1st Aviation Fuel Test – FUELSTAT resinae
The first test kit developed by Conidia Bioscience was Fuelstat resinae, designed to detect the presence and level of H.res in Jet A1 aviation fuel. The 2 lateral flow devices (LFD’s) detect the presence of a compound given off by the LIVE H.res organism growing in the fuel. There are two LFD’s, one has a set limit at the boundary between negligible and moderate contamination, while the other has a set limit between moderate and heavy contamination. The significant benefits offered by Fuelstat resinae vs competitive tests include its rapid (results within 10 Minutes) and accurate onsite detection with no need for special training/skills or sterile laboratory environment.
2nd Aviation Fuel Test – FUELSTAT Kerosene Advanced
In response to requests from civil and defence operators (mainly the Navies) for a test detecting a broader range of organisms, Conidia Bioscience developed the next generation FUELSTAT test. In the same pregnancy test style format, the test now detects for H.res, other fungi (yeasts and moulds) and bacteria. The new test has all the speed and accuracy advantages of the old version, again without the need for special skills or laboratory conditions. Like the first test, it does not require any special disposal after use – less the fuel itself.
1st Marine Test – FUELSTAT Marine (Diesel)
Based on the same technology as the second generation aviation test, the Marine (Diesel) test measures similar levels of the 3 main groups of microbial contaminants. The test’s sensitivity has been adjusted to match market requirements. The test represents a major improvement on the dip slide and bottle based technologies, in terms of usability, speed and accuracy. These older colony forming unit (CFU) count tests may have a cheaper per unit price tag, but Conidia’s FUELSTAT test passes the value-for-money test in most organisations, by delivering fast, accurate, real time information which relates directly to appropriate actions taken in maintenance activity.
Rapid screening of fuel samples (water in fuel or fuel), provides on-site quick and accurate detection of H.res, other fungi (yeasts & moulds) and bacteria levels in the fuel system. The test measures the amount of active/live growth in the sample and provides action and alert levels within 10 minutes, which is standard for all FUELSTAT test kits.
In aviation the IATA guidelines recommend a test frequency of at least once a year. In other applications (i.e Diesel and Biodiesel), it is recommended testing fuel tanks and associated delivery systems at least twice a year as they are more susceptible to microbial contamination. Test frequency should be increased in high temperature and/or humid environments, if supplied fuel quality is in doubt or where equipment in use is critical. A risk assessment by qualified professionals is always advisable.
Other Applications
This new 3n1 FUELSTAT test delivers the same benefits to all diesel and biodiesel users. Markets that benefit from the tests include standby generators, power supply, boilers, forecourt and filling stations, commercial fuel storage and supply, road transport, mining, agriculture, forestry, mobile plant and other equipment users.
Further Developments
Conidia Bioscience’s research team are working on an SRB (sulphate reducing bacteria) detection test, plus other innovative test methods applicable to fuel, oil and general industrial use.