Microbiological Evaluation of Aviation Fuel Storage, Dispensing and Aircraft Systems

Abstract

Recent unconfirmed reports of problems in refueling systems induced by microbial activity prompted an investigation of refueling facilities at four Air Force bases. The distribution and servicing systems and aircraft surveyed were remarkably free of water, only 26 of 66 attempts to obtain water being successful. Those samples in which water was found contained considerably less than observed in previous field investigations. Fuel System Icing Inhibitor, known to exert an inhibitory effect on microorganisms, was present in the water bottom samples in concentrations ranging from 7 to 25% by volume. Microbial levels, both fungal and bacterial were inconsequential. This survey has shown the facilities evaluated to be free of significant microbial contamination, attesting to the beneficial results of excellent housekeeping procedures.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA011539

Entities

People

  • Sheldon A. London

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Facilities
  • Bacteria
  • Biodegradation
  • Biomedical Research
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Fuel Systems
  • Fuel Tanks
  • Fungi
  • Ice Formation
  • Logistics
  • Medical Personnel
  • Microbiology
  • Microorganisms
  • Quality Control
  • Storage Tanks
  • Tensile Strength
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology