The MT COOLANT CHECK is the innovative, patent pending test device of Martechnic developed and designed for regular on-site assessment of the engine coolant quality in the global shipping sector and beyond. In contrast to traditional engine coolant testing, the measurement method of the MT COOLANT CHECK offers a completely novel, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to engine cooling system predictive maintenance.
Until now, engine coolant testing was conducted with the help of portable test kits, which all use chemicals, predominantly classified as hazardous products for the environment. Using the chemicals, complex physical and/or chemical analyses of individual parameters (chlorides, nitrite additives, pH etc) are performed in order to quantitatively determine whether the anti-corrosion effect of the coolant in use is still sufficient. When individual parameters are out of specified limits, usually the addition of additives or coolant change are the measures to follow. For instance, the foregoing test kits of Martechnic COOLANT AND LUBE OIL and MT COOLING WATER CHECK offer such separate diagnostic tests of each key parameter in a routine coolant analysis program.
In contrast, the test device MT COOLANT CHECK simplifies the testing process by analysing water-based coolants with just one single measurement through a single coolant sample in a simulated cooling system, delivering results in just 15 minutes. No chemicals are required at all.
For the analysis, an electrotechnical apparatus with constant (corrosion resistant) and working/changeable (corrosion-prone) electrodes is utilised. Both electrodes are subjected to corrosion stress. The protection capacity of the engine coolant is measured on the metals used in the cooling system. All the evaluation is carried out fully automatically. The remaining corrosion protection of the engine coolant in use is determined with a new unit of measurement: Lagner (lag).
If the anti-corrosive effect of the engine coolant in use is insufficient, the dosing rate of the chemical additive to be added is automatically calculated, by entering the following available data provided in the manufacturer’s coolant specifications:
- CW (cooling water) volume in m3
- Dosing method: liquid or powder
- Dosing factor: l/m3 or kg/m3
The MT COOLANT CHECK can also automatically measure and directly display the pH value of the coolant sample through the integration of a separate optional pH electrode into the sensing head of the test device. The pH electrode will then replace the use of disposable pH test strips.
On the basis of the data received, the maintenance crew on-board a vessel receives a clear recommendation to further actions if required:
The key benefits of the MT COOLANT CHECK include:
- Time-saving: just one single test instead of a series of individual tests
- Environmentally friendly: easily recyclable electrodes are used for testing instead of hazardous chemicals
- No chemical wastes: electrodes disposed as a regular scrap metal on a vessel
- Suitable for different coolant formulations regardless of the coolant additive composition/ manufacturer
- Commercially advantageous: no shelf-life limitations for test electrodes in comparison to chemicals