The dangers of the trend of "separating ethanol" from E10 gasoline.

(HTV) - Numerous videos instructing people on how to "separate alcohol" from E10 gasoline are circulating on social media. Experts warn that this practice poses a risk of fire, explosion, engine damage, and legal consequences.

In recent days, social media has been flooded with videos demonstrating how to manually separate ethanol from E10 gasoline. These clips have attracted thousands of views, accompanied by rumors that the process will yield "pure gasoline."

Experts warn of the risks of tampering with or altering the composition of E10 gasoline.

According to the videos, after some mixing steps, the liquid that floats to the surface is believed to be RON 95 gasoline. However, this claim has not been verified by any scientific body.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, stated that when water is added to E10 gasoline, alcohol tends to be more hydrophilic than gasoline, which can cause separation. However, gasoline also contains many other catalysts and additives. Using water to dissolve them can remove these substances, making the gasoline floating on top unsuitable as good gasoline or "pure gasoline".

People fill up their cars at retail gas stations amidst the rollout of E10 gasoline.

According to experts, the fuel being touted as "pure gasoline" is actually defective fuel, posing numerous risks to vehicles and users.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Dinh Quan - Department of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, commented that the gasoline obtained above may not have the desired octane rating. The person performing the experiment thought they were obtaining 95 octane gasoline, but in reality, it could only reach slightly over 80. Furthermore, although the water mixed with the gasoline appears to have separated and settled to the ground, tiny, invisible water droplets may still remain. This moisture can cause the carburetor to operate differently from the electronic system's settings. In addition, gasoline that has lost its characteristic additives will cause the engine to operate unsatisfactorily. When the fuel is mixed, the pressure generated can be higher than normal gasoline, increasing the risk of fire and explosion.

From a legal perspective, the act of arbitrarily interfering with, mixing, or altering the composition of fuels that have been inspected and licensed for circulation by the State can expose the perpetrator or those intentionally spreading unverified information to legal consequences, depending on the purpose and scale.

Lawyer Ha Hai from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association stated that, except for authorized fuel distributors permitted to separate and blend fuels according to regulations, individuals or businesses without the necessary authorization to do so are violating the law. When authorities discover illegal fuel storage or separation, the fine can range from 80 to 100 million VND. In the event of a fire or explosion, violators may face administrative penalties, civil compensation, or criminal prosecution.

Lawyer Ha Hai also stated that some people who make and share videos on social media may think this is just a normal act of posting information. However, if the content provides illegal instructions that lead others to follow them, causing significant harm to life and property, authorities may consider the causal relationship and related responsibilities, and even consider the role of accomplices.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, E10 gasoline has been researched, tested, and evaluated as suitable for most vehicles currently in circulation. The transition roadmap has also been carefully calculated to ensure energy security and protect consumer rights.

Given the abundance of unverified information, people need to be vigilant and absolutely refrain from following videos instructing how to separate ethanol from E10 gasoline to avoid the risk of financial loss and health problems. In the initial phase of implementation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to expand technical support channels and promptly address people's questions.

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Source: https://htv.vn/hiem-hoa-tu-trao-luu-tach-con-khoi-xang-e10-222260530112101786.htm