ASTM D3321-12

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Designation:D3321–94 (Reapproved 2007) Designation: D3321 – 12
Standard Test Method for
Use of the Refractometer for Field Test Determination of the
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Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3321; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the use of a portable refractometer for determining the approximate freezing protection provided
by ethylene and propylene glycol-based coolant solutions as used in engine cooling systems and special applications.
NOTE 1—Someinstrumentshaveasupplementaryfreezingprotectionscaleformethoxypropanolcoolants.Otherscarryasupplementalscalecalibrated
in density or specific gravity readings of sulfuric acid solutions so that the refractometer can be used to determine the charged condition of lead acid
storage batteries.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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
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2.1 ASTM Standards: D1177Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
D1177 Test Method for Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Summary of Test Method
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3.1 These coolant testers are critical-angle refractometers designed for rapid, approximate measurement of ethylene and
propylene glycol coolant freezing point protection. Only a few drops of test solution are required. Some testers automatically
correct for ambient air temperature and the temperature of the solution being tested. The instrument is rugged, simple to read, and
easy to clean and maintain.
3.2 The coolant freezing point readings are taken at points where the dividing line between light and dark crosses the scales.
Some refractometers have a coolant scale for indicating the freezing point of aqueous ethylene glycol coolants only, while other
refractometers also have a scale for indicating the freezing point of aqueous propylene glycol coolants. The range of the scales
varies from one device to another.
3.3 Freezing point measurements are concentration-related values and are in turn directly related to refractive index. It has been
empirically determined that freezing point measurements are accurate within 1°C (2°F).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice is commonly used by vehicle service personnel to determine the freezing point, in degrees Celsius or
Fahrenheit, of aqueous solutions of commercial ethylene and propylene glycol-based coolant. A durable hand-held refractometer
isavailablethatreadsthefreezingpoint,directly,indegreesCelsiusorFahrenheit,whenafewdropsofenginecoolantareproperly
placed on the temperature-compensated prism surface of the refractometer. This refractometer is for glycol and water solutions,
and is not suitable for other coolant solutions.
4.2 The hand-held refractometer should be calibrated before use (see Section 7).
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This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2007. Published November 2007. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D3321–94(2002). DOI:
10.1520/D3321-94R07.
Current edition approved April 1, 2012. Published May 2012. Originally approved in 1974. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D3321 – 94(2007). DOI:
10.1520/D3321-12.
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For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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Coolant testers are available from Leica Inc., P.O. Box 123, Buffalo, NY 14240 and Misco Products, 3401 Virginia Rd., Cleveland, OH 44122.
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