Brian D wrote:
I know when sampling fuel from aircraft tanks that we just fling the sampled
fuel into the air... maybe not the best practice, I know. But in American
waters, it's not just bad practice but is illegal to put fuel or oil into
the water. A clearly labeled small gas can is the place to dump fuel
samples. Don't ask me what to do with it when the sampling gas can is full,
nobody's ever come up with a solution for disposing of bad fuel (for
consumers) that I know of. At my place, we generally dump it along a fence
line during the dry summertime when it's very unlikely that ground water
exists to carry it anywhere. I don't imagine that leaving it open to
evaporate or burning it off is any better for the environment. May as well
kill some weeds.

Brian D

Leave it in a can for a week or so to settle. Siphon as much as possible
off the top without getting any dirt or water and filter through a
genuine chamys leather. (let the chamys dry afterwards then wash
according to its care instructions) Add between 2% and 5% anhydrous
isopropanol and shake well. Use in an old tech engine e.g. a non fuel
injected, non catalyst car. Dont worry about 2 stroke oil at less than
50:1. Even 20:1 doesnt cause any trouble unless the car's tank is
totally empty.

Next line the filter funnel with a couple of sheets of kitchen roll.
Siphon any water out of the bottom of the can without getting any fuel.
Put it through the funnel into a glass jar and check its fairly clear
with no more than a slight sheen on top. If its got a slight sheen, add
one drop of detergent and shake well. If there is more than a trace of
fuel, drop a dry tissue on the surface, lift it out and bin it. Now
you've got water thats OK to dispose of except in the most ecologically
sensitive areas.

Any emulsified or rusty muck left in the can is officially hazardous
waste and should be taken to an appropriate disposal facility in a
solvent resistant sealed container. From my experience of a 25 litre
outboard fuel tank that was approx 50% contaminated with muddy river
water, you'll have less than 1/4 litre of residue. I cannot suggest
that you should let it evaporate outdoors in a shallow tray a long way
from any naked flame or ignition source or burn it off in a can half
full of dry sand at least 5 meters away from anything flammable as that
would probably count as hazardous waste treatment for which you would
require a license :-).




--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
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'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.