Re: Interesting article about tank condensation
I think the error here is that evaporation and condensation would not be in equilibrium, where the water that accumulates in the tank settles to the bottom, and therefore can't evaporate. It's my understanding, too, that the ethanol pulls the water out of the air (as well as what may be suspended in the gasoline), creating a bigger puddle at the bottom than non-ethanol. Also, if moist air is sucked into the tank through the vent, condenses on the top and sides, the moisture would not be expelled back out through the tiny vent hole with evaporated gasoline or air expelled by the fuel expanding.
In other words, your jar is not similar enough to a boat tank to be comparable. Try a plastic bottle with a small hole in the cap.
To answer your question directly, I bet you find less gasoline and a layer of water at the bottom. Even if the volume is the same, it's the fact that there's water in there that's the problem.
Finally, and I have not verified this but was told, that one of the features/functions of the stabilizers is to create a barrier between the surface of the gasoline and the air in the tank, to prevent the ethanol from "grabbing" the moisture--like an oil slick. Makes sense.
But I'm no scientist, just a boater, so I don't claim to know what's right; I just follow what seems to make sense in my judgment. And for this issue, it's to try to keep your gasoline from exposure to air.
Everyone forgets that condensation and evaporation cycles are in equilibrium. All the condensation would evaporated in the next cycle.
If you filled a 1 pint jar with E-10 and sat it in your garage in 80 degree heat for 8 weeks, would the E10 have absorbed a little water, a lot of water, no water at all, or would the jar be empty?
