Preventing microbial growth

A variety of aerobic and anaerobic microbes exist in fuel systems – including bacteria, mold and yeast. These microbes are generally found at the fuel/water interface and use the hydrocarbon as a food source. If left untreated, the growth of these microbes can lead to fuel quality degradation, filter blocking and fuel system corrosion.

Microbes in fuel systems often live in biomass, commonly attached to storage tank walls and roofs, as well as fuel system components. This biomass acts as a protective layer and breeding environment for microbes. As it builds up, it can quickly contaminate a fuel system.

Once formed in the fuel system, biomass is particularly difficult to remove. Biocides typically only penetrate its outer layer, meaning that the remediation of contaminated systems frequently requires the manual removal of the biomass.

Fuel biocides act as both shock treatment solutions, to eliminate existing microbial fuel contamination, and as preventative treatment, to stop re-contamination.

Biocide chemistries have been carefully selected to help:

• Maintain fuel quality and performance
• Stop the formation of corrosive acids in the fuel system
• Stop the formation of slime and sediments
• Reduce the risk of unplanned shutdowns and maintenance
• Maintain the effectiveness of other fuel additives

Gulf Chemical offers of range of fuel biocide chemistries, providing a wide scope of application techniques. The range is suitable for all types of fuels – including biofuels – and protects and controls against all common bacteria, yeasts and molds.