1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of Heterotrophic bacteria (HPC) and fungi in liquid fuels with kinematic viscosities 24 mm ² s ^-1 at ambient temperature.

1.2 This quantitative practice is drawn largely from IP Method 385 and Test Method D 5259.

1.3 This test may be performed either in the field or in the laboratory.

1.4 The ability of individual microbes to form colonies on specific growth media depends on the taxonomy and physiological state of the microbes to be enumerated, the chemistry of the growth medium, and incubation conditions. Consequently, test results should not be interpreted as absolute values. Rather they should be used as part of a diagnostic or condition monitoring effort that includes other test parameters, in accordance with Guide D 6469.

1.5 This practice offers alternative options for delivering fuel sample microbes to the filter membrane, volumes or dilutions filtered, growth media used to cultivate fuel-borne microbes, and incubation temperatures. This flexibility is offered to facilitate diagnostic efforts. When this practice is used as part of a condition monitoring program, a single procedure should be used consistently.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum Products, and Lubricants

D5259 Test Method for Isolation and Enumeration of Enterococci from Water by the Membrane Filter Procedure

D6426 Test Method for Determining Filterability of Middle Distillate Fuel Oils

D6469 Guide for Microbial Contamination in Fuels and Fuel Systems

D7463 Test Method for Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Content of Microorganisms in Fuel, Fuel/Water Mixtures and Fuel Associated Water

D7464 Practice for Manual Sampling of Liquid Fuels, Associated Materials and Fuel System Components for Microbiological Testing

E1326 Guide for Evaluating Nonconventional Microbiological Tests Used for Enumerating Bacteria

F1094 Test Methods for Microbiological Monitoring of Water Used for Processing Electron and Microelectronic Devices by Direct Pressure Tap Sampling Valve and by the Presterilized Plastic Bag Method

Energy Institute Standards

Keywords

bacteria; biodegradation; biodeterioration; colony forming unit; enumeration; fuel microbiology; fungi; membrane filter technique; viable count;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 75.160.20 (Liquid fuels)

DOI: 10.1520/D6974-03

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