MBC control
Coliform/ Aerobic
These are bile tolerant bacteria, which pass through the body of animals or man and emerge in the faeces.
Whilst they are not necessarily pathogenic there are pathogenic bacteria usually associated with them.
These are usually shigella and salmonella. It is easier to detect the Coliform bacteria, which are present in greater numbers.
If a significant number - say 10/5 colonies/ml - are regularly found, medical advice should be sought. The majority of bacteria found in oils are non-pathogenic, but there are occasions when "opportunist' pathogenic bacteria may be present.
There are at least three ways in which these can enter the body: -
- Ingestion of spray
Spray removal equipment should be used. - Entry through cuts in the skin
These should be protected. - Entry through defatted skin pores.
Paraffin or similar solvents should not be used to wash hands. Barrier creams and proper non-abrasive soaps should be provided.
The possibilities for unrestricted growth of bacteria should be minimised and this can be summed up:
- Good housekeeping to keep oils clean i.e. pipes, storage and stop water leakages into oil systems
- Clean the tanks, pipes, with a steriliser/cleaner before introduction of fresh oil
- Use an oil containing a biocide effective against bacteria, yeasts and fungus or treat symptomatically using Tektrak Aquabac 80.
- Identify by testing first stages of bacterial contamination so that the problem may be treated.
Yeast and Fungi/Aerobic Testing for Aerobic Bacteria in Water
Yeast and fungi are aerobic bacteria/spores that can cause fouling problems in coolant systems and process waters if allowed to proliferate.
Anaerobic Sulphite reducing Bacteria.
Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) are anaerobic bacteria that obtain energy from the reducion of sulphates through sulphite to corrosive hydrogen sulphide.
SRB's do not like oxygen but can thrive in oxygen rich environments such as open evaporative cooling systems, by massing under biofilms and other corrosion by-products and by consuming sulphates present in grease/oil and other contaminants.
Unlike oxygenated iron corrosion, this corrosion is not self-limiting and is difficult to eradicate completely.
Tektrak SRB detection tubes provide a simple means of testing for the presence of this bacterial species. They help in diagnosis of particular corrosion and/or fouling problems and enable the determination of effective water treatment programs.