paper by R. E.
Properties. Mallonee and F. L. Howard, “The Determination of Freezing Point of Engine
Current edition approved July 15, 1994. Published September 1994. Originally Antifreeze,”intheFebruary1951issueofthe ASTM Bulletinmaybeused.(SeeFig.
published as D1177–51T. Last previous edition D1177–93a. 2.) A continuous seeding tube, “Mallonee Unevacuated Freezing Point Tube,” can
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.05. be purchased from Lurex Scientific, Inc., P.O. Box 240, South Vineland, NJ 08360.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. Tel. No. 609-794-2121.
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 withdrawn. Contact ASTM
International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D1177
FIG. 1 Assembly of Freezing Point Apparatus
stirrer. The length of the stroke is adjusted so that the coil just 7.2 Liquid nitrogen may be used as the refrigerant when the
clears the bottom of the freezing-point tube at low point of the freezing point of the coolant is−46°C (−50°F) or lower.
stroke.
NOTE 5—Warning:The liquid nitrogen should be discarded after each
6.1.4 Temperature Measurement—A resistance thermom-
day’susetoavoidthepossibilityofexplosionduetodissolvedoxygenand
eter or a multi-junction copper-constantan thermocouple may
inadvertent mixing with organic coolant materials.
be used with suitable measuring instruments, providing these
8. Procedure
give an over-all sensitivity of 0.1°C (0.2°F). The in
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