Cold testing involves using colder-than-average temperatures to test different objects and materials. It can be used to determine the hardiness of seeds, the likelihood of oil becoming cloudy, and the strength of metal objects in cold weather. The degree of cold used depends on the object being tested and the desired results.
A cold test can refer to a number of different types of tests that can be performed on different objects and materials using cold temperatures. How this cold is applied, and exactly what degree of cold is used, depends on the object being tested and the desired results. This type of test can be used on seeds to determine what kinds of harsh conditions they might still germinate and thrive in, as well as canola cooking oils to determine the likelihood of a batch of oil becoming cloudy. A cold test can also be used on a particular item or material to determine how strong the item will remain when used in cold temperatures.
The term “cold testing” typically refers to any type of testing performed using colder-than-average temperatures to determine certain characteristics of an object or material. A common use is to determine the hardiness of seeds that can be planted in cold weather. This can be important in determining how well the seeds might germinate when planted in the early spring should a late frost occur.
A cold test can be performed on seeds by wrapping them in a paper towel or otherwise placing them in non-sterile medium where other bacteria are present. These seeds are then kept in cold temperatures, often around 50° F (10° C) for seven days. The seeds are then placed in more ideal growing conditions of around 77°F (25°C) for an additional seven days and observed for germination and growth.
A cold test can also be performed on oil, such as canola oil, to determine how likely a batch of oil will become cloudy or separate. This separation can occur in a consumer household if the oil is stored in cold temperatures, resulting in the oil becoming cloudy or producing crystals in its container. A cold test for oil brings a sample to about 59° F (15° C) to see how it reacts. This can be used to indicate the chances of cloudiness developing in a larger oil lot.
Metal objects are often tested using a cold test to determine the strength of the metal used in the construction of the object. This is typically done to ensure tools and metal objects don’t become brittle in cold weather, and is especially important for safety gear or tools designed for use in mountaineering and rescue in cold weather. A cold test can also be used on objects designed for use in outer space to demonstrate how the object might react to the cold environment of space. Such items are often tested at about -415° F (about -248° C). This is especially important for space telescopes, to carefully polish the mirrors to reflect light properly once the mirrors contract in the cold of space.
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