Web exclusive posted July 11, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. CST

Nashville, Tenn.-based Cummins Filtration Inc., a worldwide designer and manufacturer of filtration products and exhaust, coolant and fuel additive technology for engine-powered systems has released a new heavy-duty engine antifreeze/coolant, which is produced using nontoxic glycerin. Glycerin is the main byproduct in biodiesel manufacturing. Traditionally ethylene or propylene glycol are used as antifreeze/coolants.

The Fleetguard® ES Compleat™ Glycerin is the result of nearly two years of extensive testing. Mike Sarris, director of global coolants and chemicals for Cummins Filtration, said the impetus in the project was the growth of the biodiesel industry and the out growth of glycerin. "We wanted to utilize that material," he said. "So we started working with it several years ago-a very pure grade of glycerin-to see if it was capable of serving as heavy duty antifreeze." Sarris said every possible scenario was tested in order to ensure product quality and safety, as well as capabilities of providing the anti-freeze, anti-boil, heat transfer and corrosion protection required of heavy duty antifreeze/coolant. "We had very positive field test results," he said.

Sarris did not disclose the sources that are providing Cummins Filtration with the glycerol, but he did tell Biodiesel Magazine that multiple suppliers are in the biodiesel industry. "We are all ears when it comes to making arrangements with companies in the biodiesel industry," he added. "We take environmental responsibility very seriously at Cummins Filtration. We have long supported the importance of greener solutions through all our product development, and we are very pleased to introduce our new environmentally friendly glycerin coolant to the marketplace."

The National Biodiesel Board recently awarded Cummins Filtration with an Eye on Innovation Award, recognizing the company's work and efforts in supporting the assurance of biodiesel quality.