From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Suitability of diethylene glycol as an anti-freeze for cooling systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 151\3\ scan0231 | |
| Date | 29th January 1938 | |
| To G {Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} /Rb. {R. Bowen} from Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Std. c. By {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} /NW. {N. Walker - Patents} c. Br. {T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} c. Hd. {Mr Hayward / Mr Huddy} 1285, Referring to G {Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} /Rb {R. Bowen} /Mr.Anderson's query regarding suitability of diethylene glycol for use as anti-freeze in our cooling systems, we have taken this matter up with the Laboratory and they state that this compound is similar in properties to Ethylene glycol except that approximately 33% more diethylene glycol has to be added to a given quantity of water than the quantity of ethylene glycol required for a given degree of frost protection. Further Di-ethylene glycol is a solvent for cellulose so that care has to be taken to keep it off wings, body etc. It will therefore be advisable to mix the solution before pouring into radiator, and avoid spilling on paintwork. Since Cricklewood have apparently been using this substance in place of ethylene glycol (or Bluecol) for several years without any complaints, it appears to be quite suitable for use in our cars. We think, therefore, that there is no objection to using di-ethylene glycol in place of ethylene glycol if this is desired from a price point of view - in fact, in view of the extortionate price of 'Bluecol' we think that it would be advisable to do this. In any case it is important that N. and Repair Dept. should both supply the same anti-freeze at the same price. Will you please instruct N. and Repair Dept. as to which anti-freeze is to be used (from price considerations) and inform By {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} /NW. {N. Walker - Patents} so that he can modify the instruction books where necessary. The quantity to be added will need modification together with question of paint attack. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Std. | ||