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).
Issues with glycerine-based anti-freeze and a potential new formulation with Sodium Silicate.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 151\3\ scan0180 | |
| Date | 25th November 1932 | |
| 81435. W/S. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} c. to Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}1/MA. 25.11.32. Re. ANTI FREEZING MIXTURES FOR CARS. H.ll/M.17.11.32. Our previous objection to the use of glycerine as an anti freeze was based on a failure on a Works car. The cylinder block water passages became blocked up due to the cylinder block scale being loosened by the glycerine, dropping to the bottom of the block and forming a solid mass which blocked up the water passages,. Ordinary commercial glycerine was used in this car. Considerable experience with ethylene Glycol has not produced similar failures. In view of this we ceased to recommend any anti-freezing mixture which we knew by analysis contained only glycerine and water. We have received a visit from a representative of Glycerine Ltd. who make the preparation known as Zero, for Price's Patent Candle Company and put before him our experience. We were informed that recently the preparation known as Zero, (Marketed by Price's) and also Anti Freeze Glycerine (Marketed in bulk by Glycerine Limited) which are one and the same thing; has been altered slightly by the addition of a small percentage of Sodium Silicate. It is claimed that this has the effect of preventing the descaling action of the glycerine without in any way altering the anti freezing properties of the mixture. We have ordered a quantity of this mixture and will report our findings on it as soon as possible. It is unfortunate that the Glycerine people have been informed that we say that Glycerine has a bad effect on the rubber connections. A perusal of the Depot sheets and other information we have circulated on the subject will show that our observation's regarding rubber joints has been as follows:- | ||