How to tell if fuel is contaminated?

  • Thread starter roger5
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In summary, if you suspect fuel has been contaminated by water or alcohols, you can use a density test to determine if there is water present. If there is water present, trying to dissolve the fuel in a solvent might reveal any unusual additives. Finally, if you have no measurement tools at your disposal, alcohol might be the only indication that fuel might be contaminated.
  • #1
roger5
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Hi
How is it possible to tell if fuel (gas) is contaminated (by water / alcohols / oils etc)?

Roger
 
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  • #2
GCMS - Gas Chromatography with Mass spectroscopy - a 3min job with a volatile and modern equipment.
 
  • #3
Is there a simpler way, using something portable?
 
  • #4
roger5 said:
Hi
How is it possible to tell if fuel (gas) is contaminated (by water / alcohols / oils etc)?
What is gas but just refined oil with perhaps a few additives?

How badly do you want to know? To what degree of complication are you will to perform tests and with what measurement devices do you have at your disposal?

A density test might reveal something. Gasoline and water have two very different densities (and will not normally mix), as do gasoline and alcohol.
Comparing the heat released by burning the unknown mixture might also be revealing as if the gasoline is mixed with water, a significant chunk of its mass with release no energy when burn...the water will only evaporate away (an endothermic process) and the gasoline combusts (exothermic).
Trying to dissolve things in the mixture might also be a way to tell qualitatively is something is unusual about it.
 
  • #5
I'm wih mrjeffy, density would be a dead giveaway for an easy, practical indicator.
 
  • #6
dry it with a drying agent. if it starts to clump at all there is water.
 
  • #7
mrjeffy
I really would like to know. I have no measurement tools at my disposal although I can get access. I would prefer a way that does not involve combusting the fuel.

gravenewworld
Can you suggest such a drying agent?
 
  • #8
If you have no measurement tools at your disposal then that makes finding out rather difficult.
I would suggest going with the density test. It will be the easiest to perform and will not require many tools (just something [graduated cylinder] to measure out a volume and a [digital] scale to take the mass).

You could probably use something like Calcium Chloride as a drying agent to absorb any water which might be in the fuel.
 
  • #9
One can add small amounts of IPA to fuel and it will absorb the water while minimally affecting combustion. That is if you are only concerned about removing any potential water from the fuel. It will not tell you if there is water in the fuel.
 
  • #10
contamination by oil - drop of fuel dries out to leave oily residue. good gasoline control sample to compare, of course.

contamination by water - How many layers? two? probably water if there are two. Opalescent fuel not crystal clear? Filter through thick paper filter. water will swell fibers and REALLY slow down filtration rate. Graven-w's dessicant could be anhydrous sodium sulfate or anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Powder is best for clumping observation.

Contamination by alcohols - who cares? It will burn. (Think gasahol) Alcohol is too hard to determine without some kind of distillation equipment (Fractional column, Gas chromatograph, etc...).
 

1. How can I tell if my fuel is contaminated?

There are a few signs that can indicate fuel contamination. These include unusual odors or discoloration in the fuel, poor engine performance, and difficulty starting the vehicle. However, the only way to definitively determine if fuel is contaminated is through laboratory testing.

2. What types of contaminants can be found in fuel?

Fuel can become contaminated with a variety of substances, including water, sediment, microorganisms, and foreign particles such as rust or dirt. These contaminants can lead to engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency.

3. How does fuel contamination occur?

Fuel contamination can happen at any point in the supply chain, from production to delivery to storage. It can be caused by a number of factors, such as transportation in dirty tanks, water seeping into underground storage tanks, or improper handling during storage or transfer.

4. Can fuel contamination be prevented?

While it is difficult to completely prevent fuel contamination, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk. Regularly inspecting and maintaining fuel storage tanks, using reputable fuel suppliers, and implementing proper fuel handling and transfer procedures can all help prevent contamination.

5. What should I do if I suspect my fuel is contaminated?

If you suspect that your fuel is contaminated, it is important to stop using it immediately. This will prevent further damage to your engine. You should then contact a professional to have the fuel tested and to determine the best course of action for remediation.

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