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Product Information
FUELSAVER
Antimicrobial Agent for Fuel Preservation
EPA Reg. No. 464-659
General
FUELSAVER™ antimicrobial agent is an excellent preservative for the prevention of microbial
growth in hydrocarbons. Studies have shown that at recommended levels it is:
• effective for shock dosing against bacteria, mold, and yeasts found in contaminated fuels
• soluble in fuels, hydrocarbons and water at typical use levels
• active even in the presence of large quantities of water
When tested at levels of up to 1000 ppm in No. 2 diesel fuel, no deleterious effects on
engine performance or emissions were noted. Engine rpms, power output, and torque
remained unchanged, and no increase in the amount of exhaust pollutants emitted was
observed.
Microbial
Contamination
How Microbial Contamination Affects Fuels
Hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel, kerosene, and heating oil are often stored in contact
with water. It is not uncommon for a diesel fuel tank to accumulate as much as 1% water
(based on the volume of fuel) as a result of condensation during long-term storage. At the
water-hydrocarbon interface, conditions are favorable for the growth of microorganisms
which often contaminate fuels. Pseudomonads and sulfate-reducing bacteria have been
isolated from contaminated fuels, but the greatest sources of problems are fungi, Yarrowia,
Cephalosporium, Penicillium and, in particular, Hormoconis resinae and Aspergillus
fumigatus.
When these organisms are allowed to grow unchecked, they produce long filaments, large
mats, or globules which can cling to the surfaces of tank walls, pumps, delivery lines, and
vital engine parts.
Filters can become clogged, causing poor engine performance or even failure. In addition,
as the microorganisms metabolize in the fuel, they produce more water, sludge, and acidic
by-products which can corrode metals in contact with the fuel. Heavily contaminated fuel
may develop a foul odor, similar to rotten eggs.
To demonstrate the efficacy of FUELSAVER, a study was conducted at an independent
testing laboratory in which FUELSAVER was compared with a competitive preservative.
Page 1 of 8
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
Description of the Test
FUELSAVER was added to No. 2 diesel fuel to produce samples containing concentrations
of 135 and 250 ppm of preservative on a volume basis. A similar sample was prepared
utilizing a competitive preservative at a 270 ppm level, per the recommendation of the
manufacturer. Two hundred and fifty milliliters of each of these treated fuels were placed in
separatory funnels. An untreated control sample was also prepared. All samples were then
inoculated with 2.5 mL of Bushnell-Haas broth containing microorganisms isolated from
various contaminated fuel sources. The initial counts of the inoculum were:
Bacteria
1.6 X 106 per mL
Mold
6.1 X 105 per mL
Yeast
9.2 X 105 per mL
All the systems were sampled and analyzed weekly for organism viability over an
eight-week period.
Results
The untreated control supported heavy microbial growth throughout the entire eight-week
test period, demonstrating that diesel fuel is an effective nutrient source and needs biocidal
protection.
In the treated samples, the contaminating microbes (bacteria, mold and yeast) were least
affected by the 270 ppm level of the competitive biocide. By contrast, FUELSAVER at 250
ppm demonstrated excellent control for the entire eight-week test period, followed by the
135 ppm level which also outperformed 270 ppm of the competitive biocide.
Figures 1-3 detail the microbial population counts for the control fuel, the fuel treated with
270 ppm of the competitive biocide and the fuel treated with 135 ppm and 250 ppm
FUELSAVER.
Figure 1
FUELSAVER
Efficacy vs.
Bacteria
109
108
Bacteria/mL
107
106
105
104
103
102
10
1
Page 2 of 8
2
3
4
5
Time (Weeks)
Control FUELSAVER 135 ppm
Competitive Biocide 270 ppm
6
7
8
FUELSAVER 250 ppm
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
Figure 2
FUELSAVER
Efficacy vs. Mold
109
108
Mold/mL
107
106
105
104
103
102
10
1
Figure 3
FUELSAVER
Efficacy vs. Yeast
2
3
4
5
Time (Weeks)
Control FUELSAVER 135 ppm
Competitive Biocide 270 ppm
6
7
8
FUELSAVER 250 ppm
109
108
Yeast/mL
107
106
105
104
103
102
10
1
2
3
4
5
Time (Weeks)
Control FUELSAVER 135 ppm
Competitive Biocide 270 ppm
6
7
8
FUELSAVER 250 ppm
Conclusions
FUELSAVER will control microbial growth effectively at levels as low as 135 ppm in the fuel.
Its ability to provide control is unaffected by the presence of water in the system. In fact,
FUELSAVER is highly effective for hydrocarbons intentionally stored over water. Protection
can be obtained by addition of FUELSAVER to the fuel, or by direct addition to the water
phase.
Fuel/Water
Solubility or
Partition
Coefficient
When FUELSAVER is added to diesel fuel containing water (1:10 and 1:25), it partitions into
both the water and fuel phases. The ratio of FUELSAVER in the water phase to that in the
fuel phase is 0.26. This means if 250 ppm of FUELSAVER is added to diesel fuel containing
water, approximately 65 ppm of FUELSAVER will migrate into the water phase.
It is the only fuel preservative which is principally fuel-soluble, but which also partitions into
the water phase, where microbial growth actually occurs. Biocides which are only fuelsoluble cannot provide protection against growth where it is actually taking place — in the
water phase. Biocides which are primarily water-soluble may be effective as shock
treatments before flushing out contaminated water bottoms; however, these biocides are
removed from the system with the water. Only FUELSAVER provides a prolonged release of
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Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
biocidal activity from the fuel phase into the water phase. This means that after
contaminated water bottoms have been flushed from a system, FUELSAVER is still present
to help prevent recontamination.
An additional benefit from the use of FUELSAVER derives from the fact that most of the
actual microbial growth occurs at the fuel-water interface. Here, the phenomenon of invertemulsion formation is often observed. Microbial by-products emulsify the fuel into the water
phase. Because of its favorable partition coefficient, FUELSAVER can pass from the fuel
stage into the water where it can effectively control microbial growth.
FUELSAVER
Efficacy
Speed-of-Kill
FUELSAVER is a very effective shock-dose treatment for contaminated diesel fuel and
water bottoms in fuel storage tanks. Because contamination will occur in both the water and
fuel phases, it is necessary to demonstrate efficacy in both.
No. 2 diesel fuel, stored over water, was challenged with a mixed population of bacteria
(Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans) and fungi (Hormoconis
[formerly Cladosporium] resinae and Yarrowia tropicalis). Water and fuel samples were
tested to determine microbial loads before and after treatment with FUELSAVER.
FUELSAVER was tested at 125 and 250 ppm (v/v).
At 250 ppm, all bacterial contamination was eliminated within one hour and fungal
contamination was eliminated in the fuel and water phases within eight hours. All of the test
organisms except Yarrowia tropicalis were killed within four hours at the 125 ppm dosage
(Figures 4-7).
5.0x106
4.0x106
CFU/mL
Figure 4
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (125 ppm)
Speed-of-Kill
(In Water Phase)
3.0x106
2.0x106
1.0x106
0
0.25
Page 4 of 8
0.5
P. aeruginosa
1
4
8
Time (Hours)
Y. tropicalis
24
48
72
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
5.0x106
4.0x106
CFU/mL
Figure 5
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (250 ppm)
Speed-of-Kill
(In Water Phase)
3.0x106
2.0x106
1.0x106
0
0.25
P. aeruginosa
1
4
8
Time (Hours)
Y. tropicalis
24
48
72
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
3.5x106
3.0x106
2.5x106
CFU/mL
Figure 6
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (125 ppm)
Speed-of-Kill
(In Fuel Phase)
0.5
2.0x106
1.5x106
1.0x106
5.0x105
0
0.25
P. aeruginosa
1
4
8
Time (Hours)
Y. tropicalis
24
48
72
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
3.5x106
3.0x106
2.5x106
CFU/mL
Figure 7
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (250 ppm)
Speed-of-Kill
(In Fuel Phase)
0.5
2.0x106
1.5x106
1.0x106
5.0x105
0
0.25
Page 5 of 8
0 .5
P. aeruginosa
1
4
8
Time (Hours)
Y. tropicalis
H. resinae
24
48
72
D. desulfuricans
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
Persistence-of-Effect Over Water Bottoms
A 12-week persistence-of-effect test was run following ASTM E1259-88 (Standard Method
for Evaluation of Antimicrobials in Distillate Fuels Based on Preliminary Screening and
Compatibility). No. 2 diesel fuel over fresh water was challenged with a mixed population of
bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans) and fungi (Hormoconis
[formerly Cladosporium] resinae and Yarrowia tropicalis). Water and fuel samples were
analyzed to determine microbial loads before treatment and weekly after FUELSAVER
was added.
The results are depicted graphically in Figures 8 and 9. FUELSAVER, at 125 and 250 ppm,
effectively decontaminated the test systems during the first week. It also prevented growth
for the duration of the study (12 weeks).
5.0x106
4.0x106
CFU/mL
Figure 8
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (125 ppm)
Persistence-ofEffect
(In Water Phase)
3.0x106
2.0x106
1.0x106
0
0.25 1 2 3 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
Time (Days)
Y. tropicalis
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
5.0x106
4.0x106
CFU/mL
Figure 9
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (250 ppm)
Persistence-ofEffect
(In Water Phase)
P. aeruginosa
3.0x106
2.0x106
1.0x106
0
0.25 1 2 3 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63 70 77 84
Time (Days)
P. aeruginosa
Y. tropicalis
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
After 12 weeks, the level of test species in the water phase of untreated controls were
>5 X 108 CFU/mL (CFU = Colony Forming Units).
FUELSAVER is an effective “quick-kill” biocide, as well as a long-term preservative. At a
treatment rate of one quart per 1,000 gallons (250 ppm v/v), FUELSAVER kills the bacteria
and fungi most often associated with diesel fuel contamination.
Page 6 of 8
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
Speed-of-Kill and Persistence-of-Effect over Seawater Bottoms
Contamination not only occurs in storage tanks, but also in the fuel tanks of marine crafts.
Seawater in the tanks allows for the propagation of microbial contamination.
Recognizing that FUELSAVER’s performance might be affected by the presence of
seawater, the previously described ASTM E1259-88: Standard Method for Evaluation of
Antimicrobials in Distillate Fuels, modified by replacing freshwater bottoms with synthetic
seawater (Instant Oceans, Aquarium Systems, Sarrebourg, France) was performed.
Speed-of-kill data for microbial contaminants in seawater are presented in Figure 10.
Bacterial contaminants were virtually eliminated within the first four hours’ exposure to
250 ppm of FUELSAVER. Fungal contaminants were controlled within the first 24 hours
after treatment.
5.0x106
4.0x106
CFU/mL
Figure 10
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (250 ppm)
Speed-of-Kill
(Salt Water Phase)
3.0x106
2.0x106
1.0x106
0
0.24
0.5
P. aeruginosa
1
4
8
24
Time (Hours)
Y. tropicalis
48
72
168
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
Persistence-of-effect data are shown graphically in Figure 11. FUELSAVER effectively
prevented growth of all four test species for three months.
1.6x106
1.4x106
1.2x106
CFU/mL
Figure 11
FUELSAVER
Efficacy (250 ppm)
Persistence-ofEffect (Salt
Water Phase)
1.0x106
8.0x105
6.0x105
4.0x105
2.0x105
0
1
2
3
P. aeruginosa
4
5
6
7
8
Time (Weeks)
Y. tropicalis
9
10 11 12
H. resinae D. desulfuricans
FUELSAVER is as effective in fuel systems containing seawater bottoms as it is in
systems containing freshwater bottoms. At a treatment rate of one quart per 1,000 gallons
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Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)
(250 ppm v/v), FUELSAVER kills the bacteria and fungi most commonly recovered from
contaminated fuel systems.
Using FUELSAVER
FUELSAVER
Addition Levels
FUELSAVER may be added to fuel or water bottoms to achieve levels up to 1000 ppm by
weight. Direct addition to fuel or water bottoms may be accomplished by slug dosage or
metering. To facilitate mixing with the water bottoms, it may be useful to predilute
FUELSAVER in water or a water-coupling agent mixture such as tripropylene glycol
monomethylether.
Fuel Volume
(gallons)
FUELSAVER Volume to Get Dose:
(ppm)
135
250
500
1000
10
0.17 fl. oz.
0.32 fl. oz.
0.64 fl. oz.
1.28 fl.oz.
100
1.7
3.2
6.4
12.8
1000
17
32
64
128
Fuel Volume
(liters)
FUELSAVER Volume to Get Dose:
(ppm)
135
250
500
1000
100
13.5 mls
25 mls
50 mls
100 mls
1000
135 mls
250 mls
500 mls
1.0 liter
5000
675 mls
1.25 liters
2.5 liters
5 liters
Complete instructions on the safe handling and the use of FUELSAVER are given in DOW
Technical Information Sheet No. 253-01206.
For further information visit our website:
www.dowbiocides.com or call…
United States 1-800-447-4369 (phone)
and Canada: 1-989-832-1560 (phone)
1-989-832-1465 (fax)
Europe:
800-3-694-6367 (phone)
32-3-450-2240 (phone)
32-3-450-2815 (fax)
Pacific:
603-7958-3392 (phone)
603-7958-5598 (fax)
Latin America: 55-11-5188-9555 (phone)
55-11-5188-9937 (fax)
Other Global 1-989-832-1560 (phone)
Areas:
1-989-832-1465 (fax)
NOTICE: No freedom from any patent owned by Seller or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws
may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products
and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer’s use and for ensuring that Customer’s workplace and
disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other governmental enactments. Seller assumes no obligation or
liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
Page 8 of 8
Printed in U.S.A. *Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
Form No. 253-01225-10/10/02
(U.S. Only)