Fuel Test Kits and Supplies that Provide
Periodic Updates on the Condition
of Your Stored Fuel
Liqui-Cult Test Kit
Comparison Chart
Additional Literature
for Fuel Testing Kits
and Supplies
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Liqui-CultTM Fuel Test Kits
Liqui-CultTM test kits are used to detect microbial growth in fluids, in the laboratory and in the workplace. Areas of application include metalworking fluids, circulating cooling and process water, hydrocarbons (diesel fuel), and other liquids such as cleaners, cosmetics, liquid soaps, detergents, etc.
Liqui-CultTM testing determines the type and degree of infestation usually measured by the more expensive plate count system. To use, simply fill the 5 cc syringe (included in your kit) with the fluid to be tested. Inject the complete 5 cc’s through the rubber cap of the test bottle containing the liquid agar and shake it vigorously. Incubate for 30 hours for bacterial growth or 72 hours for fungal growth and compare it to the appropriate photo charts to determine the degree of contamination.
Directions:
Capture a fuel sample in a clean dry container.
Assemble syringe by first removing plunger nozzle guard. Take cap, not guard, off needle and press into plunger nozzle, leaving needle guard in place until ready to use.
Remove needle guard and insert tip into liquid to be tested. Draw plunger back, filling syringe with complete 5 cc’s of fluid.
Inject needle through rubber cap on bottle and push down on syringe plunger, emptying contents completely into it. Remove syringe from bottle, replacing needle guard and discard according to local, state and federal guidelines. Shake bottle vigorously to mix fluids.
Incubate bottle at room temperature for 30 hours for microbial growth and 72 hours in total for fungal growth.
Bacterial/Microbial Growth: After 30 hours compare the color of sample bottle to the color chart.
Fungal Growth: After 72 hours compare the color of the test bottle to the color chart.
If it is necessary to dilute samples to be tested, for reasons of viscosity, etc., the following procedure is recommended: A sample may be diluted by adding 1 ml to 99 ml of boiled, cooled tap water in a clean container. Add 1 ml of the test sample to the diluent, cap the container and shake vigorously. Then proceed with the above directions. Take the dilution factor into account when estimating growth. For example, a 105 count from a 1/100 dilution of fluid would indicate 107 organisms per ml in the original sample.
STORAGE: Liqui-CultTM should be stored at room temperature (68-75 deg. F). Protect from light. Need not be refrigerated.
DISPOSAL OF USED MATERIALS: Under a fume hood fill the bottle with bleach. Allow to stand for 24 hours. Then discard in an appropriate manner. Needles and syringes should be disposed of within local, state and federal guidelines.
Note that in performing testing where a biocide or other similar product has been used in fuel, the test will likely result in a false negative reading for microbial and fungal contamination, but fuel degradation and contamination from other sources is common and the test will not disclose other problems.
Kolor Kut Water Finding Paste
To determine the amount of water and sludge in a tank an old and tried method is called “sticking the tank.” This means using a stick with “Kolor Kut” paste on the end of a stick or a tank measuring rod that reaches through the top fill opening all the way to the bottom of the tank. Kolor Kut paste, available through our Shopping Cart in a 3 oz. (85g) tube, will show the water level in the tank by changing color where it comes in contact with water, indicating how much water and sludge will need to be removed.
Regularly checking any fuel tank is an important part of a maintenance program. Water in above-ground tanks can freeze causing damage, and below ground tanks with water provide the ideal environment for microbial contamination to grow at the interface between the water and the fuel, or other hydrocarbon fluid, in the tank. Learn more about what causes and how to fix bad diesel fuel.
Removal of water depends on the type of tank. Fuel tanks on equipment can be pumped out using a 1/2 inch length of rigid tubing. PVC pipe or PEX pipe can be used. Use it like a soda straw in a soft drink. Cut the tubing to length so it will reach the bottom of the tank and allow you to hold your thumb over the end. Cover the end with your thumb and place the tube into the tank to the bottom while you continue to hold your thumb over the end. When you reach the bottom of the tank, remove your thumb so whatever is in the bottom of the tank enters the tube from the bottom. Then replace your thumb, holding the contents of the action inside the tube. Remove the tube and empty the contents of the tube into a empty 2-liter soft drink bottle that has been placed inside a 5-gallon bucket (to catch any spillage). Repeat this process several times until the drink bottle is at least half full. You may need to allow the contents of the drink bottle to settle overnight. Inspect the contents to determine if the tank contains all fuel or has water collected at the bottom, and what type of debris or other materials came from the bottom of the tank.
If several inches of water is found accumulated in the tank bottom, the portable DC powered TK Series TK-240 XT Portable Fuel Conditioning & Tank Cleaning System is the ideal tool for removing water and other debris from tanks up to 1,000 gallons. Larger tanks or commercial applications where the removal of water and debris is done often requires a more substantial system such as one of the STS 6000 Series or STS 7000 Series Automated Tank Cleaning Systems or a MTC Series Mobile Tank Cleaning System.
Should the water you find be minimal, do not ignore it as the consequences can be just as problematic to the cleanliness and performance of your diesel fuel. With small amounts of water in any fuel tank, utilizing a Water Eliminator to remove water is a low cost, easy and effective way to capture the water from a tank bottom and remove it. The Water Eliminator contains crystals that will absorb water but not diesel fuel. Inspect the Water Eliminator at each tank fill and when the crystals have swollen with water, replace the Water Eliminator with a new one. Larger storage tank size Water Eliminators are also available.
