Microbial Deterioration of Marine Diesel Fuel from Oil Shale.
Abstract
Recurring problems with conventional ship fuels caused by microorganisms have prompted an evaluation of the susceptibility of a recently produced synthetic diesel fuel from oil shale to microbial contamination. The growth of typical microbial contaminants of hydrocarbon fuels has been determined over a four month period in two-phase systems consisting of fresh and sea water media overlaid with fuel. Anaerobic, sulfate-reducing bacteria and a yeast (Candida sp.) grew as well in the synthetic fuel as in fuel derived from petroleum. Growth of certain strains of the fungus, Cladosporium resinae, was initially delayed in the synthetic diesel fuel but after 8-13 weeks the growth was generally comparable to that in petroleum-derived fuel. This finding indicated that C. resinae may require time for adaptation to constituents in the oil shale fuel. Ultimately, however, it appears that the synthetic diesel fuel is likely to be as susceptible to microbial contamination as conventional diesel fuel has been. Experience acquired with available synthetic fuels shows that their ability to support growth of microbial contaminants varies widely depending on both the source of crude oil and the refining processes used. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA097674
Entities
People
- M. E. May
- R. A. Neihof
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory