PTP Program

Engine Coolants

2023 Annual Fee:
$638.00

Schedule: April, November
Sample amount distributed each test cycle: 1 gallon

Reduced Price

A2LA Accredited Symbol

Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider*

This program is accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Proficiency Testing, by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Certificate Number: 4209.01

List of Programs and Scopes

About The Program

ASTM's Engine Coolants Proficiency Test Program provides laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool, enabling labs to compare, improve, and maintain performance in the use of ASTM methods against other laboratories worldwide

As a program participant, you receive different samples (representative of the product line) for each test cycle, electronic report forms and test instructions. Your laboratory performs the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods cited in the program.

For more information, contact us.

Why Should Your Laboratory Participate?

You receive test results available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

  • Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance
  • Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

Test Materials

One gallon of engine coolant material will be used in the program for each test cycle.

Test Parameters

D1120

Boiling Point

D4340

Corrosion of Cast Aluminum Alloys

D1384

Corrosion Test (Copper, Solder, Brass, Steel, Cast Iron, Aluminum)

D7304

Denatonuim Ion in EC

D5931

Density by Digital Density Meter

D3321

Field Test Determination of Freezing Point

D4921

Foaming Tendencies

D1881

Foam Tendencies-Foam volume at 5 minutes; Break time appearance of Eye

D6660

Freezing Point

D1177

Freezing Point

D5827

Ion Chromatography

D1119

Percent Ash Content

D1287

pH

D1121

Reserve Alkalinity

D6130

Silicon and Other Elements

D6129

Silicon by AAS

D1122

Specific Gravity by Hydrometer

D3634

Trace Chloride

D1123, E203

Water by Karl Fischer-Method A: Manual; Method B: Automatic

NOTE: List of Methods Subject to Change. Participation is not contingent upon performing all program tests.

Distribution Of Samples

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by SGS North America, Deer Park, TX. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping test samples to U.S. participants or, for international participants, to a third party shipping agent located in the U.S.

IMPORTANT for Intercontinental participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

  • Ship through a third party shipping agent - provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
    • Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
    • We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
  • Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.
    • You are responsible for additional fees charged-back to our distributor for any reason relative to your sample shipment including, but not limited to, fees for fuel surcharges, missing/invalid account numbers, dangerous goods, remote area delivery, and multiple delivery attempts.

Test Results

Upon completion of tests, each laboratory electronically submits their test data to ASTM for use in generating statistical summary reports. Reports contain:

  • Coded laboratory test results
  • Statistical analyses of test data
  • Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code
  • Histograms plus Box & Whisker Plots

About Astm Committee D15

Committee D15 on Engine Coolants, consists of over 130 members and developers of over 39 ASTM standards, provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D15 to determine if modifications to ASTM documents or new methods are warranted. Data submitted to Committee D15 is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.