Signs of microbial contamination

Microbial contamination should be considered if there are complaints of machine or engine power loss or complete failure, signs of corrosion or slime formation in the fuel storage tank or on filters, clogged filters, fuel odor complaints or a reduction in fuel performance. One or more changes in the ASTM fuel quality specifications (i.e. [Pg.190]

A visual inspection of contaminated fuel taken from a storage tank and allowed to settle in a clear storage bottle would show no visible change in the upper and middle portion of the fuel. There may be a moisture haze layer in fuel above the fuel/water interface. Fragments of hyphae may be present between the moisture haze layer and the fuel/water interface. Immediately above the fuel/water interface there may be a layer of emulsified oil droplets. At the interface, one would see a thick layer of microbial slime. The water bottom may be turbid and black with a strong hydrogen sulfide odor (Smith, 1991). [Pg.191]

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