Testkit, glycol visual, model EG-1

Quickly screen oil or water for glycol contamination with a simple visual test.
The Hach Glycol Visual Test Kit, Model EG-1, provides a semiquantitative colorimetric test for detecting ethylene glycol and other 1,2-glycols in oil or water. The test develops a purple color in the presence of glycol, providing a simple way to identify potential coolant leaks, cross-contamination, or glycol intrusion without an instrument.
The kit provides reagents for approximately 25 tests and includes the reagents and apparatus needed for field testing.

Detect glycol contamination before it becomes a bigger problem
Glycols are widely used in engine coolants, heat-transfer fluids, cooling systems, and deicing fluids. When glycol appears where it should not be, it can indicate a leak or cross-contamination between systems.
Model EG-1 provides a convenient screening tool for applications such as:
• Detecting coolant contamination in engine lubricating oil
• Investigating suspected cooling-system leaks
• Checking water systems for glycol contamination
• Monitoring industrial process or cooling-water systems for cross-contamination
• Screening water potentially affected by glycol-containing deicing fluids

Semiquantitative visual results
The test produces a color response corresponding to the approximate glycol concentration:
Observed color Approximate glycol concentration
Yellow-brown 0–30 mg/L
Gray-green 30–100 mg/L
Gray-purple 100–150 mg/L
Intense purple >150 mg/L

A glycol standard solution is included to help users recognize the positive purple color response.
Because this is a visual, semiquantitative test, it is particularly useful for screening and troubleshooting applications where determining whether glycol contamination is present is more important than obtaining a precise quantitative concentration.

Glycol testing in lubricating oil
Ethylene glycol in lubricating oil can indicate leakage of engine coolant into the lubrication system. Coolant contamination may contribute to sludge and deposit formation, interfere with lubrication, and accelerate wear.

Potential applications include:

• Routine fleet and equipment maintenance
• Investigation of suspected coolant leaks
• Engine troubleshooting
• Checks following cooling-system or head-gasket repairs
• Inspection of used vehicles or equipment
• Investigation of unexplained bearing or lubrication-system problems

For motor-oil testing, operate the engine briefly before collecting the sample so that any contamination is distributed through the oil. Do not collect a sample from a hot engine.

Glycol testing in water
Glycol in a water system can indicate leakage or cross-contamination from a cooling or heat-transfer system. Low-level screening can help identify a problem before larger quantities of glycol enter the water system.
Potential applications include:
• Cooling and heat-transfer systems
• Industrial process water
• Potable-water systems where glycol-containing systems present a potential source of cross-contamination
• Investigation of suspected leaks from closed-loop systems
• Surface water or stormwater potentially affected by glycol-containing deicing fluids

Detects ethylene glycol and other 1,2-glycols

Model EG-1 responds to ethylene glycol and other 1,2-glycols, including propylene glycol. A positive result therefore indicates the presence of a reactive glycol but should not be interpreted as specific identification of ethylene glycol.
Some glycol-containing additives may initially produce a positive response. These additives may no longer react after a short period of use. Follow the test procedure and sample-handling instructions for the application being tested.

Designed for convenient field screening
The EG-1 requires no meter or instrument. Visual color development provides an easy way to screen for glycol contamination where the sample is collected.

Key benefits:
• Tests both oil and water
• Detects ethylene glycol and other 1,2-glycols
• Semiquantitative visual results from 0 to >150 mg/L
• No instrument required
• Included standard helps verify and recognize the positive color response
• Approximately 25 tests
• Reagents and apparatus supplied in a rugged carrying case for field use

• Kit contains all required reagents and apparatus in a rugged carrying case for analysis in the field