Clogging of Aircraft Fuel Filters by microbial contaminants in jet fuel can pose a serious threat to safe operations.
If conditions are favourable, microbes can reproduce and grow resulting in the formation of visible slimy growth known as biomass. When this occurs in fuel tanks the biomass is most commonly observed at the interface between fuel and any water or as a slimy film of growth on tank surfaces, known as a biofilm.
Turbulence in the tank can disperse the biomass into the fuel and where this occurs in aircraft fuel tanks the consequences can be very serious. If there is a significant increase in differential pressure across the engine fuel filters because of particulate accumulation, the flight crew will be alerted with an impending bypass indication.
Most of these indications occur during or soon after take-off when fuel flow through filters is highest. Aircraft may need to be diverted or return to the airport. If filters clog and are bypassed, the contamination in the fuel could potentially reach the engine and cause failure.
Fuel is the only aircraft component which has no back up, and if contamination causes engine failure, there are no lay-bys in the sky! Aircraft operators know that fuel filter clogging is an issue which should be avoided at all costs.
A biocide is a chemical substance or microorganism that is capable of killing or inhibiting the growth of living organisms. It is used in a variety of applications, such as in agriculture, medicine, and water treatment, to control pests, bacteria, and viruses. Biocides can also be used in industrial applications to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, particularly in cooling towers and other water systems.
Some common types of biocides include chlorine, ozone, and bromine. However, some biocides can also have harmful effects on humans and the environment, so their use is regulated and controlled.
Aircraft fuel biocide treatment involves the use of a chemical agent to prevent the growth of microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) in aviation fuel. These microorganisms can cause serious issues for aircraft engines, leading to the clogging of filters, corrosion, and other damage.
Biocide treatments are typically added to the fuel during the fueling process or as part of regular maintenance procedures for the aircraft. The treatment works by killing any existing microorganisms and preventing new ones from growing or reproducing. This helps to ensure the fuel stays clean and safe for use in aircraft engines.
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