Search Results

Organic acid (OA) or organic acid technology (OAT) coolants are being aggressively marketed today as a far superior product to more conventional coolants. Claims are being made such as superior performance, as well as a product that is friendly to the environment. Further, some producers of OAT coolants claim that it is the only product in the market that can provide long life as well as extended service intervals. This paper is being written to closely examine and challenge these claims. High quality conventional coolants offer all the advantages claimed for OA coolants and in some cases provide superior performance.

Coolant filters have been used for nearly 50 years by heavy duty engine manufacturers but little has been published in the technical literature documenting their performance. In heavy duty cooling systems an extender is periodically added to the system to prevent the coolant from becoming corrosive and replenish additives that stop the build-up of deposits which reduce heat transfer. Not only is the coolant filter the most convenient and reliable method to deliver the extender to the cooling system, it also removes debris from the coolant which can cause deposits and wear, aggravate corrosion, and even plug heat exchangers. Additionally, the used coolant filter serves as a diagnostic trouble shooting tool. This paper concentrates on the value or importance of filtering debris from the coolant of heavy duty diesel engine cooling systems. Published literature is reviewed and recent data from lab testing is reported.