Full Description

1.1This test method describes a procedure that can be used in the field or in a laboratory to detect antigens indicative of microbial contamination in liquid fuels, including those blended with synthesized hydrocarbons or biofuels, with kinematic viscosities (at 40C) of 24mms^-1 (for example, Specifications D396, D975, and D1655) and in fuel-associated water.

1.1.1This test method has been validated by an ILS for a range of middle distillate fuels meeting Specification D1655, EN590, Specification D975, and ISO 8217:2012.

1.2This test method semi-quantitatively assesses the concentration of specific antigens generated by aerobic microorganisms during active growth in fuels.

1.2.1A proprietary formulation of antibodies and antibody mixtures is used to detect three types of microbial antigen contamination: antigens generally found in aerobic bacteria, antigens generally present in common fungi (yeast and molds), and an antigen that is characteristic of Hormoconis resinae (the fungus most commonly associated with fuel biodeterioration).

1.2.2Although the antibodies and antibody mixtures are characteristic of diverse types of bacteria and fungi, it is unlikely that they are universal. Recognizing that for every microbe that has been isolated and characterized, it is likely that there are a billion that have not. Consequently, as is the case with all microbiological test methods, this test method does not purport to detect 100% of the microbes present in a fuel or fuel-associated water sample.

1.3For each of the three sets of antigen detected (H. resinae, common fungi, and aerobic bacteria), the test detects whether the antigen concentration present is within set ranges representing negligible, moderate, or heavy microbial contamination.

1.3.1For fuel specimens, the antigen concentration ranges detected are 150g/L (negligible), 150g/L to 750g/L (moderate), and 750g/L (heavy).

1.3.2For specimens of water associated with fuel, the antigen concentration ranges detected are 33g/mL (negligible), 33g/mL to 166g/mL (moderate), and 166g/mL (heavy).

1.4The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see Section 8.