Strategies to prevent microbial infestation in the storage of future liquid energy sources

Biofouling, caused by microbial infestation in burner systems and engines, leads to damage in the form of undesirable biofilms and corrosion. Microbial prevention strategies are therefore to be developed in this project. The knowledge gained from the previous projects is now to be applied in order to develop a solution for all middle distillate areas. Additive strategies, bactericides and fungicides will be used and the influence of new blends on microbial activity will be investigated. In particular, future biological fuel components such as paraffinic additives and the use of FAME will also play a role in the diesel and marine sectors. The passive dosing approach will be used as a technical research method. A silicone ring is "loaded" with the substance to be tested and placed in the aqueous test medium with a mix of selected microorganisms. This enables continuous diffusion of the additives etc. to be tested into the water phase up to the solubility limit. In particular, the dosed addition of promising components with regard to reduced microbial activity can be reliably tested in this way and mineral oil products that are difficult to handle can also be tested using this method.
Another approach is aimed at structural optimization in the burner systems. Microbial contamination was already detected after 4 weeks at an intake height of 20 % of the filling height. The filter test stand already used in earlier projects is being extended to include a floating intake to enable the intake height to be kept constant at the surface of the fuels. The blending strategies developed and an improved architecture for tank systems will be made available immediately with the aim of being implemented directly.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy on the basis of a decision by the German Bundestag.

The BMWE has issued the grant notification with a start date of 01.07.2025.