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).
Inspection report on the overuse of Sodium Phosphate in car radiators, detailing issues with water loss and frothing.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\3\ Scan090 | |
Date | 2nd June 1929 | |
BY Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} X4576. EPI/H2.12.29. JUN 2 1929 re. Use of Sodium Phosphate in Radiators - Mr.Short's Car. As requested by C. I inspected Mr. Short's car at London. The car had been to the Works for cure of loss of water and boiling, and I understand larger spaced tube radiator had been fitted. The driver had reported that in driving the car to London two gallons of water was lost, and was again confirmed by further test at London at correct water level. Inspecting water level in radiator with engine running at normal temperature showed considerable turbulence and the level building up from normal to top of filler cap. Restricting water circulation made no appreciable difference. Water was drained out and fresh water put in without sodium phosphate, trouble was then cured. Adding sodium phosphate again produced the trouble. It was found that, roughly, an ounce only could be added without frothing. Road tests were again made by the same driver and no further measurable loss of water was experienced. Delivery of Mr. Short's car was arranged for Saturday morning. Inspecting new cars on test showed similar trouble (including Prince of Wales car). Action was immediately taken with JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} to reduce the sodium phosphate added to radiator to avoid frothing, on all further new cars before delivery. I take the view that sodium phosphate is being used too liberally and immediate action should be taken to ascertain and fix its limits and point out its disadvantages as well as advantages. Instructions require circulating - instruction book, depot sheets and even customers, who at present appear to be aware only of the necessity of its use. Incidentally, the radiator on Mr. Short's car appeared particularly efficient. Compared with new cars in test on similar test runs, only a small amount of shutter opening was required to maintain normal temperature. Turbulence seems greater, and it is more than ever important to make sure the overflow pipes clear the outlet from the inlet pipe. CONTD:- | ||