Remediation of Biofilms in Biodiesel Storage Tanks
Abstract
The efforts described in this final report were initiated under Task Order 0005 of contract number FA8650-13-D-6405 and then completed under Task Order 0001 of contract number FA8650-19-F-6990. The technical efforts reported herein were aimed at remediation of microbial growth in biodiesel storage systems. METSS evaluated processes for decontaminating fuel storage systems to dramatically slow the regrowth of biofilms; thereby, extending the time between tank cleanings and reducing the need for fuel system maintenance and repairs caused by biofilm formation and biofouling. Two processes were initially considered for bioremediation: thermal decontamination and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) fumigation. Although both methods were demonstrated to be effective in laboratory experiments, ClO2 was ultimately chosen as the best candidate based on the ease of implementation in a field environment. A field demonstration using a novel ClO2 fumigation system in a 25,000-gal fuel tank reduced biofilm concentrations by greater than 99.999 percent. The decontamination system was also shown to be easy to set up, operate, and perform within 8-hours or less and, therefore, could be incorporated as part of the standard fuel tank cleaning and maintenance procedure as deemed necessary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1158779
Entities
People
- Angela M. Theys
- Daniel P. Lorch
- Michael W. Horenziak
- William T. Greer