Antifreeze Solution?

[cobra kid]

Good afternoon all, does anyone know of a car manufacturer who has employed some kind of sensor to measure the specific gravity of antifreeze prior to the engine starting?

A lecturer at uni has heard of something regarding this but wasn't too sure about it.

Cheers in advance!

[stevieturbo]

Dont see why it couldnt be done, but I havent heard of it.

There are plenty of simple manual methods/testers

Cant really see why it would be needed though. Its not something that needs checked so regular, it would warrant an in car warning.

Any car that is so poorly maintained, that it doesnt run a necessary amount of anti-freeze, deserves to have problems.
Or are you suggesting something for the American market

Edited by stevieturbo on Saturday 18th November 14:35

[cobra kid]

As part of my final year project. i'm trying sort a way of measuring the specific gravity as the ignition is turned on. Hopefully by using some sort of electronic probe set up.

Fingers crossed eh?

[dilbert]

Not quite an automotive reference but;

Raypack said:

While high quality glycol solutions may last in excess of 20 years, hard use, improper maintenance or chemical contaminants will significantly shorten fluid life. Fluid pH serves as a good barometer for the condition of the glycol and is best measured with a field pH meter. This method is significantly more accurate than litmus paper tests.

Although glycol fluid pH is primarily a function of the corrosion inhibitor, and therefore, will vary from product to product, a few rules of thumb will be helpful in determining what constitutes proper pH. Most concentrated inhibited glycols have a pH in the 9.0 to 10.5 range. When diluted in a 30% to 50% solution, the pH falls to between 8.3 and 9.0. A pH reading below 8.0 indicates that a significant portion of the inhibitor has been depleted and that more inhibitor needs to be added. When the pH of the mixture falls below 7.0, most manufacturers recommend replacing the fluid. A pH value of less than seven indicates that oxidation of the glycol has occurred. The system should be drained and flushed before severe system damage occurs. For additional product specific information, contact the applicable chemical manufacturer.

Full Text

Hope that helps.


Edited to add;
www.edt.co.uk/isfet-products/isfet-accessories/isfet-general-purpose-ph-probe-ph-77ssss/prod_7.html

Unlike the traditional types, I think that might be a self calibrating unit, or at least not have arduous calibration requirements.

Hang that, it has a limited lifespan, but maybe something similar would do.

Try;
www.edt.co.uk/isfet-products/isfet-accessories/heavy-duty-graphitr-ph-combination-probe-ph40-gs/prod_13.html

The trouble with those (I think) is that they are not temperature compensated.

Edited by dilbert on Saturday 18th November 15:46

[cobra kid]

That is marvellous Mr Dilbert. If for some bizarre reason I see you knocking around, please feel free to tap me for a beer or two.