Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Detection
ChemSee’s DT-AF Antifreeze Detector provides a rapid colorimetric method for detecting ethylene glycol, the primary toxic component of many antifreeze and coolant products.
The detector is designed primarily for testing water and water-based liquid samples, where it provides the simplest and most reliable visual interpretation. If ethylene glycol is present at or above the detector’s detection limit, a dark blue to blue-green color response develops in the test vessel.
Detection Limit: Approximately 1% ethylene glycol under the intended test conditions.
Available Product
The DT-AF Antifreeze Detector is available in multiple test quantities for direct purchase. Select the number of tests required below.
Antifreeze Detectors (DT-AF)
Price range: $14.95 through $125.00
Description
ChemSee-Foods’ Antifreeze Detector rapidly detects ethylene glycol (antifreeze) in water. If antifreeze is present in the sample, a dark purple color will form in the detection vial.
Features:
- Low Analysis Cost
- Simple to Interpret (Color-Change)
- Easy to Use (No Training Required)
Detector Features
- Rapid detection of ethylene glycol
- Approximately 1% detection limit
- Best suited for water and water-based samples
- Simple visual color-change result
- No electronic reader required
- No laboratory instrumentation required
- Easy-to-use test procedure
- Available in multiple test quantities
How the Test Works
Add the liquid sample to the indicated fill line and break the three internal ampules in sequence, waiting approximately 30 seconds between each ampule.
After the third ampule is broken, allow up to approximately 3 minutes for the final color response to develop. A dark blue or blue-green response indicates ethylene glycol at or above the detector’s approximate detection limit.
For the clearest results, test water or another relatively clear, water-based sample whenever possible.
Antifreeze Detection Steps
Applications
The DT-AF is useful when rapid screening for ethylene glycol is needed without laboratory instrumentation. Common applications include:
Water & Liquid Screening
- Suspected contamination of drinking water
- Water or other clear liquid samples
- Water-based beverages where ethylene glycol contamination is suspected
- Screening liquids for possible antifreeze or coolant contamination
- Preliminary investigation of an unknown water-based sample
Water and relatively clear water-based liquids provide the preferred sample type for the DT-AF detector.
Food & Other Samples
Foods and other solid samples can also be screened by preparing a water extract. Mix the sample with approximately an equal portion of water, allow the liquid portion to separate, and test the resulting water phase.
Because this preparation dilutes the original sample and food components can affect visual interpretation, testing extracted food samples may be less sensitive or straightforward than testing water directly.
Understanding the 1% Detection Limit
The DT-AF has an approximate detection limit of 1% ethylene glycol. This means the detector is intended as a rapid screening tool for relatively significant ethylene glycol contamination rather than trace-level laboratory analysis.
Sample dilution should be considered when preparing foods, concentrated liquids, or other samples for testing. If a sample is diluted with water before analysis, the ethylene glycol concentration in the liquid being tested will also be reduced.
Rapid Screening — Not Laboratory Quantification
The DT-AF is a qualitative colorimetric screening detector. It is designed to indicate the presence of ethylene glycol at or above its detection capability and does not provide a quantitative concentration measurement.
If trace-level detection, exact concentration measurements, or confirmatory analytical results are required, laboratory analysis should be used.