BACTERIAL INFECTION IN HYDRO-CARBONS INTRODUCTION Recent reports and publications create the impression that microbial degradation of predominantly

fuels (Gas Oil), cooling water, metal working fluids and sometimes lubricants on board ships is of a regular occurrence. An increasing number of system oil or fuel oil infection problems have been reported both on vessels laying idle and sailing, particularly when these plants are located in tropical conditions. In the past the cause of some engine damage has gone unexplained; today some of these damages might be attributed to microbiological attack. Unfortunately, most people in the (marine) industry are unfamiliar with microbiology. In addition, microbes are certainly not simple creatures, and there is an unknown variety of these organics each with its own particular characteristics. This report takes a practical approach to understanding microbial degradation of marine oils. Further it provides information on how to prevent the problem, and how to identify and take remedial action in the event it occurs on a vessel. HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM? In principle all systems containing hydrocarbons, (lubricating oils, fuels and cooling water) have the potential for microbial growth given the proper environment. Most problems on vessels have occurred in the circulating oil systems of cross-head diesel engines, steam turbines and medium speed diesel engines and gas oil systems. However, this does not imply that other oil systems, such as crankcases of high speed diesel engines, gear cases, hydraulic systems and cooling water systems, will never show microbiological infections. The reason these systems are less prone to this problem than those mentioned earlier is because their oil system design and operating characteristics are different. Bacteria, fungi (mold) and yeast are the three types of microbes which can affect oil systems (each type in different ways). Most problems however, have been related to the presence of bacteria. The attached Appendix A discusses the various microbes in more detail. Water is an essential requirement for bacterial growth since the micro-organisms grow in the water phase in hydrocarbon-water systems. Bacteria may be present in sea water, river water, bilge water, estuary water and sometimes even in cooling water. A ship's system oil may be contaminated by cooling water leakage, water spills during piston pulling or liner renewal and by bilge water leaking through manhole cover joints. Bacteria colonies can also be present in the oil phase if the oil contains dissolved or dispersed water. It is noted that in the past, chromates were widely used to inhibit jacket and piston cooling water to prevent corrosion of the cooling system. Since chromates are hazardous compounds they have gradually been replaced by nitrates or borates. However, chromates are also toxic to micro-organism and may have reduced in the past the risk of bacterial growth in cases of cooling water spillage into the oil system. Conversely, nitrate and borate compounds are nutrients for microbes and may therefore have contributed to the microbial growths experienced on some ships in recent years. Bacterial infections may also be caused by the introduction of street refuse. For example, it is quite common for individuals to enter crankcases, storage and system tanks during the construction of a ship, at engine inspections and during maintenance work while wearing

their street foot-gear. In this way numerous different bacteria types can be introduced into the oil systems. Fortunately only a few types of bacteria cause damage, odour or other annoying problems and then, only when conditions are favourable for them to flourish. Areas that are particularly critical to bacterial growth are locations where water can be entrapped, such as in tank bottoms and stagnant crank- case areas. In summary bacteria, water, and hydrocarbons are the ingredients for microbiological degradation of lubricating oils. Areas in the lubricating oil system with little or no circulation and warm temperatures will be particularly conducive to rapid bacterial growth. However, heat will accelerate the growth of some microbes while killing others, and temperatures of about 100 degr. C will kill most of the bacteria. What happens as the bacteria grow? Between 20 and 50 percent of the carbon ingested by aerobic bacteria (one major family of bacteria which needs oxygen to exist) goes into cell making, while the remainder is rejected as carbon dioxide, alcohols, esters, organic acids, etc. When anaerobic bacteria (another major family of bacteria which needs no oxygen to exist) are present, sulphides are evolved, which can be responsible for the obnoxious smell of stagnant waters. These "by-products" of bacterial cultures, beside being good indicators of bacteria presence, can cause damage to oil systems and at minimum annoyance to operators of the installations. Symptoms of microbiological decomposition (or degradation) of (lubricating) oils can be divided. into the two following categories: a) damages to engine and oil systems and b) undesired changes in lubricating oil characteristics. Some examples of damages to engines and oil systems are as follows: 1. Corrosion of Machined Surfaces Cases have been reported where fuel injection equipment, crankshaft journals, cross head pins, etc. were covered by a layer of very thin deposits ranging in colour from light honey to dark brown. Pitting corrosion was found underneath some of these layers to the extent that regrinding of the crankshaft was necessary in some cases. 2. Corrosion of Oil Tanks and Bilges. Corrosion has been found on those spots where water bottoms were present or pockets of not drainable water had collected. Since bacteria germinate and grow near the oil to water interface, "eating away" of the material occurred at these locations. 3. Crankcase Paint Removal Paint may soften and strip when exposed to oil contaminated with the waste products of certain bacteria colonies. in general, painted surfaces that show peeling because of poor paint application will look different from those showing paint stripping caused by bacterial growth.

Changes in lubricating oil quality caused by the by-products of bacteria growth or by dead bacteria may become evident through the following characteristics: 1. Poor D-emulsification. one of the first signs of bacterial growth is usually poor water separation. Stable emulsions may be formed and the purifier will fail to separate the water from the oil. 2. Slimy Oil Appearance Slime, which tends to cling to surfaces, and grey 'or black sludge accumulation may be noticed in large quantities in sump and drain tanks. 3. Filter plugging Unusually frequent filter plugging may be experienced because of the presence of slimy substances produced by bacteria and dead bacteria colonies. 4. Unpleasant Smell Infected oils may have a rancid or sour smell; sometimes even a sulphide or "rotten egg" smell may be noticed. (Note the Monday morning smell in factories using cooling oils for drilling and other machining operations.) 5. Increasing Oil Acidity The organic acids produced by some types of aerobic bacteria cause increased acidity in the oil. Organic acids formed by some types of anaerobic sulphate reducing bacteria may reduce the Total Base Number of alkaline lubricating oils. 6. Skin Irritation Infected oils may cause skin irritation. However, frequent or prolonged contact with oil products should always be avoided and good personal hygiene stressed. (See also operators in machine factories) SHIPBOARD REMEDIES If an oil system is infected to the extent it is determined that corrections are necessary, there are several approaches that may be utilised. An infected oil should only be restored when the microbial decomposition of the oil can be regarded as slight or moderate as determined through analysis and consultation of the lube oil supplier, the vessels owner and chief engineer. One useful tool for detecting the presence of bacteria or the degree of infestation is the Orion-Easicult test kit distributed by Zematra. However, at the same time it is important that precautionary measures be exercised in obtaining and handling samples of the bacteria and infection. Recommended sampling techniques-and procedures are also described in Appendix A. One method to stop bacterial growth is by drying and heating the oil. This can be achieved by transferring the oil from the service tank to a renovating or settling tank via the centrifuge, preferably at a temperature of 80 to 100 degr. C. Subsequently the oil should be circulated for a prolonged period of time from tank to tank at a temperature of about 100 degr. C with the centrifuge operating as clarifier. The system tank should be cleaned carefully and part of the "sterilised" oil should be used for flushing the cleaned system tank and engine. This oil should then be treated again as described above.

The "sterilised" oil can either be used in the system again or used for make-up if it is decided to fill the system with new oil. A second and more simple method to stop bacterial growth is through application of a tailor made biocide for the particular growth(s) on hand. However, one pitfall of a biocide is that it can be quickly leached out by water and may therefore not be very effective for a prolonged period. Moreover, repeated use of a biocide may cause immunity of bacteria. Finally, filter blocking may still occur as result of killed bacteria colonies by the biocide. Keeping the system oil as dry as possible by means of effective purification is one of the best means of preventing bacterial growth. However keep in mind that completely dry oils still contain spores, the dormant version of bacteria, which may turn into bacteria cultures as soon as the conditions become favourable. Therefore, the engine room crew should always be alert to symptoms of bacterial growth. Good vessel housekeeping and operation practice to include the following is recommended as preventive maintenance: 1. General engine room and bilge cleanliness and the prevention of water leakage will help minimise infection. 2. Sump tanks should be emptied and cleaned every two or three years since the sludge accumulated on the bottom during normal service is an excellent culture for several types of bacteria. 3. If possible, system tanks should be constructed such that water bottoms can be eliminated and pockets cannot be formed. 4. Drying and heating of a system oil in service at regular intervals of at least once a year by utilising 5. If a renovating tank is not installed, serious consideration should be given to retrofit this equipment. CONSEQUENCES, IF NOTHING IS DONE Several cases of engine damages caused by bacterial infection of lubricating oils, Gas Oils, tank tops and bilges have been reported by ship owners. These damages ranged from slight rusting to such severe corrosion and pitting of machined parts. As a result, repairs were very costly and time consuming. Replacement of fuel injection equipment, grinding of e.g. the crankshaft and consequently renewing of bearings became necessary. Further, annoying difficulties with oil purification have been experienced, particularly those which caused frequent filter clogging.

Bert Engelblik Marine Specialist