Project start: Microbiology in the storage of liquid energy sources (VeMiBeLaFu)

Biofouling, caused by microbial infestation in burner systems or engines, can lead to damage in the form of undesirable biofilms and corrosion.

BMWE-funded research

The members of the DGMK Technical Committee on Fuels have therefore launched a research project on the topic of "Prevention strategies for microbial infestation in the storage of future liquid energy sources", which started on July 1, 2025.

The project builds on experience gained from previous research (DGMK 715, 770, 823), where essential principles for the simulation of microbial contamination processes in fuel storage were developed. The investigation of a middle distillate with regard to its susceptibility to microbial infestation is still complex. In order to simplify this and to expand and refine the technical measures, the aim of this project is to develop a faster test procedure. The current project focuses on investigations into the influence of alternative fuel components, e.g. HVO and XtL, on microbial activity. The microbial significance of additives will also be a topic.

The passive dosing approach will be used as a technical test method. In particular, the dosed addition of promising components in terms of reduced microbial activity can be reliably investigated in this way. Another approach is aimed at structural optimization, so the filter test stand already used in earlier projects is to be expanded.

Project partners

RWTH Aachen Institute for Applied Microbiology
OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH
RWTH Aachen Institute for Environmental Research (Bio V)