Construction World April 2017

FUEL, OIL AND LUBRICANTS

SPECIALLY-FORMULATED coolants essential

While many consider the radiator as the critical part of a cooling system, the use of a high-quality coolant is essential in optimal performance and efficiency. This is especially critical in light of the fact that 40% of engine failures are attributable to cooling- system problems. Coolant comprises water, ethylene glycol, and a chemical portion. “The coolant is an integral part of vehicle engine maintenance. Its water content portion cools down the engine, while the ethylene glycol forms the anti-freeze portion of the mixture. The smallest, but arguably the most important component, is the chemical make-up, which protects the internal surfaces of the engine,” Tinus Naude, Cummins filtration mining manager, explains. A vehicle’s cooling system has various metals, with differing sensitivity to corrosion. Aluminium, for example, is extremely sensitive to corrosion by chemical attack. In order to protect aluminium components in the engine, a silica compound forms part of the coolant formulation to specifically protect aluminium surfaces. Danger of chlorine While water is a critical ingredient, ordinary tap water cannot be used, as this could be detrimental to the lifespan of a vehicle’s cooling system. “Chemicals such as chlorine are commonly added to water to make it safe for human consumption. These chemicals not only disrupt the chemical makeup of the It is essential that heavy-duty vehicles utilise specially- formulated coolants for optimal performance and efficiency. While modern diesel engines are highly efficient, they are also stressed and need to be looked after. Coolant therefore plays a vital part in proactive vehicle maintenance.

coolant, but cause rust. This has resulted in the specific formulation of long-life pre- diluted coolants such as ES Complete were formulated,” Naude elaborates. Some industrial operations even make use of borehole water, which is often calcium-enriched, leading to calcium deposits forming in an engine. These deposits form an insulation layer that separates the water from the engine components it should be cooling. A 3 mm build-up of calcium creates an equivalent heat barrier to that of 50 mm of extra steel. This obstructs heat transfer, leading to a dangerous temperature spike. ES Compleat Glycerin pre-diluted coolant is an innovative heavy-duty engine coolant made from Glycerin, a raw material derived from renewable energy sources such as biodiesel by-products. Glycerin is used in place of ethylene glycol (EG) or propylene glycol (PG), making for a ‘green’ product for superior engine protection. Regular coolant testing Naude stresses that a good vehicle cooling system maintenance programme should include regular coolant testing. “It is recommended that a cooling system test be completed every 30 000 km to check the quality of the vehicle’s coolant, and to determine any level of contamination. One of the most neglected parts of an engine system is the cooling system, and the only way to recover from a failure is to overhaul the engine, which is immensely costly.” Coolants can be tested effortlessly and accurately with either a refractometer or with coolant-quality test strips, both of which are supplied by Cummins. The Fleetguard Refractometer is a fast, easy way to determine the freeze point protection of both Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol coolants. Cummins-branded Restore alkaline- based cleaning fluid is designed to clean a vehicle’s engine and cooling system by removing all unwanted deposits and residue from inside the cooling system itself. In the event of a lack of regular maintenance, Restore highlights any leaks or problems

detected. If the cooling system has been maintained properly, and the correct coolant used, Restore will ensure that the cooling system continues to operate in good working condition for a prolonged period. Fleetguard range Cummins also supplies a range of Fleetguard coolant products, which protect engine components against corrosion, liner pitting, cavitation, scale and deposits and acidification. These include ES Compleat OAT, ES Compleat, Fleetcool EX, Fleetcool, and Fleetcool Recycled. For example, the environment-friendly Fleetguard ES Compleat Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant formulation is free from harmful inorganic compounds such as nitrite, amine, phosphate, borate and silicate. OEMs consider these chemicals as being particularly harmful to human health and safety and the environment. Other inorganic compounds such as 2-Ethylhexanoic acid is also particularly damaging as it degrades silicon-based seals. Naude points out that the Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT coolant formulation does not contain any harmful additives that are declarable under the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List. “It is the most effective and environment-friendly solution to the increasingly challenging maintenance demands of today’s heavy-duty diesel cooling systems. Using this technology, fleet owners can extend service intervals to 6 000 hours, or even 500 000 km,” he concludes. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD APRIL 2017