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).
Proposal to use tri-methylene-glycol as an engine coolant and anti-freeze, noting its properties and origin as a waste product.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 151\3\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 11th May 1920 | |
| 3N. Marston Road Knowle Bristol 11/5/20 RECEIVED 13 MAY 1920 Dear Sirs, I would be glad to know whether you would be interested in a problem I have been studying for some time, re the cooling of motor and aeroplane engines, more especially the latter. I propose using a liquid, -tri-methylene-glycol- for cooling & prevention of freezing in motor radiators. At the outset, I would say that this liquid is a waste product in the soap industry, for which there is no demand. Tri-methylene-glycol is a highly hygroscopic liquid, low freezing point - about 20°C below zero - forms aqueous solutions of low freezing point. It has a viscosity very near that of water, with a high boiling point 220°C. Hence loss through evaporation would be very little. I would be interested to know whether you would consider the advisability of conducting some practical experiments. I understand that experiments are now being conducted in America, using aqueous. | ||