(3) Dryness of containers. It is important that all containers used in mixing and handling the fuel be dry.
(4) Keeping water out of gasoline. Gasoline, especially when it has been stored in vented containers, frequently includes free water. Therefore, when using gasoline from a bulk-storage tank or an open drum, first place it in a clean, dry drum; allow it to stand quietly for at least an hour; then carefully pour off the gasoline from the top and discard the last gallon or two.
f. Pouring and stirring. ([Fig 25]) The liquid fuel is poured into the open drum; a pail or a paddle ([Par 35 c]) is used for measuring. One man then stirs the fuel vigorously. Another takes a can of thickener, splits it with a machete, bayonet, or ax, and pours it immediately into the fuel. Any large lumps of powder are broken by hand before the powder is added to the fuel. When mixing 40 gallons at a time, the two cans of thickener should be opened and added to the fuel in rapid succession. If the contents of the first can are permitted to gel before adding the second can, it will be difficult to obtain a uniform mix. Continue to stir.
Fig 25. Measuring fuel ingredient into mixing drum. Paddle for measuring and stirring is improvised.
Fig 26. Transferring newly mixed thickened fuel from mixing drum to storage or shipping container for aging.
g. Examining fuel. Lift the paddle quickly. If the mixture drops or runs from the paddle, additional stirring is necessary. When the paddle comes out clean, except for an adhering film, stirring should be stopped, provided there is no further visible settling of particles of thickener.
h. Loading shipping drums. When stirring is completed, the mix is immediately bucketed ([Fig 26]) through a funnel into the shipping drum. The second bung hole should be open, if possible, to provide a vent to aid in pouring. Two men do the bucketing, each handling one pail so that the funnel may be kept loaded with mix and the shipping drum filled as rapidly as possible. Finally, the open-end drum should be picked up and its contents poured into the funnel. Not more than 50 gallons of thickened fuel should be loaded into a 55-gallon drum. The funnel should then be removed and replaced by a plug. The vent opening of the drum should also be closed. (See Paragraph 39 for pressure method of filling storage drums.)