What is that black sludge or fuzzy stuff in aircraft fuel tanks and why is so important to remove it?
Before and after a tank wash on a Challenger
Bacterial growth, also known as microbiological growth, typically appears as a 'black sludge' found in the lowest points of the fuel tank or trapped areas of the tank collecting water. This biomass is typically found when the aircraft is not being used often and moisture is allowed to develop in the fuel tank. Bacterial growth sometimes can be found above the fuel but generally lives in the area where moisture deposits in the tank.
Bacterial growth thriving on access panels
Bacterial growth does not actually live in the fuel, it lives in the water trapped in the fuel tank. This is one good reason to regularly sump your fuel tank in an effort to remove the water so the bacterial growth has no place to grow. You may be asking yourself, how is bacterial growth a problem?
Removing microbiological growth from Dassault Falcon 900 planks
First of all, the biomass will clog your filters and affect your sensitive engine equipment which can lead to costly repairs and downtime. Secondly, the byproduct of the bacterial growth is very corrosive and damaging the aluminum skins and sealant of your fuel tanks. Typically if bacterial growth is found early enough, major damage can be avoided. Microbiological growth can leave behind spores requiring the entire fuel system to be treated at one time meaning the fuel must be discarded and the fuel tank must be properly decontaminated.
Before and after biomass removal from a Falconjet fuel pump
How to detect and treat bacterial growth?
The key to controlling microbiological growth is early detection. Regularly sumping your aircraft fuel tank to remove excess moisture is first step to maintaining a functional fuel system. If you suspect bacterial growth is already present in your fuel tank, the good news is SEAL Aviation has you covered. The first step is to apply specialized fuel test kits such as FUELSTAT, MICROMONITOR 2or BIOBOR HUM-BUG (Click on the links to view) which can assist with early detection. The SEAL Aviation Fuel Repair Team can help pinpoint bacterial growth issues before they arise, ensuring the health of your fuel system. Once microbiological growth has set in, a full tank wash may be required to properly treat your fuel system. SEAL Aviation can assist with detecting and removing microbiological growth, ensuring your aircraft has a healthy and efficient fuel system for years to come.
Popular biomass detection and treatment products, for sale at SEALAeroParts.com
Need assistance with bacterial growth? SEAL Aviation has you covered.
SEAL Aviation is a Part 145 repair station that operates a mobile company which has the capability to provide heavy structural repairs, fuel leak repairs, and non-destructive testing for your aircraft, anywhere in the world. SEAL Aviation is an FAA, EASA, Mexico and Canada authorized repair station and SEAL Aviation NDT Techs are SNT-TC-1A, NAS410, EASA and Cessna/Citation NDT Certified.