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MICROB-MONITOR-2 – ECHA 16/MM/02 Fuel/Oil Microbial Contamination Test Kit
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The MICROB-MONITOR-2 (Part Number 16/MM/02) is a professional-grade, diagnostic test system designed for the rapid detection and semi-quantitative assessment of microbial contamination in aviation fuels and oils. Manufactured by ECHA Microbiology, this kit is specifically engineered to meet the stringent requirements of IP 613 and ASTM D7978, providing a standardized method for identifying the presence of bacteria, yeasts, and molds (including the problematic Hormoconis resinae). In the aerospace industry, where fuel system integrity is paramount, the MICROB-MONITOR-2 serves as a critical early-warning system to prevent the catastrophic effects of microbial growth, such as fuel gauge inaccuracy, filter clogging, and wing-tank corrosion.
The test utilizes an advanced gel-based culture medium that allows for the direct addition of a fuel or oil sample without the need for complex laboratory pre-processing or filtration. The system is designed for field or hangar use, providing results that correlate directly with traditional laboratory colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. This box contains five individual test kits, making it an essential tool for fleet maintenance directors and quality control managers tasked with ensuring compliance with IATA and OEM fuel hygiene recommendations. By identifying contamination at the "low" or "moderate" stages, operators can implement biocidal treatments or tank cleaning before microbial biofilms lead to structural damage or engine fuel starvation.
Key Features
Industry Standard Compliance: Fully compliant with ASTM D7978 and IP 613, recognized by major airframe and engine OEMs (Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GE).
Direct Sample Testing: Eliminates the need for external laboratories; the fuel or oil sample is added directly to the test bottle, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
Broad-Spectrum Detection: Simultaneously detects aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds, including the "Jet Fuel Fungus" (H. resinae) that thrives in the fuel-water interface.
Semi-Quantitative Results: Provides clear visual indicators that categorize contamination levels as Negligible, Low, Moderate, or Heavy, enabling informed maintenance decisions.
Field-Ready Design: Requires no specialized incubator for standard ambient-temperature testing (though incubation can accelerate results).
Technical Specifications
Part Number: MICROB-MONITOR-2 (16/MM/02)
Manufacturer: ECHA Microbiology Ltd.
Test Standards: ASTM D7978, IP 613
Kit Quantity: Box of 5 Individual Tests
Sample Type: Aviation Turbine Fuel (Jet A/A-1), Avgas, Diesel, and Lubricating Oils
Detection Threshold: Down to 100 CFU/L (Fuel) or 10 CFU/ml (Water)
Incubation Period: 2 to 4 days (Bacteria/Yeast), up to 7 days (Molds)
Storage Temperature: 2°C to 22°C (36°F to 72°F)
Shelf Life: Typically 12 months from manufacture
Certification: Approved for use by IATA Fuel Quality Pool (IFQP) and listed in Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM).
Aircraft Compatibility
Commercial Airliners: Airbus A320, A330, A350; Boeing 737, 777, 787.
Business Aviation: Gulfstream, Bombardier Challenger/Global, Dassault Falcon, Cessna Citation.
Regional & General Aviation: ATR 42/72, Embraer E-Jets, Beechcraft King Air.
Note: This test is universally applicable to any airframe or ground storage facility utilizing hydrocarbon fuels or oils. Always consult your specific AMM Chapter 12 or 28 for microbial testing intervals.
Applications
Routine Maintenance (AMM Chapter 12/28): Scheduled fuel hygiene monitoring to detect "hidden" biomass growth in wing tanks.
Storage Tank Audits: Testing of FBO fuel farm samples to ensure the supply chain is free of contaminants.
Troubleshooting: Investigating recurring fuel filter bypass indications or erratic fuel quantity readings.
Why Choose MICROB-MONITOR-2?
Microbial contamination, often referred to as "the bug," is an invisible threat that can lead to Exfoliation Corrosion of aluminum wing structures and the failure of high-precision fuel controllers (HMUs/FCUs). The MICROB-MONITOR-2 is the most widely validated on-site test in the aviation industry. Unlike simple "dip-slides," which can be difficult to read and lack sensitivity, the 16/MM/02 system provides a comprehensive view of the microbial population within the fuel system. Utilizing this kit ensures that you are following the same diagnostic protocols used by the world's leading airlines and engine manufacturers, protecting your asset from costly unscheduled engine removals and structural repairs.
The MICROB-MONITOR-2 operates on the principle of Nutrient-Enriched Agar Culturing specifically formulated for the Extreme Environment of hydrocarbon-water interfaces. Microbes in aviation fuel do not live in the fuel itself but in the microscopic droplets of entrained water. These organisms are Chemoautotrophic, utilizing the hydrocarbons as a carbon source while drawing oxygen and nutrients from the aqueous phase.
The test medium contains a specific blend of peptones and inhibitors that suppress non-target organisms while promoting the growth of Acid-Producing Bacteria (APB) and fungi. As the microbes metabolize the nutrients in the gel, they form distinct colonies. The ASTM D7978 standard utilizes a "pass-through" or "immersion" logic where the sample volume is precisely controlled to allow for a direct correlation to Colony Forming Units (CFU) per liter. This is critical for assessing the risk of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC), where microbial waste products, such as organic acids, degrade the protective Alclad or chromate-conversion coatings of the wing tank interior, leading to intergranular attack of the 2024 or 7075 aluminum alloys.
Note: MICROB-MONITOR-2 is a diagnostic tool. Fuel sampling must be performed from the lowest point of the fuel system (sump drains) to capture the water-fuel interface where microbes congregate. Results must be interpreted in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) or the IATA Guidance Material on Microbiological Contamination in Aircraft Fuel Tanks. If "Heavy" contamination is detected, immediate coordination with engine and airframe OEMs is required to determine the necessary level of biocide treatment or mechanical cleaning.
