USES

Traditionally, engine coolants developed to suit the needs of automotive engines have been used in heavy - duty diesel engine applications. However, for many years now, it has been recognized that significant differences exist between the two types of engine technology, requiring different treatment for satisfactory results. Heavy-duty engine coolants are needed for many demanding applications such as in:

• On-Highway Trucks
• Construction Equipment
• Farm Machinery
• Railroad, Marine
• Electric Power Generation*
• Industrial Equipment

PROPERTIES

• The majority of diesel engines are used in the on-highway truck, construction equipment, and farm machinery applications and these typical diesel engines are in the range of 110 to 330 kW (150 to 450 horsepower), their cooling system sizes typically range from 20 to 80 liters.
• Several characteristics of diesel engine application are important to consider that have an effect on the type of engine coolant formulation and maintenance strategy which is best suited for use. Today’s typical diesel engines are primarily cast iron systems with copper and brass used in radiators and oil coolers. This contrasts with the extensive use of Aluminum in many automotive engines. Heavy-duty diesel engines are expected to operate for better than 800.000 km (500,000 miles) before requiring a major overhaul. It is possible, with the use of good quality engine coolants and oil formulations and adherence to recommended maintenance practices, to reach 600,000 km.
• Heavy-duty diesel engines often operate with high load factors and with high rates in comparison to automotive engines. It is not uncommon for a heavy-duty on-highway truck to log more than 240,000 km in a year. Many heavy- duty trucks travel routes that stretch from coast to coast and include both flat and mountainous terrain. Construction equipment in some mining applications is operated nearly continuously over three shifts. In most applications, downtime is not appreciated since this amounts to a loss in revenue for the equipment owner.

*BEHRAN POWER PLANT COOLING FLUID with a reserve alkalinity of 25.5 is recommended for use in cooling systems in gas, steam & combined cycle power plants.

• The environment in which heavy duty diesel engines must operate has an impact on cooling systems. They must be able to function in cold, arctic climates as well as hot, and tropical locations. Care must be taken not to overconcentrate the coolant in order to obtain the necessary freeze protection for arctic applications as this will lead to problems with additive drop-out. A 60% vol. concentration of ethylene glycol concentrate is considered to be the highest practical level for use as this level will provide the maximal practical freeze protection for ethylene-glycol-water mixtures.