ASTM Standard to Help You Understand Corrosion Rates
A safe, efficient and long-lasting gas compressor system depends on your choice of coolant
Your system is likely made of a variety of metals, and it’s important the coolant doesn’t corrode these materials. Corrosion could lead to safety hazards, reduced heat transfer and unnecessary downtime due to maintenance.
How do you know if a coolant is corrosive?
ASTM D1384 is an important standard to reference when choosing a product. This test method specifies maximum allowable corrosion rates for engine coolants across a variety of metals.
Dow’s NORKOOL™ SLH Premium Industrial Coolant exceeds ASTM D1384 Standards
The coolant is uniquely formulated to prevent corrosion of all metals in the majority of gas compressor engines, while uninhibited monoethylene glycol (MEG) does not provide this same protection.
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Material of Construction | Corrosion Rate (mils per year, mpy) | ||
| NORKOOL™ SLH | Uninhibited MEG | ASTM Limit |
Copper | 0.12 | 0.2 | 0.45 |
Brass | 0.19 | 0.3 | 0.47 |
Solder | 0.01 | 6.0 | 1.17 |
Steel | 0.02 | 15 | 0.51 |
Cast Iron | 0.00 | 7.0 | 0.56 |
Aluminum | 1.3 | 4.2 | 4.40 |
Other ASTM Standards
There are many other ASTM standards related to corrosion, which can lead to some confusion. Since new gas compressor engines can include aluminum parts, you may see coolant suppliers reference other ASTM standards, like ASTM D2809 and ASTM D4340. These are for high-temperature aluminum compatibility in automotive and other over-the-road diesel engines. While these standards are important for Extended Life Coolants (ELCs) and Long Life Coolants (LLCs), they are not essential for the coolant used in your natural gas compressor engine. Find out why ELCs and LLCs aren’t designed for your system.
ASTM standards are only one qualifier for selecting a coolant with satisfactory corrosion inhibition. We’re here to understand your comprehensive needs and to help you determine the optimal coolant to meet them.
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