Abstract:
A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is described. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank. The second configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, the filter, the coolant outlet hose, and into a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank. The third configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, the filter, and into the processing tank. The fourth configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, and into the fresh coolant tank. A method for recycling vehicle coolant is described.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device and to a method for recycling vehicle coolant. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The typical internal combustion engine is cooled by providing a coolant (oftentimes called anti-freeze) in cavities that surround the engine. A typical coolant is an aqueous glycol composition such as aqueous ethylene glycol or propylene glycol. These glycols function to reduce the freezing point of coolant and raise the coolant&#39;s boiling point, thus assuring that the vehicle&#39;s coolant will not freeze or boil over. During operation of the engine, air is constantly drawn into and expelled from the coolant composition. When the coolant is heated during engine operation, air is expelled from the coolant. When the engine is at rest and the temperature of the coolant drops, air is absorbed by the coolant up to the saturation point. This repeated cycle in the life of a coolant provides an oxidation mechanism by which metal ions that are generated by corrosive attack of engine surfaces are subjected to instantaneous oxidation and glycol is thermally oxidized. 
     Essentially all metal ions when converted to their highest oxidation state form insoluble hydroxides and oxides in the coolant composition, thus forming a precipitate that collects within the engine&#39;s coolant chamber. Some of the metals are oxidized to form precipitated hydroxides that deposit on the wall of the coolant chamber and interreact by condensation reactions to form a beneficial oxide layer. This layer protects the engine block from serious corrosion. It would be undesirable to have present in the coolant a component that attacks that beneficial oxide layer and causes its removal. Such action eventually leads to serious corrosion of the engine block. One such component that would attack the beneficial coating if present in the coolant in deleterious amounts, is the chloride ion. It will convert the oxides into soluble chlorides, thus wiping away the beneficial oxide layer. For example, it will convert iron oxides through thermally induced chlorination, to ferric and ferrous chlorides, and aluminum oxides through thermally induced chlorination, to aluminum chloride. These chlorides are very acidic and notorious Friedel-Craft catalysts. They can accelerate the decomposition of the coolant and cause corrosion of metal surfaces. 
     Other of the precipitates form within the coolant and serve no useful function. Most of these precipitates are of sufficient size so as to deposit from the coolant to the bottom of the coolant chamber. A minor portion, more like a trace amount, of the precipitates have such a small size (more like microscopic in size) that they remain dispersed in the coolant. Eventually these precipitates have to be removed and thus flushing of the coolant system is an appropriate procedure. 
     The trace amounts of these metal hydroxides that remain suspended particulates within the coolant will, with time, chemically interreact to form dimeric and oligomeric condensates. Such condensates remain suspended (dispersed) in the coolant. These condensates are difficult to remove by filtration because they have an extremely small particle size. Because the metal atoms in these condensates are at their maximum state of oxidation, further oxidation of the coolant will not cause these condensates to be further oxidized. Nor will further oxidation cause these condensates to drop out of dispersion in the coolant. 
     There are described in the literature a variety of systems directed to the treatment of spent engine coolant that allows for the recovery and refurbishing of such coolant. Illustrative of such technology are a series of patents to the Wynn Oil Company, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,083,393, 4,091,865, 4,109,703, 4,178,134, 4,209,063, 4,293,031, 4,791,890, 4,793,403, 4,809,769, 4,899,807, 4,901,786, 5,021,152, 5,078,866, 5,306,430, 5,318,700 and Re. 31,274. 
     PCT/US92/00555 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,593, to Miller, describe a process for the treatment of a spent coolant outside of the engine. 
     A system that was commercialized in the past was sold by ECP, Inc., Westchester, Ill. It involved the vacuum removal of spent coolant from an engine, subjecting the coolant to filtration, and the addition of a “Coolant System Protector” to the filtered spent coolant. 
     Woyciesjes, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,144, describe a process for treating an aqueous spent coolant composition by adjusting its pH to the acid range, e.g., 4.0-7.5, by adding an acid, and then adding acid salts to effect precipitation of heavy metal impurities in salt or complex form from the spent coolant. Also included in the process description is the treatment of the acidic coolant composition with coagulating and flocculating agents, filtration of the acidic coolant, passing the acidic coolant through an activated carbon bed, through a distillation step, and a skimming step to remove precipitates. 
     A vehicle coolant recycling device is described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,832 to Ische, et al. The assignee of this patent is Century Manufacturing Company of Minneapolis, Minn. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device is provided by the invention. The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device includes a pump for pumping coolant through said recycling device, a processing tank for receiving used coolant, a fresh coolant tank for receiving fresh coolant, a filter for removing particulates from coolant, a coolant outlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, a coolant inlet hose constructed for attachment to a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and a plurality of control valves for directing flow of coolant through the recycling device. The plurality of control valves are adjustable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the fresh coolant tank through the pump and through the coolant outlet hose, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank. The second configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, the filter, the coolant outlet hose, and into a cooling system of a motor vehicle, and directing coolant from a cooling system of a motor vehicle through the coolant inlet hose and into the processing tank. The third configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, the filter, and into the processing tank. The fourth configuration is constructed for directing coolant from the processing tank, through the pump, and into the fresh coolant tank. 
     A method for recycling vehicle coolant is provided by the invention. The method includes steps of: 
     (a) attaching a coolant inlet hose and a coolant outlet hose to a cooling system of a motor vehicle to provide fluid connectivity with coolant provided in the cooling system, wherein the coolant provided in the cooling system comprises used coolant for recycling; 
     (b) pumping fresh coolant into said cooling system from a fresh coolant tank to displace at least part of the used coolant in the cooling system into a processing tank; 
     (c) chemically treating used coolant in the processing tank to provide chemically treated coolant; 
     (d) pumping chemically treated coolant through a filter to remove 0 particulates and provide filtered coolant; 
     (e) treating the filtered coolant with a corrosion inhibitor; and 
     (f) pumping filtered coolant to a fresh coolant tank. 
     The method can include an additional step of detaching the coolant inlet hose and the coolant outlet hose from the cooling system after a sufficient amount of used coolant in the cooling system has been displaced by fresh coolant. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device according to the invention (i.e., the coolant recycler) for carrying out the method of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an internal combustion engine showing the connection sights for the lines from the coolant recycler of FIG. 1; and 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the coolant recycler. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The multipurpose vehicle coolant recycling device according to the invention can be referred to more simply as the coolant recycler. The coolant recycler is capable of recovering and recycling used coolant to provide a coolant which can be used in the cooling system of a motor vehicle. In general, a coolant includes an aqueous glycol composition such as aqueous ethylene glycol or aqueous propylene glycol. Over time, the coolant in a motor vehicle cooling system becomes contaminated and should be replaced with fresh coolant. Coolant having an amount of contaminants so that it should be replaced can be referred to as used coolant. New coolant or coolant which has been recycled to an extent acceptable for reintroduction into the cooling system of a motor vehicle can be referred to as fresh coolant. 
     The recycling of used coolant includes the removal of certain particulate contaminants and the incorporation of an inhibiting package for renewing anticorrosion and lubricity properties of the coolant. U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,385 to Ische, et al. describes the chemistry which can be practiced according to the invention for removing metals from the used coolant and adding a package including corrosion inhibitors, buffering agents, and alkali for providing a fresh coolant for use in the cooling system of motor vehicles. 
     The coolant recycler is equipped to operate in several ways. The coolant recycler can operate as an exchange device. That is, the coolant recycler, when connected to the cooling system of a motor vehicle, can flush used coolant from the cooling system and replace it with fresh coolant. Fresh coolant includes new coolant, recycled coolant, and mixtures of new and recycled coolant. The exchange operation can be referred to as a “flush and fill” operation. 
     The coolant recycler can recycle or recover used coolant. There are generally two techniques for recycling used coolant. The first technique can be referred to as the recycle on motor vehicle technique. In this technique, the used coolant continuously flows through the coolant recycler and the cooling system of a motor vehicle. The treatment includes treatment with chemicals and filtering the used coolant. Another technique for recycling or reclaiming used coolant can be referred to as the internal recycle technique. In this mode of operation, used coolant which has been transferred from the cooling system of a motor vehicle to the coolant recycler is treated with chemicals and filtered. Once the recycled coolant reaches a level that can be characterized as fresh coolant, it can then be introduced into the cooling system of another vehicle. In general, it is expected that the fresh coolant will displace used coolant in the cooling system of a motor vehicle by the exchange operation. The recovered used coolant will then be recycled by the internal recycle technique. 
     The coolant recycler can function as a flushing or backflushing device. In this operation, the coolant recycler can generate fluid pressure to help dislodge contaminants from the walls of the cooling system of a motor vehicle. The direction of the flow can be provided in the normal operational flow direction of coolant in the cooling system of a motor vehicle or in the reverse direction. The coolant recycler can function to pressurize the cooling system of a motor vehicle for detection of leaks. In addition, the coolant recycler can function to drain used coolant from the cooling system of a motor vehicle. The coolant recycler can be used to draw a vacuum on the used coolant in a cooling system to remove coolant to about the water pump level in the cooling systems. 
     It should be appreciated that the coolant recycler can be used to practice any one or more of the above described modes of operation. It is not necessary for the coolant recycler to practice all of the above described operations. 
     Now referring to FIG. 1, a schematic illustration demonstrating the operation of the coolant recycler  10  is shown. The coolant recycler  10  includes three control valves  12 ,  14 , and  16 . The control valves direct the flow of fluid flow through the coolant recycler, and thereby control the operation of the coolant recycler  10 . By manipulating the control valves  12 ,  14 , and  16 , the coolant recycler  10  can be used to exchange coolant, recycle used coolant, flush and/or backflush, pressurize the cooling system of a motor vehicle, or drain coolant from the cooling system of a motor vehicle. The arrows shown in FIG. 1 describe the direction of fluid or coolant flow through the conduits or lines of the coolant recycler  10 . 
     The coolant recycler  10  includes a pump which drives the fluid through the coolant recycler  10 . The pump  18  can be powered by electricity or air. Preferably, the pump is a 1 to 10 gpm pump which Applicants have found to be sufficient for driving the fluid flow in the coolant recycler  10  and through the cooling system of a motor vehicle. 
     A processing tank  20  is provided for receiving used coolant. Chemicals can be added to the coolant in the processing tank for treating the coolant. In general, the chemicals described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,385 to Ische, et al. are added to processing tank  20 . A fresh coolant tank  22  is provided for receiving new coolant or recycled coolant. It is desirable to have all of the treating and processing of the used coolant taking place in the processing tank  20 . Preferably, it is only when the coolant becomes sufficiently processed to be characterized as fresh coolant that is transferred to the fresh coolant tank  22 . Of course, there is no requirement that all of the processing and treatment of the used coolant occur in the processing tank  20 . Certainly, certain steps can be practiced in the fresh coolant tank  22 . It should be understood that the following description of the invention can be modified to incorporate processing and treatment steps in the fresh coolant tank  22 . It is generally a matter of convenience to keep the processing and treatment steps in the processing tank  20  to insure that the fresh coolant tank  22  remains clean. The processing tank  20  and the fresh coolant tank  22  are each of sufficient size to hold the quantity of coolant provided in the cooling system of a motor vehicle. 
     Vehicle hoses  24  and  26  are provided for connecting to the cooling system of a motor vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle hose  24  is provided for transferring fresh coolant into the cooling system, and vehicle hose  26  is provided for receiving spent coolant from the cooling system of the motor vehicle. 
     A series of filters  28  are provided for removing impurities from the used coolant. The series of filters  28  include a carbon filter  30  and particulate removal filters  32 . The particulate removal filters  32  include two filters for removing different size particulates. A first particulate removal filter  34  can be provided for removing relatively large size particulates, and a second particulate removal filter  36  can be provided for removing finer size particulates. In general, the flow of the fluid through the particulate removal filters  32  should be directed so that the fluid flows through the first particulate removal filter  34  and then through the second particulate removal filter  36 . Flow in this manner reduces the incident of large particulates clogging the second particulate filter  36 . Although a preferred embodiment of the invention shows two particulate removal filters, it should be understood that the invention can be practiced with a single particulate removal filter. It is expected that a single particulate removal filter will result in more frequent filter changes than two or more filters arranged in series and being designed for removal of different sized particulates. Preferably, the first particulate removal filter  34  is a 50 mF filter and the second particulate removal filter  36  is a 5 mF filter. 
     A filter pressure gauge  38  is provided for measuring the back pressure generated by the carbon filter  30  and/or the particulate removal filters  32 . In general, when the filter pressure gauge  38  reaches a predetermined level, it is an indication that it is appropriate to replace the filters. A spigot  39  is provided to provide sampling of coolant, when desired, for pH and/or clarity. 
     A cooling system pressure gauge  40  is provided for measuring the pressure generated in the cooling system of a motor vehicle. A pressure relief valve  48  is provided to prevent excessive pressure from building up in the cooling system of a motor vehicle. In general, if the pressure in the cooling system is too high, the pressure relief valve  48  opens allowing coolant to flow via lines  49  and  47  into the processing tank  20 . Preferably, when the pressure exceed  30  psi, the valve  48  opens. A high pressure measurement by the pressure gauge  40  can be an indication of plugging in the cooling system. 
     A plurality of check valves  42 ,  44 , and  46  are provided for directing flow of fluid in one direction. The check valves allow the fluid to flow in one direction through the check valve, but prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction. For example, check valve  42  provides for one way flow from the carbon filter outlet line  31  to the particulate filter inlet line  33 . Check valve  44  provides for one way flow from the particulate filter outlet line  35  to line  60 . Check valve  46  provides one way flow from the vehicle hose  26  to the processing tank input line  47 . A spigot  39  is provided for sampling coolant. Often it is desirable to obtain a sample of coolant from the spigot  39  to sample pH and clarity. 
     The operation of the coolant recycler  10  can be controlled by directing the settings on the control valves  12 ,  14 , and  16 . Control valve  12  provides selection of flow of fluid from line  60  to any one of lines  62 ,  64 , and  66 . Control valve  14  directs flow of fluid to line  68  from any one of lines  70 ,  72 , and  74 . Control valve  16  provides control of fluid from line  76  to any one of lines  78 ,  80 , and  82 . 
     When the coolant recycler  10  is operating as an exchange device, the vehicle hoses  24  and  26  are attached to the cooling system of a motor vehicle, and control valve  12  is manipulated to direct fluid flow from line  60  to line  62 , control valve  14  is manipulated to direct fluid flow from line  70  to line  68 , and control valve  16  is manipulated to direct fluid flow from line  76  to line  78 . Accordingly, when the coolant recycler  10  is turned on, the pump  18  causes fresh coolant to flow from the new coolant tank  22  into the cooling system of the motor vehicle via the vehicle hose  24 . The pressure generated in the cooling system of the motor vehicle, in turn, displaces used coolant from the cooling system via vehicle hose  26  through the check valve  46  and into the processing tank  20 . In particular, fresh coolant flows from the fresh coolant tank  22  via fresh coolant outlet line  23 , through line  70 , control valve  14 , line  68 , pump  18 , pump outlet line  19 , control valve  16 , line  78 , line  60 , control valve  12 , line  62 , and outlet hose  24 . Used or dirty coolant flows into the coolant recycler  10  via inlet hose  26 , check valve  46 , processing tank inlet line  47 , and into processing tank  20 . 
     When the coolant recycler  10  operates to clean, reclaim, or recycle coolant, there are essentially two modes of operation. The first mode of operation involves cleaning coolant as the coolant recycler  10  is attached to the cooling system of a motor vehicle. This mode of operation can be referred to as the recycle on vehicle mode of operation. The coolant provided in a cooling system of a motor vehicle is recycled and returned to the same cooling system. The second mode of operation involves an exchange operation followed by a recycling operation which takes place within the coolant recycler  10 . Accordingly, after an exchange, the used coolant which is recovered in the processing tank  20  can be recycled and transferred to the fresh coolant tank  22 . The recycled coolant can then be directed to the cooling system of another vehicle. 
     The recycle on vehicle mode of operation includes attaching the vehicle hoses  24  and  26  to a cooling system. Control valve  12  is adjusted to control flow of fluid from line  60  to line  62 , control valve  14  is adjusted to control flow of fluid from line  74  to line  68 , and control valve  16  is adjusted to control flow of fluid from line  76  to line  80  and later to line  82 . During the initial phases of the cleaning operation, the fluid is directed through the particulate removal filters  32  via line  80 . During the final stages of cleaning, the fluid is directed through the carbon filter  30  and then through the particulate removal filters  32  via line  82 . 
     In operation, used coolant is forced from the cooling system through vehicle hose  26  and check valve  46  into the processing tank where it is treated with chemicals. Processed fluid from the processing tank  20  is drawn through processing tank outlet line  21 , line  74 , control valve  16 , line  68 , and through the pump  18 . The fluid is then forced through pump outlet line  19 , lines  76 , control valve  16 , line  80 , and through the particulate removal filters  32 . The fluid then flows through filter outlet line  35 , check valve  44 , line  60 , control valve  12 , line  62  and to the cooling system via the vehicle hose  24 . In this manner, the used coolant is processed by chemical treatment and filtering to remove particulates. The coolant then flows through the cooling system of a motor vehicle. It is believed that the residence time created by the flow of the coolant through the motor vehicle assists the action of the chemical which were added in the processing tank  20 . In addition, it is believed that continuous flow through the cooling system helps clean the cooling system. 
     After a sufficient amount of particulates have been removed from the coolant, control valve  16  is adjusted to control flow of fluid from line  76  to line  82 . This causes the fluid to flow through the carbon filter  30 , carbon filter outlet line  31 , check valve  42 , particulate filter inlet line  33 , particulate removal filters  32  and then into the cooling system. Carbon filter  30  is provided for removing certain organic chemicals from the coolant. 
     When the coolant recycler is operating to recycle coolant from an exchange operation, the vehicle hoses  24  and  26  need not be connected to a cooling system. Of course, they can be connected to a cooling system without adversely affecting the recycle operation. The control valve  12  is adjusted to direct flow of fluid from line  60  to line  64 . The control valve  14  is adjusted to direct flow of fluid from line  74  to line  68 . The control valve  16  is adjusted to direct flow of fluid from line  76  to line  80 , and then later adjusted to direct flow from line  76  to line  82 . The operation of control valve  16  is for directing flow of fluid through either the particulate removal filters  32  or the series of filters  28 , as described above. 
     Used coolant in the processing tank  20  is treated with chemicals. The used coolant is then drawn out of the processing tank  20 , through processing tank outlet line  21 , lines  74  and  68 , and through the pump  18 . The fluid then flows through lines  76  and  80  and through the particulate removal filters  32 . The filtered coolant then flows through lines  60  and  64  and through the processing tank inlet line  47  and back into the processing tank  20 . This processing loop is continued until the coolant is sufficiently cleaned or recycled. Once it is desired to run the coolant through carbon filter  30 , the control valve  16  is adjusted to direct flow from line  76  to line  82 . 
     Once the coolant is sufficiently cleaned or recycled, the fresh coolant can be transferred to the fresh coolant tank  22 . The control valve  12  is adjusted to direct flow of fluid from line  60  to line  66 , the control valve  14  is adjusted to direct flow from line  74  to line  68 , and the control valve  16  is adjusted to direct flow from line  76  to line  78 . As a result, fresh coolant flows from the processing tank  20 , through the pump  18 , and into the fresh coolant tank  22 . If desirable, the fresh coolant can be run through the particulate filters  32  or the series of filters  28  prior to introduction into the fresh coolant tank  22 . The fresh coolant provided in the fresh coolant tank  22  is then available for exchanging into a cooling system of another motor vehicle. 
     The coolant recycler  10  can be used to provide flushing and back flushing operations. The flushing and back flushing operations are essentially the same operation except that a clamp can be used to redirect flow in the cooling system of a motor vehicle. Accordingly, in providing a flushing operation, the control valve  12  is adjusted to control flow of fluid from line  60  to line  62 , control valve  14  is adjusted to provide flow from line  74  to line  68 , and control valve  16  is adjusted to provide flow from line  76  to line  78 . Accordingly, the pump  18  causes fluid to flow into the cooling system which, in turn, causes fluid to flow out of the cooling system in a closed loop. The flushing and back flushing operations can be used to dislodge particulates within the cooling system. 
     The coolant recycler  10  can be used to pressurize a cooling system for detection of leaks. This operation is practiced by attaching hose  24  to a cooling system but not attaching hose  26 . The pump  18  is gradually increased in power to increase the pressure within the cooling system. In general, the pressure in the cooling system is increased up to about 20 psi or about 25 psi. 
     Now referring to FIG. 2, the cooling system of a typical vehicle is illustrated at reference numeral  101 . The components of the cooling system include radiator  103 , recovery or overflow tank  105 , radiator opening  107 , radiator cap  106 , upper radiator hose  109  with Tee  114  containing opening  110  and associated cap  112  and Tee  150  containing opening  151  and associated cap  152 , thermostat  111 , heater control valve  113 , supply heater hose  119 , heater core  121 , hose clamp  123 , return heater hose  125 , Tee  127 , cap  129  for Tee opening  117 , return hose  128 , and lower radiator hose  131 . Pinch pliers  130  is provided to close off flow during the process. The arrows shown in FIG. 2 represent the backflushing flow of coolant within the radiator  103 , heater core  121 , and engine block  160 . Both of Tees  114  and  150  are capped off at ends  153 . 
     Two general techniques are available for attaching the hoses  24  and  26  to the cooling system  101 . A first technique involves attaching one of the hoses to the Tee  127 , and the other hose to the radiator opening  107 . The other technique involves attaching one hose to the Tee  114  and the other hose to the Tee  150 . In the case of attaching the hoses to the Tees  114  and  150 , an obstruction is provided between the two Tees to provide flow of coolant through the cooling system  101  and the engine block  160 . In addition, make-up coolant can be introduced through the overflow tank  105  or the radiator opening  107 . 
     Now referring to FIG. 3, the coolant recycler  10  is shown on a cart  170  which allows the operator of the coolant recycler to place the coolant recycler in close proximity to the cooling system of a motor vehicle. A handle  171  and wheels  173  allow an operator to conveniently move the coolant recycler  10 . A console panel  172  is provided for explaining the operation of the coolant recycler  10 . The console panel  172  includes dials  174 ,  176 , and  178  for controlling the control valves  12 ,  14 , and  16 , respectively. An air regulator  180  is provided for activating the pump  18  and adjusting the flow of coolant through the coolant recycler  10 . The inlet and outlet hoses can be attached to inlet and outlet ports  182  and  184 . A filter container  186  is provided for containing the series of filters  28 . Although not shown, an air inlet is provided for operating the pump  18 . Alternatively, the pump  18  can be operated by electrical energy. Treatment chemicals and inhibitor package can be introduced through opening  190  in the processing tank  20 . 
     An operator would readily appreciate how the coolant recycler can be used according to the invention. In general, it is expected that an exchange operation would take 5 minutes or less, depending on the speed of the pump and the volume of coolant displaced. In addition, it is expected that the internal recycle operation and the on vehicle recycle operation would take between about 10 minutes and about 30 minutes, with the particulate removal operation taking between about 10 minutes and about 20 minutes and the organics removal operation taking between about 5 minutes and about 10 minutes. It is expected that the transfer operation (from processing tank to fresh coolant tank) will take less than about 5 minutes. 
     The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.