ASTM D6130 is a standard test method to determine silicon and other elements present as dissolved or dispersed species in engine coolant. It applies to both new and used engine coolant and can determine silicon at concentrations as low as approximately 5 ppm. This test method uses inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to measure silicon in engine coolant. This test technique can determine silicon at concentrations as low as 5 ppm. This approach can also be used to determine other components prevalent in engine coolant. This test procedure can identify dissolved or dispersed components. Both new and used engine coolant can be tested using this procedure. ASTM D6130 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other Elements in Engine Coolant by ICP-AES) promotes regular quality control during coolant production and monitoring of the engine’s state during operation.
ASTM D6130 Standard Test Method for Determination of Silicon and Other Elements in Engine Coolant by ICP-AES
What is ASTM D6130?
What is the scope of ASTM D6130?
ASTM D6130 covers the determination of silicon in engine coolant using ICP-AES and also permits the determination of other elements found in engine coolant. The method applies to both new and used coolant and addresses dissolved or dispersed elements. The scope of this testing includes:
- Silicon Determination: Measures silicon concentration in engine coolant.
- Other Elements: Determines other elemental constituents that can be analyzed by ICP-AES.
- Dissolved or Dispersed Elements: Applies to elements present in these forms within the coolant.
- New and Used Coolant: Covers both unused and service-used engine coolant.
- ICP-AES Analysis: Uses inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy for elemental measurement.
- Detection Capability: Silicon can be determined at concentrations as low as approximately 5 ppm.
What are the uses of ASTM D6130 testing?
ASTM D6130 testing assists analysts in quantifying the concentration of elements in engine coolant and assessing the presence of silicon-containing additives. The data obtained can be used to support the assessment of coolant formulation, quality control, and determination of new or used coolant. This testing method includes:
- Additive Evaluation: Indicates the concentration of elements associated with coolant additives.
- Coolant Quality Control: Supports elemental characterization of new coolant.
- Used Coolant Analysis: Helps evaluate elemental concentrations in coolant after service.
- Formulation Assessment: Provides elemental data for coolant development and comparison.
- Elemental Monitoring: Determines silicon and other measurable elements in the coolant.
Which Materials Can Be Tested According to ASTM D6130?
ASTM D6130 applies to engine coolant samples, including both new and used coolant. The method is designed for elemental analysis of dissolved or dispersed constituents within the coolant. This method applies to:
- New Engine Coolant: Unused coolant products prepared for elemental analysis.
- Used Engine Coolant: Coolant collected after engine service or operation.
- Silicon-Containing Coolants: Formulations containing silicon-based additives.
- Coolant Samples with Other Elements: Samples containing other elements suitable for ICP-AES determination.
Why is ASTM D6130 Testing Important?
Silicon-containing additives are used in some engine coolant formulations, making elemental analysis useful for evaluating additive content. ASTM D6130 provides a standardized ICP-AES approach for determining silicon and other dissolved or dispersed elements in new and used coolant.
ASTM D6130 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide
Technicians prepare representative engine coolant samples for ICP-AES analysis and use appropriate dilution and measurement equipment. The sample preparation must produce a solution suitable for introduction into the ICP-AES system while maintaining accurate elemental concentration measurements.
| ICP-AES Spectrometer | Technicians excite the prepared coolant sample and measure characteristic elemental emission wavelengths. |
| Sample Preparation and Dilution Equipment | Technicians prepare new or used coolant samples at suitable concentrations for ICP-AES analysis. |
| Volumetric Glassware and Pipettes | The analyst provides accurate sample and standard dilution volumes during preparation. |
| Analytical Balance and Sample Containers | Technician supports accurate preparation, handling, and identification of coolant specimens; sample volume follows the applicable method requirements. |
ASTM D6130 Testing Procedures and Requirements
Technicians prepare the coolant sample and standards and introduce them into the ICP-AES system. The instrument measures elemental emission intensities, and the analyst compares the sample response with appropriate standards to determine elemental concentrations. The method uses SI units as the standard. This testing process includes the following steps.
| Sample Identification and Preparation | The technician identifies the new or used coolant and prepares it for ICP-AES measurement. |
| Sample Dilution and Calibration | The technician produces suitable sample solutions and establishes the instrument response using appropriate standards. |
| ICP-AES Elemental Measurement | The technician measures emission intensities associated with silicon and other selected elements. |
| Concentration Determination and Reporting | The technician compares sample responses with calibration data and reports the determined elemental concentrations. |
ASTM D6130 Testing Process and Data Collection
The technician identifies the coolant sample and prepares it by dilution for ICP-AES analysis. The prepared sample and calibration standards are introduced into the instrument, where the plasma produces characteristic atomic emissions for the elements being measured. The analyst evaluates the emission intensities and uses the calibration response to determine the concentration of silicon and other selected elements. The analyst records sample identification, dilution information, calibration data, elemental responses, and calculated concentrations. ASTM D6130 specifies SI units as the standard units of measurement.
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Improper dilution can produce concentrations outside the suitable analytical range. Technicians should carefully control dilution volumes. Contaminated containers, reagents, or equipment can affect trace-level elemental analysis. Clean sample-handling practices are essential. An inaccurate calibration response can affect calculated elemental concentrations. Analysts should verify calibration performance before evaluating samples. Emission from other elements can interfere with selected analytical wavelengths. Appropriate wavelength selection and instrument procedures help minimize this problem.
Analysis Results and Interpretation
The ASTM D6130 test results provide details of the silicon and other elemental concentrations measured in the tested engine coolant. The results indicate the concentration of dissolved or dispersed elements determined by ICP-AES.
- The report should identify the tested coolant and provide the measured concentration of silicon and other elements selected for analysis.
- Elemental concentrations are reported in the applicable SI concentration units, with the reporting format and significant figures following the requirements of the test method.
- The technician records the sample identification, preparation or dilution information, instrument measurements, and relevant test conditions.
- The analyst documents the calculated elemental concentrations and evaluates the results against the applicable product or customer requirements when such criteria are specified.
- The final report contains the test results, specimen information, elemental measurements, calculation or calibration information, and other required reporting information.
Get Certified ASTM D6130 Silicon and Elemental Analysis
ASTM D6130 testing provides elemental concentration data for engine coolant and helps evaluate silicon-containing additives and other dissolved or dispersed elements. A qualified analyst uses ICP-AES to measure the characteristic emission from the elements in a prepared coolant sample and reports the concentrations obtained from the analysis.
FAQ
Updated on September 13, 2026
Project Today
specialized laboratories ready to deliver results