Stationary Engine Coolant Brands
KOST USA Stationary Engine Coolants are superior inhibited glycols designed for the demanding requirements of stationary engines. They are fortified with various corrosion inhibitors to prevent corrosion of many different system components and metals. These inhibitors protect wet sleeve liners from premature cavitation and corrosion. They also are composed of anti-scaling, defoamers and anti-fouling compounds that enhance fluid durability and equipment life. The operating temperatures are between -60°F (-51°C) and 275°F (135°C).
All Stationary Engine Coolants produced by KOST USA are available at various dilutions with deionized water. If it is decided to buy a concentrate from KOST USA, it is strongly recommended that the water used be of deionized, distilled or reverse osmosis. Our product is engineered with inhibitors and additives that assist in minimizing contamination from municipal and well water. However, excess water hardness and elevated levels of chlorides, sulfates, and fluorides found in most municipal and well water can shorten the fluid life as they continue to build after each addition.
Stationary Engine Coolant FAQ’s
What are the components of an Stationary Engine Coolant?
Stationary Engine Coolant is comprised of a heat transfer liquid, typically high quality deionized/reverse osmosis (DI/RO) water, virgin glycol, corrosion inhibitors and additives depending on the coolant type which may be organic or inorganic in nature.
Why is Stationary Engine Coolant made with glycol?
Water is an adequate heat transfer fluid but is limited in temperature range. Glycol when added to water offers an operating temperature range that is higher than either fluid used by itself. Ethylene glycol (EG) is the most prevalent glycol used in Stationary Engine Coolant, but environmentally friendly fluids such as Propylene Glycol (PG) may be used as well.
Is the type of water used important?
Yes. Ideally water should be used that is free of dissolved minerals which directly contribute to scale formation. Scale reduces the fluid’s ability to transfer heat and can lead to engine cooling system failures. Original equipment manufacturers (OEM) specifications and standards have quality requirements for the water appropriate for use in Stationary Engine Coolants by both the coolant manufacturer and the consumer. Municipal or well water can contain amounts of dissolved minerals and fine particulate and is not recommended to dilute coolant concentrate for this reason. Deionized water has been specifically processed to remove dissolved minerals and particulate making it ideally suited for use in coolants.
Can a glycol based coolant concentrate be used as is?
No. Glycol-based coolant concentrate in of itself does not offer sufficient heat transfer and corrosion protection. To reach the desired heat transfer and attributes, a coolant concentrate must always be diluted with high quality water, preferable deionized water at a 50:50 ratio with coolant concentrate. Glycol-based coolant concentrate should always be diluted to between 30% and 70% strength as mixtures outside of these limits would compromise coolant performance.
What is the operating temperature range of coolant blends?
Volume dilutions and temperature operating ranges are provided below for typical ethylene glycol coolant concentrate:
What is the shelf life of Stationary Engine Coolant (not in use)?
Generally speaking, Ethylene Glycol (EG) fluids, conventional (inorganic) in nature, have a shelf life of 18 months. Organic Acid Technology (OAT) fluids have a shelf life of approximately 8 years. For environmentally-friendly fluids blended with Propylene Glycol (PG), the shelf life for conventional fluids is estimated at 12 months and (OAT) fluids at 5 years. These statements are to be interpreted as a general guide based on normal storage conditions. Fluid shelf life may be shorter or longer depending on those conditions.
What are ideal storage conditions?
Ideally, Stationary Engine Coolant should be stored in utilizing stainless or carbon steel, poly, and plastic. Excessive heat of over 100°F and long-term exposure to UV sunlight should be avoided.
What simple tests can be used to check coolant while being used?
A refractometer is the best and most economical field device to measure the glycol concentration (freeze and boil protection). The use of hydrometers can be less effective and are not recommended. Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA) test strips can be used to determine inhibitor levels as part of a proper coolant maintenance program. Most test strips on the market are specific to heavy duty diesel coolants and measure either nitrite or molybdate levels.
Can a conventional coolant be used to top-up an extended life coolant based on organic acid technology (OAT) inhibitors?
Using a conventional coolant will not disrupt the ability of the extended life coolant to protect the cooling system but will reduce the extended life properties. Therefore, it is not recommended to top-up an extended life coolant OAT with any coolant other than an extended life as this will negate the extended service life desired by the original coolant in the cooling system.
What is cavitation and what impact does it have?
Cavitation occurs from vibrations in fluid during operation without the adequate inhibitors to protect against the implosions against cooling system materials. Low pressure results in the vaporization of the fluid and gas bubble formation and then collapses when the pressure normalizes. In an engine, this typically occurs within the water pump and along the cylinder liners as a result of the piston movement and is most common in diesel engines. This constant bubble creation and collapse along surfaces can be repetitive and violent enough to corrode the underlining metal resulting in cooling system failure. Corrosion inhibitors such as nitrite and/or molybdate are preferably used in coolant to prevent this cavitation corrosion since they form barrier films on metal surfaces.
