Extended life coolant (ELC) is a long service life coolant based on organic acid technology (OAT). In contrast, conventional coolants use inorganic phosphate or silicate based corrosion inhibitors. Several reasons why ELC coolants are preferred over conventional coolants include:
Extended Service Life
This is due to the mechanism of corrosion protection. In conventional coolants, inorganic inhibitors react
with the total metallic surfaces of the engine to form a protective layer. This layer is susceptible to
removal and damage from flow and erosion. As this happens – additional inhibitors are then consumed/
used to repair the protective layer. This continuous activity depletes the inorganic inhibitors necessitating a change of coolants or the addition of supplemental coolant additives.
Extended life coolants utilise OAT (organic acid technology) additives to only protect the areas of the
metal surfaces at the points where corrosion is imminent, hence only a small amount of additive is utilized at any time. As a result, the life of the coolant is much longer.
Problems with Phosphates and Silicates
Phosphates react with calcium and magnesium, which form scale deposits on surfaces. Silicates are abrasive and degrade the front seals of pumps. Extended life coolants (ELC) are phosphate and silicate free.
Problems with Nitrites in Aluminum Engines
Certain nitrite formulations react with the flux used to braze aluminum parts together. The resulting
products increase the coolant’s acidity and corrosive potential. Pitting of walls in aluminum heat
exchangers can also occur due to overuse of nitrite additives. Conventional coolants require nitrites for cavitation protection in cylinder liners. While some ELC contain small amounts of nitrites, nitrite-free ELC is becoming more popular.
Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix
Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix is a ready-mixed antifreeze, formulated using advanced OAT technologies, and works over a wide operating temperature range for effective engine cooling in all climates. It requires no customer dilution therefore ensures the correct concentration is always used, providing year round protection against corrosion.
Castrol Radicool SF-O Premix does not contain Amines, Nitrites, Phosphates, Silicates or other inorganic
inhibitors and hence meets nitrite-free coolant requirements of many industry-leading OEMs. It can be
used in a wide range of heavy duty vehicles, as well as stationary generators and natural gas engines.
We are the distributors of the Castrol Radicool (ELC) Premix.
