Removing ethanol from gasoline is easier than it sounds. Ethanol is more soluble in water than gasoline. So if you add water to gasoline and shake it vigorously, the ethanol will stick to the water on its own. After sitting for a while, the gasoline and water mixture will form two distinctive layers. Additionally, you can drain the ethanol and water mixture in a number of ways.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Separate Ethanol from Gasoline
Step 1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water per 4 liters (1 gallon) of gasoline into a safe container
For safety reasons, put on nitrile gloves and place the empty gas container on the floor in a ventilated area. It is most recommended that you do it outside. Pour the gasoline into the container first, and then the water. Go slowly to avoid spilling it.
- As you separate the gasoline, be sure to use a container designed to store it, which will create an airtight seal when you close it. Also, do not fill the container more than 95% of its full capacity, since gasoline requires space to expand.
- If you try to hold the container while pouring the liquid, you can cause the fumes to ignite due to static electricity.
- If you want, you can first add a few drops of food coloring to the water to make it easier for you to see the layers of water or ethanol and gasoline when you're done.
Step 2. Stir the water together with the gasoline
Cover the container making sure it is tightly closed. Then, shake the mixture well. You should shake it for about 15 to 30 seconds to ensure that the water and gasoline are well incorporated.
Do not stand near an open flame when performing this maneuver, as the fumes could ignite
Step 3. Use a device, such as an ethanol separator
Once you stir the mixture, pour it into the ethanol separator to set it. When the water has settled, use the valve on the bottom of the bottle to drain the water and ethanol into a bowl.
- When you're done, take off your gloves and wash your hands well.
- You will need to let the mixture sit for at least 3-4 hours, although you may want to leave it overnight or up to 12 hours. Once the mixture is ready, it will be perfectly clear without opacity and you will see two different layers. The gasoline will settle to the top and the water / ethanol mixture will settle to the bottom.
Step 4. Drain the gasoline after the mixture sets
If you don't have an ethanol separator, you can carefully pour the ethanol-free gasoline layer into another fuel-safe container, after having allowed it to separate for several hours. Flip the container over another to pour the gasoline. It will be easier to do if you previously add food coloring to the water, since you will be able to see the layers better.
This method is probably not as easy and safe as using the ethanol separator because it is easier to spill gasoline that way. You may also waste a little fluid (leaving it behind with ethanol) than with the other method
Method 2 of 2: Using a Separating Funnel
Step 1. Choose a funnel that is twice as long as the liquid you add
Separatory funnels are used in chemistry to separate liquids. It should be twice the size of the liquid so that it has room to move around.
Step 2. Check the valve at the bottom
The valve, called the stopcock, must be placed in a closed position so that the liquid does not flow out. Use a universal stand to hold the funnel in the air so you don't have to hold it.
Step 3. Pour the gasoline and water into the funnel
Remove the stopcock from the top and add gasoline to the funnel. Pour the water after the gasoline and replace the cap.
- Use about one part water to 16 parts gasoline.
- Make sure there are no open flames around, as gasoline fumes can ignite.
Step 4. Shake the solution
Place your finger on top of the plug. Flip the funnel upside down and shake the solution. With the cap pointing down, open the stopcock to vent any pressure. Then turn off the stopcock and shake the solution some more. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
Step 5. Place the funnel back on the universal holder
The stopcock must point down into the universal bracket. Let the mixture settle until the gasoline is no longer cloudy and there is a clear separation between the two liquids. That process will take at least a couple of minutes.
Step 6. Drain the ethanol and water from the bottom
Place a container under the funnel. Open the stopcock to let the ethanol and water flow out of the bottom. Be careful to stop where the mixture is separated and turn off the stopcock.
Step 7. Pour the gasoline out of the top
Remove the cap and turn the funnel upside down to pour the gasoline into an approved gasoline storage container. Make sure to clearly label gasoline and ethanol.