Environmentally benign, non-toxic, non-corrosive engine coolant/antifreeze
A liquid antifreeze which is produced from renewable resources, and which is biodegradable, non-toxic, and is non-corrosive to engines is provided. The liquid antifreeze composition for use as an engine coolant in a dilute or concentrate form comprises a water soluble salt of succinic acid, a water soluble salt of acetic acid, ethanol, and water, wherein the composition has a freezing point of greater than −30° C. in the engine. A method for cooling an engine with a cooling system which comprises the coolant compositions is also provided.
1. A liquid biodegradable antifreeze composition as a concentrate for use as an engine coolant which comprises:
(a) a water soluble salt of succinic acid;
(b) a water soluble salt of acetic acid; and
(c) ethanol, wherein the composition is formulated to be mixed with water to provide a freezing point of lower than −30° C. in the engine.
2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the salts are potassium salts.
3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the succinate salt is dipotassium succinate.
4. The composition of claim 1 which when diluted with water contains between about 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium succinate, 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium acetate and 0.5 to 55% by weight of ethanol.
5. A liquid antifreeze composition as an engine coolant which comprises:
(a) a water soluble salt of succinic acid;
(b) a water soluble salt of acetic acid;
(c) ethanol; and
(d) water, wherein the composition provides a freezing point of lower than −30° C. in the engine.
6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the salts are potassium salts.
7. The composition of claim 5 wherein the succinate salt is dipotassium succinate.
8. The composition of claim 5 wherein the composition which is diluted with water contains between about 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium succinate, 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium acetate and 0.5 to 55% by weight of ethanol.
9. A method for cooling an engine with a cooling system which comprises providing:
(a) liquid antifreeze composition as an engine coolant which comprises: a water soluble salt of succinic acid; a water soluble salt of acetic acid; ethanol; and water, wherein the composition provides a freezing point of lower than −30° C. in the engine;
(b) introducing the composition into the cooling system of the engine; and
(c) running the engine containing the coolant.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the salts are potassium salts.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the succinate salt is dipotassium succinate.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the composition which is diluted with water contains between about 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium succinate, 0.1 to 50% by weight of potassium acetate and 0.5 to 55% by weight of ethanol.