1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the qualitative determination of glycol-base antifreeze in used lubricating oils (mineral base) by two procedures, one using reagents in tablet form and the other using laboratory shelf reagents. Principally the test methods detect ethylene glycol but will also detect other 1,2-glycols that may be present.

1.1.1 When a positive result is obtained and a sample of the unused oil is available, the unused oil is also tested and used as a reference.

Note 1Since the inception of this test method (1971), there have been many changes in base stock technology and additive technology. Therefore, when available, the new, unused oil, or a sample of the same used oil, known to not contain antifreeze, is tested as a reference.

1.2 The tablet procedure (Procedure A) is sensitive to about 100 mg/kg and the shelf reagent procedure (Procedure B) to about 300 mg/kg of ethylene glycol.

1.3 Glycol-based coolant leaks into crankcases may not be detected or may result in a low bias using these test methods if the glycol has degraded or been thermally or otherwise oxidized. The conditions in crankcases may be such that contaminant glycols are oxidized or degraded to a degree to which the color indicator reaction does not occur or is biased enough so as to not trigger the color change. Other test methods for the detection of coolants or coolant additives in lubricating oils should be used if the results from these test methods alone are inconclusive or questionable.

1.4 Carbohydrates such as sugars and sugar-containing substances are sometimes used for sabotage purposes. If the presence of these substances is suspected, Procedure A contains a modification to remove these interferences.

1.5 Both procedures are adaptable to field kit use, and brief descriptions for converting to field kit form are given in Annex A1.

Commercial field testing kits are available. ^,

1.6 The results obtained by this method are qualitative expressions. However, for the preparation of reagents and in the procedures, acceptable SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.7 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum Products, and Lubricants

D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products

Keywords

glycol-base antifreeze; glycol-base coolant; used lubricating oil;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 71.100.45 (Refrigerants and antifreezes); 75.100 (Lubricants, industrial oils and related products)

DOI: 10.1520/D2982-07

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.