California ICC UST Service Technician Practice Exam

What should be used to check for water in tanks containing ethanol?

1. A water finding paste specifically formulated for alcohol fuels

2. A standard measuring cup

3. A simple visual inspection

4. Any type of water detection formula

The correct answer is: A water finding paste specifically formulated for alcohol fuels

Using a water finding paste specifically formulated for alcohol fuels is essential when checking for water in tanks containing ethanol. Ethanol has different properties compared to gasoline or other fuels, and water finding paste designed for alcohol fuels is specially formulated to provide accurate results in these environments. This type of paste typically contains chemicals that react with water, producing a color change that indicates the presence of water. It is important to use a product that is sensitive to the specific characteristics of ethanol, ensuring reliable detection of water, which can complicate fuel management and potentially cause issues such as phase separation or corrosion in the fuel system. Other methods, like using a standard measuring cup or relying on simple visual inspection, do not provide accurate or reliable means of detecting water in ethanol fuel. These methods might overlook the presence of small amounts of water, and basic visuals often fail to assess fuel quality adequately. Additionally, not all water detection formulas are appropriate for alcohol blends; those formulated for traditional fuels may not react correctly with ethanol, leading to ambiguous or false readings.