MICROBIAL GROWTH IN OIL :

Standard oil analysis programme don't check for microbial growth, yet it is often the root of the problem with marine fuel oils.

The most common micro-organisms in oil are bacteria and fungi. Their growth in oil system is enhanced by the presence of water, oxygen and favourable temperature. As micro-organisms grow, they break down oil hydrocarbons. A large number of species are able, to use hydrocarbon as their sole energy source. Additives in the oil may stimulate the growth and as oil degrades, its characteristic will change - This is partly caused by the degradation itself and the production of extra-cellular of bio-polymer (slime) by the micro-organisms.

Contamination from microbial activity comes from slime and biosaccarines which can block-orifices and make the surface of machine components sticky. Seals such as shaft seals etc. can be easily broken and torn, controller and regulater valves can get stuck in dangerous positions.

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