3
10
Table 1
Sample
Recommended test
volume
Measuring
device
Aviation kerosene
0.5 ml
Syringe
Other middle distillate fuels (e.g. diesel, marine gas oil, heating oil), biofuels &
gasoline
0.25 ml
Water phase from aircraft fuel tank drains
0.1 ml
Heavy and residual fuels
0.01 ml
Loop
Lubricating, hydraulic and other oils
0.01 ml
Water phase from fuel storage tanks
0.01 ml
PREPARATION FOR TESTING
Sampling considerations
Sampling should be conducted in a clean and consistent manner which prevents introduction of background contamination
into the sample. Once fuel samples have been taken, any microbes present will tend to slowly die and it is important to
test samples as soon as possible. If the test is carried out more than 24 h after sampling, it is possible that the results will not
reflect the viable microbial content present at the time of sampling. To avoid this, part or all of the MicrobMonitor2 test
procedure can be conducted at the sampling location.
Sample type and recommended test volumes
MicrobMonitor2 can be used to test a wide variety of petroleum products and associated water. The volume of sample
which should be tested will depend on the type of sample. Refer to the table below to determine the appropriate
volume of sample to test and which measuring device to use.
The volume of sample tested can be changed in order to increase or decrease the detection level of the test. However,
testing volumes greater than those recommended above may in some circumstances lead to underestimation of microbial
numbers.
Determining whether to test fuel/oil or water phase
Depending on the system sampled and the sampling location, samples may contain fuel/oil and/or free water phase.
MicrobMonitor2 can be used to test either fuel/oil or associated water. Water phase will usually contain far more
microorganisms than are present in fuel or oil phase and therefore a smaller volume is usually tested. Because free water
phase may not always be recovered in samples, to ensure consistency when conducting regular microbiological
monitoring, it is usually recommended that fuel or oil phase from above any free water is tested. However, in some cases
it is recommended to additionally test water phase (e.g. samples from aircraft fuel tanks, and when investigating
suspected microbial growth in facilities). Further information is provided in the relevant technical guidance documents
listed on page 2.
To determine if the sample contains free water hold it up to the light and visually examine it. It may help to gently swirl the
sample to create a vortex. In order to enable access to the sample with the measuring devices provided, it may be
necessary to transfer some sample, after shaking, to a smaller clean container.
Preparing the
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
test bottles
If the MicrobMonitor2 test bottles have been stored refrigerated, allow them to equilibrate to ambient temperature before
they are used. Remove the seal from the cap of the bottle before using each MicrobMonitor2 test. Avoid prolonged
exposure of the MicrobMonitor2 test bottles to direct sunlight or other bright light during preparation, incubation and
examination of tests.
Cleanliness during testing
MicrobMonitor2 tests can be conducted on-site, in an office or in a laboratory. However, precautions should be taken to
ensure testing is conducted in a reasonably clean area to avoid contamination of the sample and the test by
microorganisms other than those in the test sample. Wash hands before and after testing. During testing wear clean, nitrile,
vinyl or polythene gloves. Avoid touching areas of the syringe and loop dispenser which come into direct contact with the
sample and avoid touching the inside of the MicrobMonitor2 test bottle cap and neck when dispensing sample.
DISPOSAL
Wear gloves and avoid touching the inside of the bottle or cap and wash hands after handling any MicrobMonitor2 test
bottles showing microbial growth. Before disposal, disinfect all MicrobMonitor2 test bottles which show growth by
immersion of the opened bottles in a strong disinfectant solution (e.g. household bleach) overnight or by incineration or by
using chlorine release tablets (available separately).
Decontaminated tests, unused tests or those showing no microbial growth can be disposed of as normal waste in
accordance with local waste regulations.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
The shelf life of MicrobMonitor2 is 1 year from the date of production. The expiry date is printed on the batch label of each
MicrobMonitor2 box. Store MicrobMonitor2 tests between 2 to 22°C, in the dark. The expiry date applies only to product
stored as stipulated. If refrigerated (2 - 8°C) the MicrobMonitor2 test will usually still be useable for up to a year beyond the
designated expiry date. Do not store MicrobMonitor2 frozen. Exposure to freezing temperatures during transport is
acceptable. Avoid exposure of MicrobMonitor2 tests to light during storage and use. A slightly pink discolouration in the
MicrobMonitor2 gel may develop over time during storage but this will not affect the performance of the test.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM ECHA
For use with
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
The following items can assist in performing the MicrobMonitor2 test procedure:
MicrobMonitor Sampling Kit (ECHA16/SB) - A sterile, polypropylene bottle for sampling fuel systems and which
enables easy separation of water phase from fuel phase; includes alcohol wipes for decontaminating sample
points.
Incubator (ECHA14/IN) - enables optimal, consistent incubation temperature of MicrobMonitor2 tests; holds 12
MicrobMonitor2 test bottles; available battery or mains (110/230 Volt) operated.
MicrobMonitor Bumpers (ECHA16/TB) - soft, rubber-like, hemispheres which can be stuck to a table top and enable
easy breaking and shaking of MicrobMonitor2 gel.
Chlorine Release tablets (ECHA21/CP) - to disinfect MicrobMonitor2 test bottles showing microbial growth for easy
disposal.
Sterile swabs (ECHA15/SW) - swabs for sampling surface contamination (e.g. tank surfaces, filter cartridges etc.).
Long, sterile bulb pipettes (ECHA07/PP/EL23) - to enable water to be removed from the bottom of samples.
Other Test Kits & Ancillary Items
SigTests
®
: Sig Sulphide (ECHA02/SS) — simple test kit for Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) which can cause serious
corrosion and sulphide spoilage in fuel, oil and water systems. Can be used on-site or in the laboratory.
Biocide Rapide (ECHA01/BR) — simple rapid test kit for assessing presence and approximate concentration of
commonly used fuel and oil biocides.
Any level and bottom sampling devices (ECHA23) — for safe sampling from fuel and oil storage tanks in
compliance with industry standards.
For our full range of test kits and ancillaries see www.echamicrobiology.com.
Technical support and services
ECHA Microbiology Ltd. provides a full technical service to support our product range. ECHA also offers laboratory testing,
training courses, consultancy and on-site attendance for audit and investigation of microbial contamination and corrosion
associated with petroleum products and petroleum, marine, aviation and other industrial facilities.
MICROBMONITOR
2
®
T R U S T E D
I N N O V A T I V E
A C C U R A T E
D E P E N D A B L E
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Results that count
