SAR-GEL® BLUE is a water-finding paste that changes from orange to navy blue on contact with water in fuel tanks. Manufactured by Arkema, it detects water in gasoline, ethanol blends up to E15, diesel, jet fuel, biodiesel, and other water-incompatible materials, with detection times as fast as one second depending on fuel type.
Water contamination is one of the most common threats to fuel quality. A single undetected pocket of water at the bottom of a storage tank can ruin an entire batch of product, leading to lost inventory, wasted profit, and potential damage to equipment downstream. For terminal operators, fuel distributors, and anyone managing bulk storage, catching that water early isn't optional. It's essential.
That's where SAR-GEL® BLUE comes in.
What is SAR-GEL® BLUE water finding paste?
SAR-GEL® BLUE is a water-detection paste manufactured by Arkema. It's applied to a gauge stick or probe and lowered into a fuel tank to check for water at the bottom, where water naturally settles due to its higher density. Because SAR-GEL® BLUE contains no carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances, it's a safer choice for regular use in fuel testing environments without compromising performance.
How does SAR-GEL® BLUE detect water?
SAR-GEL® BLUE works through a simple but highly effective color-change reaction. The paste starts out orange. When it comes into contact with water, it turns a dark navy blue almost instantly. This high-contrast shift makes the water line easy to spot, even in low-light conditions or when checking large storage tanks.
This method is especially valuable for alcohol blend systems, where accurate water detection is historically more difficult. Ethanol's affinity for water can make contamination harder to catch with less sensitive products, but SAR-GEL® BLUE was specifically formulated to perform reliably in these blends.
What fuel types can SAR-GEL® BLUE test?
SAR-GEL® BLUE is compatible with a wide range of water-incompatible materials, including:
- Gasoline (with and without alcohol)
- Gasoline/ethanol blends up to 20% ethanol (E20)
- Diesel
- Jet fuel (Jet A)
- Fuel oil
- Biodiesel
- Light crude oil
- Solvents
- Other hydrocarbons
How fast does SAR-GEL® BLUE detect water?
Detection speed varies slightly by fuel type, but SAR-GEL® BLUE is built for quick, reliable results:
|
Fuel Type |
Detection Time |
|
Diesel |
1 second |
|
Fuel oil |
1 second |
|
Jet A |
1 second |
|
Hydrocarbons |
1 second |
|
Gasoline (without alcohol) |
Under 5 seconds |
|
Biodiesel |
2 seconds |
|
Light crude oil |
5 seconds |
|
E10 |
90 seconds |
|
E15 |
2 minutes |
For most conventional fuels, SAR-GEL® BLUE delivers a visible color change in five seconds or less. Even in more challenging ethanol blends like E10 and E15, results appear within two minutes, giving operators a clear answer without long delays in the testing process.
Why does water contamination matter for fuel storage?
Water in a fuel tank isn't just an inconvenience. It can corrode tank walls, promote microbial growth, and interfere with combustion once the fuel reaches an engine or turbine. In alcohol blend systems specifically, excess water can cause phase separation, where the ethanol and water separate from the gasoline entirely, rendering the fuel unusable. Regular testing with a product like SAR-GEL® BLUE helps catch these issues before they escalate into costly problems.
Choose SAR-GEL® BLUE for reliable, fast water detection
For anyone responsible for fuel quality, from terminal operators to distributors managing multiple tanks, SAR-GEL® BLUE offers a straightforward way to protect inventory and catch contamination before it becomes a bigger issue. Its fast detection times, broad fuel compatibility, and CMR-free formulation make it a dependable choice for both routine checks and critical quality assurance.
Ready to add SAR-GEL® BLUE to your fuel testing toolkit? Reach out to your industrial supply provider to learn more about pricing and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What does SAR-GEL® BLUE do?
SAR-GEL® BLUE detects water at the bottom of fuel tanks. It's applied to a gauge stick or probe, and the paste turns from orange to navy blue when it contacts water.
Is SAR-GEL® BLUE safe to use regularly?
Yes. SAR-GEL® BLUE is free from carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances, making it suitable for frequent use in fuel testing environments.
Does SAR-GEL® BLUE work with ethanol blends?
Yes. SAR-GEL® BLUE is specifically effective in alcohol blend systems, including E10 (90 seconds) and E15 (2 minutes), where accurate water detection is typically more difficult.
What fuels is SAR-GEL® BLUE compatible with?
SAR-GEL® BLUE works with gasoline, gasoline/ethanol blends up to 20%, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, biodiesel, light crude oil, solvents, and other hydrocarbons.
How long does it take to see results with SAR-GEL® BLUE?
Detection times range from 1 second for diesel, fuel oil, and jet fuel to 2 minutes for E15 blends, depending on the fuel type being tested.
