WaterMagnet^®
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When to Use a WaterMagnet^®

Usually, you can see pooled water in the bottom of a fuel tank by either (a) Shining a bright light in the opening(s) (in a dark condition is better), or (b) using a mirror to reflect bright sunlight into the tank opening.  In either case, you can identify pooled water in the bottom of the tank by a different color and its irregular shape (like a blob).  If water has been present for some time, you will see black color in the bottom, which is the presence of slime formed by microbes attacking and feeding at the fuel/water interface.

By placing a WaterMagnet where it will contact the water, you can be sure it will be absorbed.  This is the surest and best way to get water out of your fuel tank.  All other methods require pumping, draining,  additives, or treatment outside of the fuel tank such as filters, coalescers, etc..

Although this is late in the process, removal of the water from the tank can still help in getting the engine going again.  Simply apply the WaterMagnet to the tank before attempting to start the engine again. The WaterMagnet will remove the source of the problem in the tank.  Drain and clean fuel lines and you should be able to start the engine.

No.  If no water is visible, the WaterMagnet will not help.  Without water present, exposure to fuel for long periods could reduce capacity.

When Not to Use a WaterMagnet®
1.    I use a water dispersing additive in the fuel tank.  How will that affect the WaterMagnet?

Never use the WaterMagnet in a tank with water dispersing additives.  They prevent proper absorption of water, and allow the water to enter the engine.  Remember:  Dispersing is not Removing.

No.  The design of the WaterMagnet is for use in light hydrocarbon fuels - #2 diesel, kerosene, gasoline,  jet fuels, etc..  It can not be applied to the heavier hydrocarbons such as #4 oil, #5 oil, or #6 oil (BunkerC).  We are working on variations that show promise for the heavier hydrocarbons, but do not yet have a product.

No, absolutely never insert a WaterMagnet into an opening that you can not be sure of being able to retrieve through.  In the case of the Rigid Models, they do not change dimension or shape and have ends that allow you to lead them through an opening, so it is safe to insert them with relatively small clearances. Flexible Models, however, change dimension on absorbing water, so be sure to leave plenty of clearance around the WaterMagnet when installing it to be sure you can retrieve back through the opening.

No.  Many of the motor homes have modified the filler spout to have many relatively tight bends, which willnot allow access even with the smallest Rigid Model.  If installation looks too difficult, it is best not to try.  It is good practice to be able to look through the filler or access opening and be able to see the tank bottom before installing a WaterMagnet.

How Long to Use a WaterMagnet®

1.    I have had a WaterMagnet in my tank for about 90 days.  Is that too long?

We recommend a maximum of 60 days, and even shorter periods if substantial water is present.  If you can see free water in the tank, and the WaterMagnet has been there more than 3 days, it is fully absorbed and should be replaced.  If you see signs of black color on the surfaces after about 10 days, it is an indication of slime growth and replacement is required.  Note that the slime would not grow unless there was water in the WaterMagnet.

Yes, the Flexible Model will remain spongy and soft to the touch until it is fully absorbed.  The only other reasons for removing it would be if it has been in the tank more than 60 days or shows black slime.

Where and How to Place a WaterMagnet®

1.    I have tied the nylon tether line to the eyelet on the WaterMagnet, and have enough line to more than reach the bottom of the tank.  How do I place the WaterMagnet to assure the best operation?

The water will accumulate in the lowest part of the tank.  Try to place the WaterMagnet in contact with pooled water in the lowest part of the tank.  Sometimes it may be necessary to push into place with a clean stick or plastic pipe.  If you have a horizontal cylindrical tank, try to orient the WaterMagnet lengthwise,so it lays in the bottom over the whole length.  If placed crosswise in the tank, you can see it would not always contact the lowest containing section.

In certain instances, it is desireable to have just enough tether line in the tank to allow it to reach the bottom.  If there are any devices in the tank that could become entangled by the tether line, do not leave excess line.  While this is usually not a problem, you should be careful about installing where a line might entangle around something like a level indicator float.  Where nothing can be entangled, excess line isO.K..

Fuel Contamination From Using a WaterMagnet®

1.    Is there any danger of contaminating the fuel by placing a WaterMagnet in my tank?

No.  The design of the WaterMagnet is to use materials that are not soluble or reactive in hydrocarbon fuels.  Our primary concern from design through shipment is to assure that no part of the WaterMagnet will ever enter the fuel tank.  We provide a multiple level of protection against the absorbing medium ever getting out of the container shell.

Extensive testing has been performed at our laboratory, and verified by US Air Force,  NASA, and their subcontractors.   Application to the military aircraft fuel services requires the highest level of certainty.

Disposal of a WaterMagnet®

1.    I have a fully absorbed WaterMagnet, now what do I do?

Disposal requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, but the materials in the WaterMagnet are common plastics and cellulose fibers found in many common household products.  The polymer gel that is produced when water is absorbed is non-toxic and will dry out if left exposed to dry air for a long time. Note, however, that the WaterMagnet is not reusable after drying out.  Most of our customers simply make sure all the fuel is dried out or evaporated, then either incinerate or send the used WaterMagnet to a landfill.  Treatment is similar to, but easier than, fuel filter elements' disposal.

One of the best features of the WaterMagnet is that it does not require that fuel be spilled, handled, or pumped out to remove water from boat or ship fuel tanks.  Simply provide a sealable plastic container or bag that can accept the WaterMagnet after it has had free fuel drained back through the tank opening.  Anything can work for this, but the sealable plastic freezer bags are probably the best and require the least space.  Once on shore, you can dispose of without ever risking signs of a fuel spill.

About the Aqua-Sorb Products Company and WaterMagnet®

1.    Who is Aqua-Sorb Products?

Aqua-Sorb Products was formed to provide products and services to remove water from fuels.  The formation of the Company was based on Patents held by the inventor of the WaterMagnet, and his earlier experience of applying this technology to remove water from agricultural and truck fuel tanks. It was determined that a broader market existed for this technology, and the Company was formed to expand into those other applications.

The Company headquarters is in Higdon, Alabama, atop scenic Sand Mountain.  The principals are all residents of this beautiful rural area.  Blessed with a good work force, reasonable utility costs, and ready access to all the major metropolitan areas in the Southeastern US, the Company is well positioned to provide its products on time, of the highest quality, and at a competitive price.

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