Conidia Bioscience Ltd

Rapid, Accurate, On Site detection of microbial diesel fuel contamination

The diesel bug problem

Micro-organisms, ("diesel bugs!"), have evolved to utilise every available food source on Earth, so their presence in fuel is somewhat inevitable. One main change to the formulation of fuel will be the introduction of bio-fuel into the market which will contribute to the increasing incidence of the problem. Other issues include poor housekeeping and poor fuel quality at some global locations.

The Jet Fuel Fungus and diesel bug, clogs up fuel filters and causes gauging errors. If left unchecked, its corrosive nature will eat through the fuel tank causing potential structure problems.

The jet fuel fungus and diesel bug solution

Good diesel fuel hygiene and a regular monitoring regime should include water removal, fuel testing and then treatment, according to test results.

Diesel bug and jet fuel fungus treatments

There are 2 levels of recommended treatment in diesel fuel tanks.

1. Low level of contamination:
Requires the use of Biocide to be added to the fuel tank. Only 2 biocides are authorised and approved for use on aircraft. Biobor JF, manufactured by Hammonds & Kathon FP 1.5, manufactured by Rohm & Hass Company. Retest is recommended 10 days later.

2. High level of contamination:
Requires the tank to be emptied of all fuel and cleaned in accordance with the maintenance manuals. The tank should then be filled to 1/3 full then Biocide added to complete the treatment. Retest is recommended 10 days later.

Jet fuel fungus and diesel bug testing

There are 5 validated tests that are recommended by The International Aviation Transport Authority (IATA).

1. IP385 is the standard laboratory test. Incubation time is approx 5 days to produce results after the sample has been delivered to a specialist laboratory.

2. Hy-lite from Merck delivers results in about 10 minutes, but requires significant investment in hardware and some expertise to operate the hardware.

3. MM2 is produced by Cardiff based SME, ECHA Microbiology Ltd. MM2 gives a colony count in 1 - 4 days. The test is conducted by personnel with minimal training and requires the purchase of some capital equipment plus a suitable environment for the incubation process.

4. Easycult Combi. A semi-quantitative test kit for yeasts, moulds and bacteria in water only. The kit uses a "dip slide" which is then placed in an incubator for approx. 1 – 4 days.

5. Conidia Bioscience's Fuelstat® resinae test, tests for Hormoconis resinae, (also known as H.res. and the Jet Fuel Fungus). The new test, Fuelstat™ resinae PLUS gives a full picture of all contaminants, H.res., fungi, yeasts and bacteria. Both test kits can be used for testing water, fuel or a combination of both and the easy to interpret results are obtained in just 10 minutes from a 5 minute set up process.

Why Conidia's diesel bug and jet fuel fungus tests?

1. Rapid – results in 10 minutes
2. Low skill – no special training needed
3. Virtually fool proof - Pregnancy style kit,
4. No special environment or lab required - Can be carried out on the "shop floor"
5. Easy handling & storage
6. Accurate – gives alert levels and actions required
7. No upfront investment for any additional equipment
8. 10 years history in Aviation industry
9. Recommended by IATA, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Fokker, Raytheon, BAE Systems, MROs and OEMs.

Target Audience - Who will buy?

1. Airlines
2. MROs
3. Fuel suppliers
4. Airports (for bulk fuel installation and fuel trucks)
5. Small boat owners
6. Bus and Truck operators
7. Non road mobile machinery operators

Why Conidia Bioscience Ltd

1. 10 year old shareholder owned UK limited company
2. Patented technology
3. More innovation to come from R&D pipeline
4. D&B 1 rating

Distribution

Satair, are the global aviation distributor for Conidia's Fuelstat products.