Stark, Karl

Water is a contaminant in gasoline and should be measured with the Karl Fischer method (ASTM E-203, ASTM D-1364, ASTM D-1744, ASTM D-4377, ASTM D-4928, ASTM D-6304), by distillation using a Dean and Stark condenser (ASTM D-4006) (Fig. 5.3), or by centrifuging (ASTM D-96) and excluded by relevant drying methods. 

Kerosene, because of its higher density and viscosity, tends to retain fine particulate matter and water droplets in suspension for a much longer time than gasoline. Free water in kerosene can be detected by the use of a Dean and Stark adaptor (ASTM D-4006, IP 358) (Fig. 7.3), by the Karl Fischer titration method (ASTM D-1744, ASTM D-6304), by the distillation method (ASTM D-95, IP 74), or by a series of alternate tests (ASTM D-4176, ASTM D-4860). The standard water reaction test method (ASTM D-1094, IP 289) can also be used. 

Mueller M, Bratke G, Gaertig J, Starke M, Hamann C (1989) Wiss Z Tech Univ Karl-Marx-Stadt 31(3) 393-398... 

Starke M, Mrwa A, Mueller M, Hofmann A (1990) Wiss Z Tech Univ Karl-Marx-Stadt 32(l) 79-84... 

Moisture levels as low as 200 ppm can easily be measured by the Karl Fischer method and in the handling of used solvent one should never use or specify the Dean and Stark method which is used in the fuel industry. 

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