Microbial contamination and its control in fuels and fuel systems since 1980 – a review

Although the documentation of fuel biodeterioration dates back to the late 19th century, general recognition of the value of microbial contamination control evolved slowly until the 1980s. Since the early 1980s a number of factors have converged to stimulate greater interest in fuel and fuel system biodeterioration. This, in turn, has stimulated applied research in the ecology of biodeteriogenic processes and biodeterioration control. This presentation reviews progress in both of these areas since 1980. The aforementioned factors that have provided the impetus for improved microbial control, the evolution of our understanding of the nature of the biodeteriogenic processes will be discussed. Activities of consensus organizations to develop guidelines and practices will also be reviewed.

► The research on fuel and fuel system biodeterioration over the past 30 years are reviewed.
► Fuels and fuel systems are vulnerable to biodeterioration.
► Biofilm communities are the primary cause of fuel system biodeterioration.
► Multi-parameter condition monitoring will improve biodeterioration modeling.
► Microbial control: remove water, clean surfaces and treat with microbicide.