A gas dock operator may not know whether he is dispensing ethanol blended gasoline. Here's a simple but elegant test to determine the percentage of alcohol in a gas sample - taken from the Experimental Aircraft Association website.
Revised 22 Apr 2005
FIELD INFORMATION NO. 306
FIELD TEST FOR DETERMINING PRESENCE AND AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL IN GASOLINE
EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION, INC. (EAA) appreciates the permission of Conoco, Inc. to base this field test procedure on one developed by the company.
SCOPE
This method determines the amount, if any, of alcohol present in gasoline. This test is designed specifically for field-testing where time and simplicity are important factors.
SUMMARY OF METHOD
A sample of gasoline is shaken at room temperature with an amount of added water. The volume increase of water is proportional to the amount of alcohol initially in the fuel sample. Nine (9) parts of the gasoline sample are combined with one (1) part water.
APPARATUS REQUIRED FOR EITHER OF THE METHODS BELOW
Graduated Cylinder Method
One (1) each one thousand milliliter (1000 ml) clear Pyrex or shatter-resistant glass graduated cylinder OR transparent chemical-resistant plastic (such as TPX) graduated cylinder. (These can be purchased from laboratory or chemical equipment suppliers.)
Preparation
Clean Containers.
PROCEDURE
Graduated Cylinder Method
To 9 parts of gasoline (900 ml), add 100 ml of water for a total of 1000 ml in the graduated cylinder. Shake thoroughly, let stand for 10 minutes or until gasoline is again bright and clear. Record the apparent level of the line between the gasoline and water. This "Final Volume" is used in the calculation below.
NOTE: Erroneous results are probable if sample and water are not thoroughly shaken and mixed.
CALCULATION
Graduated Cylinder Method
Note the final volume and calculate the percentage of alcohol in the sample using the following calculation: Percentage of Alcohol in Gasoline = (Volume - 100 divided by 900) X 100.
Where: V = "Final Volume" of water as determined in procedure above (read at separation line between water and gasoline).
PRECISION
Within +/- 1% alcohol if you measured and recorded accurately.
PRECAUTIONARY
Gasoline is volatile, extremely flammable and harmful, or fatal if swallowed. Avoid prolonged or repeated breathing of vapor or contact with skin or eyes. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, get medical care immediately.