Ethylene and propylene glycol are the primary ingredients in commercially available antifreezes. Thy are used with various corrosion inhibitors to protect metal surfaces in cooling water systems.

CHEMetrics' glycol test kits are used to monitor potable waters for contamination from glycol originating in cooling systems. They employ a chemistry perfected by CHEMetrics, Inc.

Stricter limits for stormwater effluent glycol discharges are expected from the USEPA.  In addition to glycol recycling operations, monitoring efficiency of recovery and collection systems is crucial.

The Colorimetric Method. Periodic acid oxidizes ethylene and propylene glycol to formaldehyde, which then reacts with Purpald in alkaline solution. Reaction time is 10 minutes. Test results are expressed in either ppm (mg/L) ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.  Correction factors are supplied with the kits to convert test results to the alternate glycol form.

This test requires less time to perform and involves fewer manipulations than the standard chromotropic acid procedure.

Shelf-life. 5 months. We recommend stocking quantities that will be used within 4 months.