A FIELD SURVEY OF THE MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINA TION PRESENT IN JP-4 FUEL AND 115/145 AVGAS IN A MILITARY FUEL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Abstract
The findings of a microbiological field survey as conducted on 21 through 25 May 1962 of the fuel distribution system at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, and its civilian supplier, New England Tank Industries, Newington, New Hampshire, are presented. Samples of fuel (JP-4 and 115/145 Avgas) and water, when present, from seven loca tions in the system were cultured for microbial contamination immediately after sampling using membrane filter or standard water dilution tech niques. Bacteria were present in the fuels in higher numbers than fungi. Bacterial counts ranged from a low of 3 to more than 42 per 500 ml wfl, whereas the estimated fungal count ranged between 2 to 18 per 500 ml of fuel with no signif icant buildup noted at any of the sampling sta tions. The fuel handling procedures now employed did not eliminate the organisms from the fuel. Until a direct correlation can be made between the presence of microorganisms and the incidence of fuel problems, a finite numerical microbial quality standard for a fuel distribution system cannot be set.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0410519
Entities
People
- Arthur M. Kaplan
- Morris R. Rogers