Which Marine Fuel Contaminant Can Be A Source of Microbial Growth?

It is inaccurate to say that marine fuels are always clean and contaminant-free. In the same manner that water can become polluted from various sources, these fuels typically contain toxins from those same sources. The pollutants present in marine fuels are known to cause multiple consequences, the vast majority of which are undesirable. The proliferation of microorganisms is one consequence that results from the presence of pollutants in marine environments.

You are aware that water is one of the most essential factors in the growth of animals and plants. The accumulation of water in marine fuels is the most common precipitating factor in the development of microbial growth. Condensation or the bunkering process can contribute to water accumulation in marine fuel over time. If the proper preventative measures are not done in a timely manner, the microbial growth will degrade the quality of the gasoline and may also clog the fuel lines.

The question you may ask yourself is, which are these fuel contaminants that facilitate microbial growth? Such contaminants include nitrogen, sulfur and many more, as explained below.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen, as a contaminant in marine fuel, can exist as nitrogen oxides. It can exist in combustion exhaust gases which can be controlled by maintaining the high temperatures and pressure of the heavy fuels when supplied to the fuel injectors.

Nitrogen facilitates faster growth of microbes because the organisms use nitrogen to manufacture food to sustain them and grow. Where there is a need to avoid such problems associated with microbial growth, the amount of nitrogen and nitrogenous compounds in marine fuels should be controlled.

Water

Water is a basic requirement for life in both animals and plants. When water accumulates in marine fuels, it facilitates the growth of microbes. Water can get its way into marine fuels by several means. The water can come from the condensation of the steam in the walls of the fuel transportation pipes. Water can also find its way the marine fuel during bunkering. Leakages in the fuel transportation pipes can also lead to water accumulation in the marine fuel.

Water contains nutrients such as oxygen that facilitate faster growth of the microbes. Anything or action that causes water to find its way into marine fuel should be avoided to prevent the growth of microbes in marine fuel transportation pipes.

Particulates

Particulates such as rust form in the presence of iron and oxygen, where it forms a brownish solid of iron (III) oxide. Despite the protective action of coating the interior surface of fuel pipes, you will still find some traces of the compound on the walls of the pipes.

Rust also contains oxygen which can facilitate faster growth of microbes such as bacteria, leading to the fuel pipes’ blockage.

Effects of Microbial Growth on Fuel Tanks

Microbial growth on marine fuel tanks has several effects, as explained below.

Fuel Degradation

The primary effect of microbial growth in marine fuel tanks is the alteration of the fuel quality. This can be immediately detected by the change of the fuel colour. That may make the fuel perform poorly, such as poor detergency and combustion efficiency. This may cause a company selling the fuel to lose many customers and incur significant losses.

Blockage of Fuel Pipes and Plug of Fuel Filters

Fuel filters and fuel pipes need to be clean to enhance the efficient transportation of the fuel. The continued growth of microbes on the fuel filters and pipes may lead to their blockages in the long run. That will lead to inefficiency in fuel transportation and may also lead to poor fuel quality.

How to Prevent Microbial Growth in Fuel

Microbial growth only has adverse effects and should be prevented. Below are the measures that should be taken to avoid microbial growth.

Fuel Monitoring

The fuels are periodically tested for microbial growth. This involves periodic checking of the fuel to detect if there is any microbial growth in it. This will help minimize the problems associated with accumulated microbial growth as they will be removed early enough before their accumulation.

Fuel Treatment

This involves treating the bottom of fuel tanks to prevent the spread of microbial growth in the fuel. This will also help minimise the effects of microbial growth.

Conclusion

Microbial growth is a serious problem that needs appropriate action if fuel is required to maintain fuel quality. Above are some of its causes and measures to be taken to prevent it from happening.

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Kyle Bartlett

Lead PHP Developer and Founder of ZF Snippets at Zf Snippets

Kyle Bartlett is a software developer and the mastermind behind ZF Snippets. With extensive expertise in PHP and a deep understanding of the Zend Framework, Kyle has dedicated his career to simplifying and enhancing the development process for web applications.