Water, Ethanol and Phase Separation

Here we are looking at Gasoila water detection paste applied to a tank stick. With standard gasoline water will show a vivid line, turning the paste from brown to yellow. With Ethanol Blended Gasoline however, the separation level can be somewhat faded and more difficult to detect as in this picture. In some cases the entire area pasted will turn a greenish color with higher concentrations of Ethanol.

To detect phase separation we paste about 12" up the stick, leave it in the tank for 10 seconds and then check for separation. If the entire paste is green or yellow, re-apply paste further up (20") the stick and try again, looking for a specific line/color change in the paste. In some cases you may leave the paste in for shorter or longer times depending on the concentration of Ethanol/Water.

Once you have verified the level of separation, use your tank/volume ratio chart to approximate your total volume of contaminated fuel. If phase separation exists, it is best to discontinue service from that tank until it is removed as to avoid customer vehicle claims. Call 1-386-266-8100 to speak with our Ethanol specialist and we will get you back up and running.