Test History

1st Aviation Fuel Test - Fuelstat® resinae

The first jet fuel fungus test to emerge from the Conidia Bioscience R&D programme was Fuelstat® resinae, designed to measure the presence and level of H. res. in aviation fuel. The 2 lateral flow devices test for the presence of a compound given off by the jet fuel fungus organism only when it is growing in fuel. There are two devices, one is set at the boundary between negligible and moderate jet fuel fungus contamination and the other between moderate and heavy contamination. The significant benefits offered by Fuelstat® resinae versus other competitive tests include its accuracy, rapid results within 10 minutes, and the lack of a need for special training or skills or a laboratory environment.

2nd Aviation Fuel Test - Fuelstat® resinae PLUS

In response to requests from civil and defence operators for a jet fuel fungus test indicating the presence of a broader range of organisms, Conidia Bioscience research scientists have answered the need with a next generation fuel test. Using the same technology as the original tests, the new kits now report on H. res., other fungi (yeasts and moulds) plus bacteria. The new jet fuel fungus test retains the advantages of the original kit of speed, accuracy, ease of use and simplicity. Also, like the first test, its components do not require any special disposal procedures (other than for the diesel fuel itself).

1st Marine Test - Fuelstat® Marine

Based on the same innovative technology as the second generation aviation test, the marine kit similarly measures levels of the groups of diesel bug contaminants. The diesel bug test’s sensitivity has been adjusted to match market requirements. The diesel bug test represents a major improvement on the dip slide and bottle based tests, in terms of usability, speed and accuracy. Immunoassay technologies are a modern, more accurate way to detect diesel bug contamination, specifically for fungi. Experience in the aviation industry has shown that the overall cost of ownership of this new system is less than that of traditional colony forming unit (CFU) systems.

Rapid screening of diesel fuel samples (water in fuel or fuel), provides on-site quick and accurate assessment of H. res, other fungi and bacteria in the diesel fuel system. The test measures the amount of active diesel bug growth in the sample and provides action and alert levels in 10 minutes.

In aviation, IATA recommends a test frequency of at least once every 12 months. In the marine industry Conidia Bioscience also recommends testing diesel fuel tanks at least once a year. As in aviation, the test frequency should be increased in high temperature and/or humidity conditions, or where diesel fuel quality is in doubt. A risk assessment by a qualified professional is always advised.

Other Applications

It is already apparent that the new Conidia Bioscience marine diesel bug test can deliver the same benefits to other diesel users. Markets which have expressed interest in the test’s benefits include stand-by generation, filling stations, fuel storage and supply, road haulage, mining, plant and equipment users & hire companies.

Further Developments

Conidia Bioscience's research team are working on SRB detection, plus other exciting and innovative test methods applicable to both diesel fuel users and more general industrial uses.