by Robert Braun | Jul 7, 2025 | Resources
We have examined and reviewed several water detector capsules in the market place for diesel fuel and aviation fuel testing . These “pill” type tests originate from India mostly from what we have noted.
Packaged in a capsule form they look exactly like a medication or supplement pill and are supplied in plastic bottle with a screw top that has no air tight seal. This may become a problem for some users as they may spoil or become less effective if moisture from the air can get into the storage bottle.
How to Use Water Detector Capsule For Diesel Fuel
Obtain a fuel sample of about 100ml / 3.5 fluid ounce into a clear sealed container, making sure you have very dry hands, take one capsule from the storage bottle, split capsule and pour the powder contents into the fuel sample. Shake the sample a little and allow the powder to settle down which may take a few minutes. Check if the powder has changed colour and refer to the original maker instructions for identification of problems.
Brands noted and examined with fit for purpose notes and guidance
Water Detector Capsule for Diesel – Part # Diesocap-H2O
Water Detector Capsule for Aviation fuel – Part # Aviacap-H2O
Water Detector Capsule for Aviation fuel – Part # Aquadis Micro Detectors
Pros –
- They can detect water in diesel and aviation fuel. (depends on the fuel capsule type your have).
Cons –
- They do not check for diesel fuel quality to recognized standards of ASTM D4176.
- They do not check for diesel fuel bacterial problems.
- They do not check for diesel fuel fungus, algae and yeast problems.
- They come packaged in the one container with a plastic lid that appears to not have a good seal to prevent moisture getting into the storage bottle. Constant removal of the top to take out fuel capsules for each test may result in moisture entering and spoiling or limiting the effectiveness of all the capsules. This is the main reason why we do not recommend water detectors in a vitamin pill casing that are stored in the same container with no air tight sealing mechanism. NB: Users in an area with high humidity may have spoilage problems that may effect the accuracy of these types of tests. Some users may not have a problem as we have discussed above, it may depend on each situation and the way the product is handled and used.
Contact notes
Water Detector Capsule for Diesel – Part # Diesocap-H2O – Company name Chemochem India
Water Detector Capsule for Aviation fuel – Part # Aviacap-H2O – Company name Chemochem India
Water Detector Capsule for Aviation fuel – Part # Aquadis Micro Detectors – Company name Kaveri Baag Corporation India
Images used above are for reference and illustration purposes and do not represent the products mentioned.
by Robert Braun | May 26, 2025 | Resources
Diesel fuel serves three major purposes in fuel systems: providing the energy source for the combustion process, removing heat from fuel high pressure injection components and providing lubrication for the high friction moving parts in the fuel system. When fuel is of low quality you can have severe reliability issues so the need for regular fuel testing is of great importance.
Fuel is likely to be the largest single expense faced by diesel engine operators on a day to day basis. It is important to ensure that the fuel you have in your tanks is of highest quality.
In addition to reducing engine performance, contaminated fuel can cause abnormal or catastrophic wear in fuel pumps and injectors.
Testing of your fuel determines if inherent qualities fall within required limits thus ensuring that your diesel fuel remains in good health.
Cat SOS fuel testing factors.
• Biodiesel Content
• Oxidation Stability
• Particle Count
• Pour Point
• Sulfur Content
• Viscosity
• Water Content
• Cetane Index
• Cloud Point
• Microbial Growth
• Distillation Curve
• Elemental Analysis
• Cold Filter Plugging Point
• Density
• Flash Point
How does the testing work?
You simply purchase the SOS fuel test kit from a Caterpillar dealer or agent, depending on your location around the world you may have the options of several tests to choose from with varying costs, order just the basics at a cheaper price to “the works testing” at more expense.
You extract your sample to the test bottle, apply and mark the labels with your data. Get the sample back to the dealer for the test process which will take a day or two for completion.
You can then get the results back via an email, SMS, fax or log-in to the SOS online portal to view the data of your test.
Summary
Cat offers fast, inexpensive and accurate fuel testing, they also have test kits for coolant and oil.
One of the best ways to test your engines fluids to ensure they are in good condition.
How to use the Cat SOS diesel fuel test kit
by Robert Braun | May 26, 2025 | Resources
The ERASPEC fuel analysis unit is fully automated, portable and can test any type of fuel known to man and provide exact fuel specifications. With a patented and rugged design the unit is perfect for fast gasoline, diesel and jet fuel analysis. It’s not a cheap fuel testing unit in purchase price but as they say you get what you pay for.
With its high precision, speed and ease of use, it is perfect for fuel compliance testing, refining quality checks, fraud testing of fuel and research use as well as mobile applications for all your fuel testing needs.
From fuel analysis at terminals, refineries and blending stations, engine manufacturers, auto and equipment workshops, fuel laboratories and many other fuel testing situations this unit is ready to go and it can provide test results in just 60 seconds or less and no need to clean the unit in-between tests – it takes care of that itself!
The unit makes the analysis of gasoline, diesel fuel, or jet fuel fast and simple. Advanced testing modules are available for fuel ethanol, fuel methanol, and even synthetic fuel testing.
The product complies with pretty much all standards know to us including ASTM D5845, D6277, D4052/D7777, D7806; EN 238, EN 14078; ISO 12185, ISO 15212; IP365, IP559 plus US D.O.T, RCRA, NAVY and NATO approved.
It’s a heavy weight in functions but only a lightweight in size at 29 x 35 x 34 cm (11.4 x 13.8 x 13.4 in) and just 10.5 kg (23.1 lb) in weight.
ERASPEC Fuel Analysis unit price cost
The price and final cost on the ERASPEC Fuel Analysis in unit will depend on the unit model, the advanced testing modules that you require (if any) and the country that you are in as extra tax and freight charges may apply to the $ or € purchase price. We did notice a second hand used ERASPEC Fuel Analysis unit on eBay and the price was USD $3,999 with no warranty so it’s not something you should consider buying. So a new unit will cost you quite a bit more than USD $3,999 but it comes with a complete factory warranty and ready to go in testing fuel.
Overview video
Operation video
Summary
Without doubt one of the best fuel analysis units in the market – view official site here
by Robert Braun | May 26, 2025 | Resources
Free water in aviation fuel can have serious consequences, such as ice formation, blockages and engine failure which is not so great when you are 35,000 feet in the air.
Microbial growth in tanks can also result in fuel spoiling and filters being clogged. Even more concerning is the corrosion damage that acids generated by the microbes can lead to.
As it is not possible to detect low concentrations of suspended water through visual inspections alone, there is an easy-to-use test you can count on to make sure your jet fuel meets required aviation standards for water content.
Built with Shell’s high quality requirements, the JM-3764 detector has maintained its reputation as a tried and true industry-standard test for detecting water in aviation fuel for some 50 + years.
How to use
The plastic capsule you attach to a syringe, you draw out 5ml of jet fuel, view the capsule if it changes color to yellow or green water is detected.
Pros
Easy to use
Fast results in minutes
Inexpensive
Cons
Aviation fuel testing only, not suitable for water in diesel fuel testing
Video instructions
by Robert Braun | May 26, 2025 | Resources
The primary cause of fuel filter plugging and shortened filter life is contamination in fuel. Inorganic and organic contaminants can cause a variety of failures, including premature wear, corrosion, sticking parts, and other issues, all of which will reduce performance.
It is complicated by the possibility that contamination may exist in the fuel source or enter during delivery, storage, or handling. Modern diesel engines require fuel to be filtered at the point of use, and while clogged fuel filters are a nuisance and engines can stop at the worst times. The importance of regular fuel testing should not be overlooked as part of your maintenance program.
The FK36000 Portable Fuel Testing Kit could be an important addition to your quality control routine and we discuss in detail and review this product below.
Fleetguard FK36000 Test Kit Guide
To determine the cleanliness of fuel, laboratory grade equipment and environments have been the only means of testing in the past. The Fleetguard FK36000 Portable Fuel Testing Kit puts a laboratory in the hands of anyone with a decent amount of tech skills.
In addition to providing a reliable method for analyzing fuel cleanliness, you can use this kit for periodic inspection at all points in the fuel movement system, from the delivered fuel to the integrity of fuel in tanks.
In order to determine the quality of fuel with respect to filterability, Cummins Filtration has developed the FK36000, Portable Fuel Cleanliness Analysis Kit.
In hydrocarbon-based diesel fuels, this is an accelerated and cost-effective way to detect organic and inorganic contamination.
The kits do not require electricity or additional tools, and are fairly easy to use and set up. They work by filtering fluids through a known filter media, similar to fuel filters on engines.
With this Test Kit, Cummins Filtration has worked to build confidence in its results and find agreement with both internal methods and standard test specifications.
Overview
Pros
No lab needed
Test kit Can be used in the field
Cons
Tests may be a little complicated for the average person to complete.
Quite expensive at about $3500 per kit, you would need to be doing testing often to justify the cost.
How to use the Fleetguard FK36000 system
