ASTM D1120 standard test method for boiling point of engine coolants
6. Preparation of Apparatus
6.1 Use a calibrated thermometer.
6.2 Insert the calibrated thermometer through the side tube until the tip of the bulb is 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) from the bottom of the center of the flask. Make a seal around the thermometer with a short piece of rubber tubing or other suitable material.
6.3 Place 60 mL (2 oz) of the sample to be tested, together with three or four silicon carbide grains, into the flask.
6.4 Attach the chemically cleaned condenser to the flask and mount the flask in an appropriate heating mantle. Support the glassware by a laboratory-type ring support and stand. The whole assembly is held in place by a clamp. Connect the cooling water inlet and outlet tubes to the condenser.
7. Procedure
7.1 When assembled as shown in Fig. 1, turn on the condenser water and apply heat by means of an electric heater at such a rate that the sample is brought to its boiling point within 15 min. Heat strongly until boiling is reached and then reduce heat input slowly until the required reflux rate is obtained. Adjust the rate of reflux over the next 10-min period to 1 to 2 drops of reflux per second. To obtain accurate results, it is important to carefully observe the specified reflux rate and maintain the proper reflux rate for 2 min before reading the temperature.
7.2 Record the observed temperature and the barometric pressure.
8. Calculation
8.1 Thermometer Inaccuracy - Correct the observed temperature by applying the correction factor obtained in calibrating the thermometer for inaccuracy (6.1).
8.2 Variation from Standard Barometric Pressure - This correction shall be applied to the observed temperature after correction for inaccuracy of the thermometer. Use Table 1 to determine the barometric correction.
