Microbiological Growth - The Silent Fuel System Destroyer

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:24:17 -0400

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.

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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.

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Need assistance with bacterial growth? SEAL Aviation has you covered.

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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.

SEAL Aviation Has New Hangar Space in Fort Pierce, FL!

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:23:45 -0400

SEAL Aviation Continues to Exhibit Substantial Growth in the Aviation Maintenance Industry

SEAL Aviation is expanding once again! SEAL Aviation now has a brand new 12,000 sq ft facility at the Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida. This spacious facility has a large hangar space as well as ramp access and office space. The new Fort Pierce location will enable even more customers to take full advantage of our core SEAL Aviation services; fuel leak maintenance, structural repairs, non-destructive testing and aircraft weighing. This recent expansion comes on the heels of our successful Fort Lauderdale Headquarters expansion just 5 short years ago. SEAL Aviation continues to be the fastest growing part 145 Repair Station in the aviation industry as we once again invest to meet the needs of our burgeoning customer base.

As SEAL Aviation continues to grow in the South Florida area, we also continue to expand our Mobile Aircraft Maintenance and AOG Repair Services. Now more than ever, you will find SEAL Aviation Technicians all around the country performing Fuel Leak Maintenance, Structural Repairs and Non-destructive Testing at our customers location. Our unique mobile capabilities make SEAL Aviation the only family-owned and operated 'one-stop-shop' when it comes to aircraft maintenance. One call to SEAL is all it takes to receive options for cost effective aircraft repairs as well as mobile repair options for AOG situations. We put the choice in your hands!

As we continue to invest in our customers needs, SEAL Aviation will ensure that we remain committed to quality repairs and exceptional customer service. Loyalty to our customer base remains our top priority as it is our ambition that even more customers around the world will be able to take full advantage of the convenience and reliably SEAL Aviation offers.