Stop-Leak Formulation for Engine Cooling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine cooling system stop-leak formulations are either not compatible with monoethylene glycol-based antifreeze, cause blockages, or provide only temporary repairs, failing to meet industry standards like ASTM D3147-06, especially for larger leaks.
Innovation Solution
A stop-leak formulation comprising a polymeric resin and a particulate package of natural fibres, specifically a combination of wood flour and oilseed meal, which is miscible with monoethylene glycol water mixtures, forms a permanent seal by interacting with metal surfaces and maintaining adhesion at various temperatures, preventing blockages and lasting through multiple coolant changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sodium silicate chemistry is used for stop-leak formulation, then permanent repair is achieved, but compatibility with monoethylene glycol-based coolant antifreeze is lost due to crosslinked gel formation causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the stop-leak formulation by replacing sodium silicate with a combination of polymeric resin and natural fibres (cellulose and lignin). This parameter change maintains the permanent repair capability while eliminating the harmful crosslinked gel formation that causes blockages in monoethylene glycol-based coolants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system consisting of polymeric resin combined with natural fibres (cellulose and lignin). This composite approach provides both the adhesion and structural properties needed for permanent repair while maintaining compatibility with coolant chemistry, avoiding the blockage issues associated with sodium silicate.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pour and go sealants are used, then compatibility with monoethylene glycol-based coolant antifreeze is maintained, but the repair is not permanent as changing coolant re-dissolves or washes away the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a sealant composition that is chemically equipotential with the coolant system environment. The polymeric resin and natural fibre combination is designed to remain stable and adherent in monoethylene glycol-based coolants over extended periods, matching the chemical environment rather than reacting adversely with it, thus achieving both compatibility and permanence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves away from temporary seals that are washed away with coolant changes. Instead, it creates a durable, long-lasting seal using natural fibre-reinforced polymeric resin that persists through multiple coolant changes, effectively replacing the disposable nature of conventional pour-and-go sealants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional stop-leak formulations are used, then small cracks or pinhole leaks can be repaired, but larger apertures cannot be effectively sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a segmented or distributed fibre reinforcement system where cellulose and lignin fibres of various lengths are distributed throughout the polymeric resin matrix. This segmentation allows the sealant to adapt to and fill leak apertures of varying sizes, from pinholes to larger cracks, by having fibres of appropriate dimensions positioned to bridge and seal each specific defect type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by having the natural fibre reinforcement provide localized structural support and sealing capability within the polymeric resin. The fibres concentrate at leak sites and provide tailored sealing properties appropriate to the specific aperture size and geometry, enabling effective repair across a wide range of leak conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulation achieves a 100% pass rate in the ASTM D3147-06 sealing test, providing a permanent repair that withstands multiple coolant changes and ensures no blockages in the cooling system, outperforming existing products in reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
forms a permanent seal by interacting with metal surfaces and maintaining adhesion at various temperatures
Implementation Method 2
a stop-leak formulation comprising a polymeric resin and a particulate package... which is miscible with monoethylene glycol water mixtures
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automotive engine cooling system stop-leak formulation for repairing leaks in an engine cooling system, is compatible with common coolant antifreeze types and is capable of maintaining the repair after draining and re-filling the coolant. The automotive engine cooling system stop-leak formulation comprising a polymeric resin and a particulate package, wherein the particulate package comprises a first natural fibre having a first fibre length and a greater amount of a second natural fibre having a second fibre length.