ASTM D1122-22

Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The relative density of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate percent glycol, freezing point, and boiling point, provided the glycol type is known.  
4.2 The relative density of an engine coolant concentrate can be used as a production control test.  
4.3 ASTM specifications normally state the temperatures for relative density of fluids; 25 °C, 20 °C, and 15.6 °C are commonly used temperatures.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative density of glycols, glycerin, heat transfer fluids, engine coolant concentrates, and aqueous engine coolants.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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.  
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-Aug-2022
• ICS: 71.100.45 - Refrigerants and antifreezes
• Technical Committee: D15 - Engine Coolants and Related Fluids
• Drafting Committee: D15.03 - Physical Properties

Relations

• 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 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 E100-19 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E100-15a - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM E100-15 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E100-14 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• 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 E230/E230M-11e1 - Standard Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E230/E230M-11 - Standard Specification and Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E100-10 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• 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 E100-05 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E100-03 - Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Refers: ASTM D1176-98 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1998

Overview

ASTM D1122-22 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer provides a standardized procedure for determining the relative density of engine coolants, coolant concentrates, glycols, glycerin, and other heat transfer fluids using a hydrometer. This method is widely recognized and utilized in both manufacturing quality control and laboratory analysis for automotive and industrial applications. The results obtained using this method can be essential for assessing coolant properties, ensuring product quality, and verifying compliance with relevant specifications.

Key Topics

• Relative Density Measurement: The standard outlines procedures for measuring the relative density of engine coolants and related fluids, providing accurate and repeatable results.
• Hydrometer Application: Instructions are provided for appropriate use of glass hydrometers conforming to ASTM E100, and the standard specifies requirements for hydrometer cylinders and temperature measurement instruments.
• Temperature Considerations: Relative density is typically measured at 25 °C, 20 °C, or 15.6 °C as per ASTM specifications, ensuring consistency and comparability of results.
• Significance for Glycol Solutions: By determining the relative density, users can approximate the percentage of glycol (such as ethylene or propylene glycol) in the coolant, which directly relates to critical properties like freezing point and boiling point.
• Production and Quality Control: Relative density measurements serve as an essential production control test for engine coolant concentrates, helping manufacturers maintain consistent product formulations.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Users are reminded to adhere to safety, health, and environmental guidelines when performing the test and to consider regulatory limitations in their jurisdiction.

Applications

• Automotive Industry: Manufacturers and service providers use this test method to verify the composition and performance characteristics of engine coolants in vehicles, ensuring optimal engine protection against freezing and overheating.
• Industrial Heat Transfer Fluids: The procedure is applicable for quality assurance in facilities utilizing glycols, glycerin, or other related fluids in closed-loop heating and cooling systems.
• Laboratory Testing: Laboratories utilize ASTM D1122-22 for precise, repeatable coolant analysis as part of research, diagnostics, and product development.
• Field Testing and Maintenance: On-site testing with hydrometers allows for rapid assessment of coolant properties, supporting maintenance and servicing operations.
• Regulatory and Specification Compliance: The results from this test support compliance with automotive OEM requirements, ASTM specifications, and international standards for engine coolant products.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1176: Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes.
• ASTM E100: Specification for ASTM Hydrometers, detailing the requirements for hydrometers used in this and similar procedures.
• ASTM E230/E230M: Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples, relevant for accurate temperature monitoring during testing.
• Other ASTM D15 Standards: Covering various properties and test methods for engine coolants and related fluids.

Keywords

engine coolant, relative density, hydrometer, ASTM D1122, glycol analysis, coolant concentrate, industrial fluids, quality control, freezing point, boiling point, coolant testing

By following ASTM D1122-22, organizations can ensure reliable testing and consistent product performance in engine coolants and heat transfer fluids, supporting both regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

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: D1122 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates and
Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1122; 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* 3.1.1 relative density, n—the ratio of the density of a
material at a stated temperature to the density of water at the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative
same stated temperature.
density of glycols, glycerin, heat transfer fluids, engine coolant
concentrates, and aqueous engine coolants.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4.1 The relative density of an engine coolant may be used to
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
determine the approximate percent glycol, freezing point, and
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
boiling point, provided the glycol type is known.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 The relative density of an engine coolant concentrate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
can be used as a production control test.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 ASTM specifications normally state the temperatures
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
for relative density of fluids; 25 °C, 20 °C, and 15.6 °C are
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
commonly used temperatures.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
5. Apparatus
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 Hydrometers—Hydrometers shall be of glass, graduated
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
in specific gravity range as listed in Table 1, and shall conform
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to Specification E100.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 Hydrometer Cylinder—The hydrometer cylinder in
which the sample for the relative density test is confined shall
2. Referenced Documents
be made of clear glass and shall be cylindrical in shape. For
2.1 ASTM Standards:
convenience in pouring, it may have a lip on the rim. The
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solu-
inside diameter of the cylinder shall be at least 25.4 mm
tions of Engine Coolants orAntirusts for Testing Purposes
(1.0 in.) greater than the outside diameter of the hydrometer.
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
The height of the cylinder shall be such that the length of the
E230/E230M Specification for Temperature-Electromotive
column of sample it contains is greater by at least 25.4 mm
Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
(1.0 in.) than the portion of the hydrometer which is immersed
beneath the surface of the sample after a state of equilibrium
3. Terminology
has been reached.
3.1 Definitions:
5.3 Temperature Measuring Instrument (environmentally
safe thermometer or thermocouple) capable of monitoring the
observed test temperature to within an accuracy of 60.05 °C,
Specification E230/E230M. If a liquid-in-glass thermometer is
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine
used, it shall be calibrated and graduated to 0.1 °C. The
Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D15.03 on Physical Properties.
thermometer shall be calibrated at least annually against a
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally
certified and traceable standard. See Section 8, Precision and
approved in 1950. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D1122-20. DOI:
Bias. The data presented in this subsection are derived using
10.1520/D1122-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or mercury-in-glass thermometers only.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.4 Water Bath—A water bath capable of maintaining a
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. sample temperature to 60.3 °C (60.5 °F) during the test.
*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
D1122 − 22
TABLE 1 Available Hydrometer Sets
Range
ASTM Hydrometer No. Type
Total Each Hydrometer
111H to 117H for general use in heavy liquids 1.000 to 1.350 0.050
6. Sampling above the plane of the surface of the sample. Correct this
reading by an am
...

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: D1122 − 20 D1122 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Density or Relative Density of Engine Coolant Concentrates
and Engine Coolants By The Hydrometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1122; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative density of glycols, glycerin, heat transfer fluids, engine coolant
concentrates, and aqueous engine coolants.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.
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.
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
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
E230/E230M Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (emf) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 relative density, n—the ratio of the density of a material at a stated temperature to the density of water at the same stated
temperature.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The relative density of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate percent glycol, freezing point, and boiling
point, provided the glycol type is known.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020Sept. 1, 2022. Published May 2020September 2022. Originally approved in 1950. Last previous edition approved in 20172020 as
ɛ1
D1122-16 (2017)-20. . DOI: 10.1520/D1122-20.10.1520/D1122-22.
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
D1122 − 22
4.2 The relative density of an engine coolant concentrate can be used as a production control test.
4.3 ASTM specifications normally state the temperatures for relative density of fluids; 25 °C, 20 °C, and 15.6 °C are commonly
used temperatures.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Hydrometers—Hydrometers shall be of glass, graduated in specific gravity range as listed in Table 1, and shall conform to
Specification E100.
5.2 Hydrometer Cylinder—The hydrometer cylinder in which the sample for the relative density test is confined shall be made of
clear glass and shall be cylindrical in shape. For convenience in pouring, it may have a lip on the rim. The inside diameter of the
cylinder shall be at least 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) greater than the outside diameter of the hydrometer. The height of the cylinder shall
be such that the length of the column of sample it contains is greater by at least 25.4 mm (1.0 in.) than the portion of the hydrometer
which is immersed beneath the surface of the sample after a state of equilibrium has been reached.
5.3 Temperature Measuring Instrument (environmentally safe thermometer or thermocouple) capable of monitoring the observed
test temperature to within an accuracy of 60.05 °C, Specification E230/E230M. If a liquid-in-glass thermometer is used, it shall
be calibrated and graduated to 0.1 °C. The thermometer shall be calibrated at least annually against a certified and traceable
standard. See Section 8, Precision and Bias. The data presented in this subsection are derived using mercury-in-glass thermometers
only.
5.4 Water Bath—A water bath capable of maintaining a sample temperature to 60.3 °C (60.5 °F) during the test.
6. Sampling
6.1 Sample the coolant in accordance with Practice D1176, except as specified in this test method.
7. Procedure
7.1 If the coolant has a small amount of separated upper layer, remove it before determining the relative density of the lower layer.
To separate, pour the sample into a 500 mL separatory funnel, allow to stan
...