Field test apparatus and method for analysis of coolants and heat-exchange fluids

摘要

A test method for determining the content of carboxylic acid-based corrosion inhibitors in a coolant or heat exchange fluid comprises: (a) placing a sample comprising a predetermined amount of the material to be tested in a titration vessel, (b) stirring the sample while adding an acidic reagent at a constant rate, (c) measuring the pH of the stirred sample as the acidic reagent is added, (d) observing a first equilibrium point (EP1) demonstrated by a rapid drop in pH, (e) continuing addition of acidic reagent and measuring the pH until a second equilibrium point (EP2), demonstrated by a further rapid drop in pH, is reached, and (f) determining the amount of carboxylic acid-based corrosion inhibitor in the sample from the amount of acidic reagent added between EP1 and EP2. Apparatus for conducting the test method comprises a titration vessel (1), first and second reservoirs (2,3) for acidic reagent and waste neutralizing agent respectively, a first pump means (4) for transferring acidic reagent from the first reservoir (2) to the titration vessel (1), and a second pump means (5) for transferring waste neutralizing agent to the titration vessel (1) from the second reservoir (3), stirring means (8) for stirring samples in the titration vessel (1), a pH electrode (9) in the titration vessel (1), display means (10) for displaying information determined by tests conducted in the apparatus, and electronic control means (11) for controlling said apparatus. IMAGE