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).
Experiments on radiator corrosion and the conclusions drawn from the tests.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\3\ Scan049 | |
| Date | 16th August 1929 | |
| X1066. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} H15/FA16.8.29. Laboratory. Wgr. RADIATOR CORROSION. We attach details of experiments on the corrosion of radiators and the results obtained. The most important conclusions that can be drawn from these tests are :- (1) Zinc Chloride should be completely eliminated by washing with ammonium chloride prior to other washing. (2) That T50L alloy is more resistant to corrosion under all the conditions stated. (3) That a very dilute solution, namely about 0.1% sodium phosphate (this means 1 - 2ozs sodium phosphate in the radiator system) is easily the best protection and is decidedly preferable to the protection given by the methods (Guertler and Bauer-Vogel) mentioned in your note BY2/G.8.8.29. (4) The presence of aluminium increases the amount of hydrated iron oxide produced. This explains why more trouble is experienced with the aluminium cylinder head. (5) Borax and Boric Acid are not as good a protection as expected. Another interesting point is that the presence of linseed oil "dope" seems to build up scum on the radiator tubes. As suggested, we have carried out the above tests using tap water, but we could repeat the more interesting tests using rain or distilled water (Derby tap water represents an average town supply, containing sufficient lime to get some of it deposited on the tubes) The tests are still in progress and can be inspected if desired. Hl. H | ||