Episode 027 - How To Solve a Microbe Problem (Part 2)

Welcome to part 2 of our series on solving microbe problems. In this episode, we delve into the crucial steps that follow water cleanup in your tank, as discussed in part 1. The focus now shifts to effectively eliminating as much biomass and biofilm as possible. Understanding the significance of these terms becomes paramount, as biofilm harbors its own diverse microbial community that can contribute to tank corrosion.

Listen in as we explore practical methods for tackling the biofilm challenge, including the use of fuel polishers and chemical dispersants. Discover how these tools work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of biocidal agents that will be employed later in the process. Remember, simply removing water is not enough to eradicate microbes. It is essential to choose an appropriate biocide and employ it correctly, taking into account factors such as dosage, timing for post-testing, and the longevity of the treatment's efficacy.

Listen to the Full Episode:

What You'll Learn:

• The next step you need to take after you’ve cleaned up the water out of your infected tank.
• What biomass and biofilm refer to.
• What a fuel polisher is and how it works.
• How chemical dispersants work.
• Why simply removing water is not the only step required to kill microbes.
• How to pick a biocide to use.
• Several things to consider before choosing and using a biocide.
• What to do after you’ve added biocide.
• How to tell if a microbial problem has actually been solved.

Ideas Worth Sharing:

• “To solve a microbe problem, it’s very important to get rid of and clean up as much of that biofilm and biomass as you can.” - Erik Bjornstad
• “Biofilms that these microbes produce and live in can accelerate tank corrosion.” - Erik Bjornstad
• “Using a chemical dispersant to break up and attack the biomass is actually a great way to markedly improve the efficacy of a biocide chemical that you’re going to use later on.” - Erik Bjornstad
• “Just removing water does not kill microbes. It is a very important thing to do, but it is not the only thing to do.” - Erik Bjornstad
• “Post-testing is the best way and the only way to tell if a microbial problem has actually been solved.” - Erik Bjornstad

Resources:

• Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn