Softening Automotive Antifreeze
Softening Automotive Antifreeze
(OP)
I am recycling recovered glycol (ethylene, aircraft deicing fluid) and turning it into automotive antifreeze. The only problem I have is that the antifreeze is needs to be softened to meet some manufacturer's automotive spec.
I am a mechanical engineer and not too proficient with chemistry so any suggestions on ways to soften a fluid would be appreciated.
The fluid is slightly higher than 50/50 concentration by volume of ethylene glycol.
I am a mechanical engineer and not too proficient with chemistry so any suggestions on ways to soften a fluid would be appreciated.
The fluid is slightly higher than 50/50 concentration by volume of ethylene glycol.





RE: Softening Automotive Antifreeze
As aircraft de-icing fluid (ethylene glycol), try to get your hands on the MSDS for the fluid and the Technical Data Sheet. This material may already have various additive packages in it (anti-corrosion compounds, dyes, etc.). Once you know this, you'll need to compare it to the Automotive manu'f. recommendations/spec.
Good luck.
saxon
RE: Softening Automotive Antifreeze
I've done some more investigating and found that the Calcium and Magnesium levels are around 1100 mg/L. I need to get those down to around 100 mg/L.
In the recycling process there is quite of a bit of filtration and the final product is actually distilled which helps get rid of any solid particle contamination.
I have been taking samples before the addative package is put in and have been told that an ion exchanger is probably the easiest way to go.
Again any input is appreciated
Mustangs
RE: Softening Automotive Antifreeze
Andrew Lechelt
Technical Support Engineer
Quadra Chemicals
www.quadrachemicals.com
RE: Softening Automotive Antifreeze
They've said that a water softener could lower the Calcium and Magnesium levels in the fluid without changing anything else.
Are there any other ways to do this which may either work faster or are easier to do?
The additive package we are using, combined with any softening technique has been approved for automotive use.