Abstract: A method for assigning a grade to a liquid hydrocarbon fuel in relation to the potential for a water or water-based phase to form is provided, comprising sensing the electrical resistance and the capacitance of the fuel, determining the amount of water or water-soluble compounds in the fuel based on comparing the electrical resistance of the fuel to a plurality pre-determined values of electrical resistance corresponding to a plurality of concentrations of water or water-soluble compounds in the fuel; identifying which water-soluble compound or compounds are present based on comparing the capacitance to a plurality of pre-determined values of capacitance corresponding to a water or a plurality of water-soluble compounds that may be present; sensing the temperature of the fuel, and calculating the potential for a water or water-soluble phase to form during temperature conditions of transportation or storage.

Abstract: A method for assigning a grade to a liquid hydrocarbon fuel in relation to the potential for a water or water-based phase to form in said fuel is provided, said method comprising sensing the electrical resistance of the fuel; sensing the capacitance of the fuel; determining the amount of water or water-soluble compounds in said fuel wherein the step of determining the amount of water or water-soluble compounds includes the step of comparing the electrical resistance of the fuel to a plurality pre-determined values of electrical resistance corresponding to a plurality of concentrations of water or water-soluble compounds in the fuel; identifying which water-soluble compound or compounds are present in said fuel wherein the step of identifying which compound or compounds are present includes the step of comparing the capacitance to a plurality of pre-determined values of capacitance corresponding to a water or a plurality of water-soluble compounds that may be present; sensing the temperature of said fuel, and