Anti-freeze

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Practical Druggist for December, 1922 Page 31

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Anti-Freeze Mixtures for Automobile Radiators.

(S. M. Massachusetts).--In an article which appeared recently in a newspaper, three methods were suggested:
  first, to use an anti-freezing mixture in the radiator;
  second, to drain the circulating system;
  third, to garage the car in a heated building.

The article follows:

The first method given, the use of an anti-freezing solution, is, perhaps the best for all-round purposes, although there are some who do not favor its use. Calcium chloride, alcohol and glycerin are non-freezing elements. In using calcium chloride the commercial form should be avoided, as it contains acid. Crystallized calcium chloride contains about 50 per cent, of water of crystallization and dissolves in about half its weight in cold water: consequently, eight pounds dissolved in one-half gallon of water will obtain one gallon of the saturated solution.

The alcohol solution is favored by many because it is easily obtained and prepared. An alcohol solution may be made with either wood or denatured alcohol . . . (The danger of using wood alcohol should be borne in mind, even its vapors having been known to cause blindness.)

Alcohol and glycerin is a combination that is liked by some because of the low boiling point of the latter. The disadvantage of using glycerin is that it attacks the rubber hose of the circulating system, causing the plies of fabric to disintegrate. Another factor mitigating against its use is the cost. Whenever used, it generally means renewing the hose in the spring.

In the use of calcium chloride, and when employing other than the chemically pure article, one must guard against the action of acid. This may he neutralized by gradually adding ammonia or soda ash until blue litmus paper no longer turns red when dipped in the solution.

With the alcohol solution one must expect it to give off an odor when heated and to boil readily when the thermometer registers above the freezing mark, or in mild weather. Because of these factors and the tendency of the alcohol to evaporate readily, thus lowering the freezing point of the fluid, many object to the solution. If one employs alcohol it is advisable to purchase and use a hydrometer graduated to read below 1.000. They indicate to the user the strength of the solution which should be maintained, according to the requirements of the locality.

It is well to avoid the practice of using any anti-freezing solution until the radiator and other components of the cooling system are inspected for leaks, for the alcohol will escape through openings where water will not pass. It is also important that all "fur," scale or other deposits be displaced from the radiator, matter generally deposited through the use of hard water.

ANTI-FREEZING SOLUTIONS

 
See also the article. "Commercial Glucose as a Preventative of Radiator Freezing" p. 19.

March, 1922. issue of The PRACTICAL DRUGGIST.