Waterless coolant

Waterless coolant is a glycol-based liquid substance that does not contain water. Its boiling point of 191 °C (375 °F) is higher than that of water-based coolants and it resists the formation of corrosion.[1] The substance was invented to circumvent the problems of vaporizing water. When water vaporizes, it retains only 4% of its thermal conductivity.[2] Water-based coolants are safe at temperatures below the boiling point of water to maintain the pressure of the system. Waterless coolant has environmental benefits, including reducing the use of cooling fans and therefore improving fuel economy. The coolant does not generally need changing, reducing the hazardous waste following repeated coolant flushes.[3]

Automotive use

Waterless coolant is most prominently used in the cooling systems for motorsports, classic car, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and older cars.[4] Older cars often have non-pressurized cooling systems, and the water-based coolant can boil and overflow. Traditionally, this issue has been solved by topping off the radiator with water. This dilutes the coolant and the water can contain minerals harmful to the vehicle. Classic car owners have adopted waterless coolant to solve this problem. Jay Leno uses waterless coolant for his replica 1937 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic vehicle.[5]

Other uses

University of California, Los Angeles used waterless engine coolants in its backup generators in part to reduce labor costs because traditional water and ethylene glycol-based coolants typically need replacing every three years. Waterless coolant lasts the life of the engine, and there is no need to have that system pressurized, which has shown to reduce stress on the cooling system plumbing.[6] Waterless coolant has been used to reduce fuel usage by limiting the amount of time the radiator fan needs to be on. Waste management departments have used waterless coolant for their fans to save on fuel costs.[6]

Primary agents

Waterless coolant is glycol-based. The liquid avoids corrosion and electrolysis while the additives remain soluble.[3]

Freeze point

Waterless coolant acts as an antifreeze, protecting engines to −40 °C (−40 °F).[5]

Disadvantages

Waterless coolant is generally more expensive than traditional water and ethylene glycol-based coolants.[7]

References
  1. Abelson, Paul (October 2012). "Cooling without water?". Land Line Magazine. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  2. Sturgess, Steve (August 2009). "Column: Keep Your Cool". Heavy Duty Trucking. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  3. Ingram, Anthony (January 5, 2012). "Waterless Coolant Improves Engine Life, Boosts MPG 10 Percent". Green Car Reports. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  4. Staff, Cycle News (January 20, 2018). "Evans Waterless Powersports engine coolant is ready to use, no water required". Cycle News Staff. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  5. Leno, Jay (December 13, 2012). "How to Keep Classic Cars Road-Ready". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  6. Ritchie, Ed (November 1, 2010). "Efficiency State of Mind". Forester Daily News. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  7. Chandler, Charles (March 11, 2010). "Recip Technology: Waterless Engine Coolants". Aviation Pros. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
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