A Test Kit for Microbes in Fuel - an Alternative to IP 385 and ASTM 6974-03

Microbial contamination of fuel has caused aircraft to abort take off, ships to be taken out of service and supply chains to be disrupted. Contamination can, if detected early, be treated, and severe operational problems can be avoided. 

Microbial contamination in fuels can cause filter plugging, blocking of fuel and oil lines and injectors causing excessive wear and failure, corrosion of tanks, bearings and other systems, and increased water content causing fuels to become hazy and degrade.

Routine condition monitoring of fuels for microbial contamination as part of a good housekeeping regime can significantly improve asset utilisation and reduce supply chain risks.

MicrobMonitor2, supplied and supported by ECHA Microbiology Ltd (UK), has been independently validated in an inter-laboratory study conducted for the Energy Institute and enables testing in accordance with IP Standard Method IP 613 “Determination of the viable aerobic microbial content of fuels and associated water - Thixotropic Gel Culture Method”. The test also gives results comparable with laboratory standard test methods IP 385 and ASTM 6974-03.

MicrobMonitor2 can be used on site or in the laboratory to detect and quantify microbial contamination in petroleum products in storage, distribution and use including aviation, automotive, power and marine fuel, bio fuel, heavy fuel and crude oil, lubricants and hydraulic oil, and associated water with any of the above.

Full instructions are supplied with the test kit and no special skills or equipment is required – anyone can use it! ECHA provide full technical support including advisory services on clean up and avoidance of microbial contamination of fuel.