Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant, is a liquid substance which circulates through an internal combustion engine and draws off excessive heat. The two most common chemicals used as antifreeze are ethylene and propylene glycol, both of which have lower freezing points than water (32° Fahrenheit or 0° Celsius). This allows antifreeze to flow freely even under cold winter conditions. Antifreeze also has a higher boiling point than pure water, which makes it ideal for summer use as well.
Internal combustion engines generate a significant amount of heat as part of their normal operations. This heat is eventually transferred to the metallic and synthetic parts of the engine block, which in turn causes friction and expansion. Engine oils and lubricants may reduce the friction, but the heat still needs to dissipate away from the engine. This is where antifreeze enters the picture. A closed system of hoses and a water pump circulates either pure antifreeze or a water/antifreeze mixture throughout the engine block.
The excessive heat is drawn away by the 'heat sink' effect of the antifreeze chemicals. By the time the antifreeze has passed through the entire engine block, it may be near the boiling point of water. This superheated liquid is pumped into a radiator placed in the front of the engine compartment. A combination of outside air and forced air from a fan help to reduce the temperature. The radiator itself has numerous chambers and channels which allow heat to pass through to the outside air as well. As the antifreeze reaches the other side of the radiator, it should be cool enough to re-enter the engine block and start the process all over again.
Not all antifreeze compounds are created equal. Some are intended for regions with extreme temperature variations, while other are formulated for summer months with higher heat ranges. There may also be variations in the ratio of water to antifreeze for optimal operations. Too little antifreeze can lead to boil-overs or a completely frozen radiator. Too much antifreeze may not harm the car's operation, but it can be too expensive for drivers to use undiluted product all of the time. Antifreeze is generally inexpensive, but occasionally there are sudden price spikes as demand rises and supplies run low.
One important thing to keep in mind is the poisonous nature of ethylene or propylene glycol. Antifreeze can smell sweet and look inviting to pets and small children. Ingestion of antifreeze can cause serious illness or even death, so containers should be kept in secured storage areas. If a pet ingests antifreeze, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately for emergency services. Even if you store your own antifreeze carefully, neighbors may not be so conscientious.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Blog Archive
-
▼
2006
(509)
-
▼
November
(509)
-
▼
Nov 17
(30)
- what is broadband ?
- What is Bandwidth?
- what is router ?
- what is hardware ?
- what is a hard disc ?
- what is Software Engineering (SE) ?
- what is Software piracy ?
- what is software ?
- What is Sikhism ?
- What is Christianity?
- What is Hinduism ?
- What is Zionism?
- What Is Food Poisoning?
- What is food allergy?
- What Is Success?
- What Is Arthritis?
- What is copyright?
- What is breast cancer?
- What is Anti-Spam?
- What is Antique Brass?
- What is Antipasti?
- What are anti-inflammatory painkillers?
- what is antigenic activity?
- What is an anticoagulant?
- what is antifungal ?
- What is Antifreeze ?
- what is Antioxidant ?
- What is Antibiotic Resistance?
- What is Anti-Virus?
- what is AIDS & HIV ?
-
▼
Nov 17
(30)
-
▼
November
(509)
Mr.Shashi kiran
- skiranks
- bangalore, India
No comments:
Post a Comment