Kerosene Biological Contamination

[Héli Suisse]

"Microorganisms grow in certain fuels using alkanes as a foodstuff or, in some cases, utilising the additives put into the fuel. Aviation fuel is particularly susceptible to microorganism contamination. It is not uncommon to have microorganisms in fuel, but if left unchecked and untreated they can cause serious damage to the fuel tank" from Zoe Armitage, Conidia Bioscience

Does anybody experienced such problems using aviation kerosene JetA1 to fuel the microturbine in model helicopters?

Any comment would be of interest

Best regards

S

[cbergen]

This is more of an issue in fullsize aircraft, especially if the fuel sits in the tanks for any extended period of time.

When working at the overhaul facility for Delta Airlines, I had on occasion added a biocide to the tanks on 727 aircraft IF the fuel tanks had NOT been drained for some reason.

I suppose if you buy more than 5 gallons at a time and store it somewhere, you may need to add a biocide, but normally we use it quick enough to not worry about.

[kokonutts]

Add a small amount of Prist

[crewchief]

My understanding of this interesting phenomenon is that the bacteria are sustained by the water molecules suspended in the jet fuel. Jet-A, kerosene, diesel etc., are rather susceptible to the absorption of water particles. We used to add biocides to marine diesel every time we fueled up.