ASTM D2809 Standard Test Method for Cavitation Corrosion and Erosion-Corrosion Characteristics of Aluminum Pumps With Engine Coolants
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 This test method consists of pumping an aqueous coolant solution at 113°C (235°F) through a pressurized 103-kPa (15-psig) simulated automotive coolant system (Note 2). An aluminum automotive water pump, driven at 4600 r/min by an electric motor, is used to pump the solution and to serve as the object specimen in evaluating the cavitation erosion-corrosion effect of the coolant under test. The pump is examined to determine the extent of cavitation erosion-corrosion damage and is rated according to the system given in Table 1. Photographs of typical eroded pumps after testing appear in the Appendix.
NOTE 2 - Tests run at other than 113 °C (235 °F) might show more or less cavitation depending upon the coolant formulation.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method can be used to distinguish between coolants that contribute to cavitation corrosion and erosion-corrosion of aluminum automotive water pumps and those that do not. It is not intended that a particular rating number, as determined from this test, will be equivalent to a certain number of miles in a vehicle test; however, limited correlation between bench and field service tests has been observed with single-phase coolants. Field tests under severe operating conditions should be conducted as the final test if the actual effect of the coolant on cavitation corrosion and erosion-corrosion is to be appraised. It is also possible, with proper control of the test variables, to determine the effect of pump design, materials of construction, and pump operating conditions on cavitation corrosion and erosion-corrosion damage.
