ASTM D1177-12

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Designation: D1177 − 07 D1177 − 12
Standard Test Method for
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Freezing Point of Aqueous Engine Coolants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1177; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the freezing point of an aqueous engine coolant solution in the laboratory.
NOTE 1—Where solutions of specific concentrations are to be tested, they shall be prepared from representative samples as directed in Practice D1176.
Secondary phases separating on dilution need not be separated.
NOTE 2—These products may also be marketed in a ready-to-use form (prediluted).
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:
D1176 Practice for Sampling and Preparing Aqueous Solutions of Engine Coolants or Antirusts for Testing Purposes
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 freezing point—the temperature at which crystallization begins in the absence of supercooling, or the maximum
temperature reached immediately after initial crystal formation in the case of supercooling, or the temperature at which solid
crystals, formed on cooling, disappear when the temperature of the specimen is allowed to rise.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method involves the determination of the time-temperature curve prior to freezing and the determination of the
horizontal or flattened portion of the freezing curve. The freezing point is taken as the intersection of projections of the cooling
curve and the freezing curve. If the solution supercools, the freezing point is the maximum temperature reached after supercooling.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The freezing point of an engine coolant indicates the coolant freeze protection.
5.2 The freezing point of an engine coolant may be used to determine the approximate glycol content, provided the glycol type
is known.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Freezing Point Apparatus, shown assembled in Fig. 1, consisting of the following:
6.1.1 Cooling Bath, in which the refrigerant is contained, consisting of a standard 1.9-L (2-qt) Dewar flask. The flask may be
silvered or unsilvered, and is supported in a close-fitting container. A pad of glass wool is placed in the bottom of the flask to protect
it from damage by tip of freezing tube.
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D15 on Engine Coolants and Related Fluids and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D15.03 on
Physical Properties.
Current edition approved April 1, 2007Oct. 1, 2012. Published April 2007November 2012. Originally approved in 1951. Last previous edition approved in 20052007 as
D1177 – 05.D1177 – 07. DOI: 10.1520/D1177-07.10.1520/D1177-12.
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volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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D1177 − 12
FIG. 1 Assembly of Freezing Point Apparatus
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6.1.2 Freezing Tube consisting of a 200-mL (6.8-oz.) unevacuated, unsilvered Dewar flask. The tube is closed by a cork having
a central hole for the thermocouple or thermometer, a second hole placed to one side for passage of the stirring rod, and a third
hole for introducing wire for seeding at appropriate time.
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6.1.3 Stirring Mechanism, consisting of a five-coil stirrer formed of stainless steel wire 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.) in diameter. The coils
are so spaced that, in the extreme upward position during operation, no coils are exposed above the surface of the samp
...