Frequently asked questions-FAQ

 

Fuel

When putting diesel fuel back into service after a long period of storage in a tank, it is necessary to check the quality of the diesel fuel which may have changed during storage. The characteristics of the diesel that change over time, such as the amount of micro-organisms and compliance with customs, administrative and inter-union specifications for road and non-road diesel (RNG) regarding the amount of dissolved water and total particulate contamination of the fuel, should be checked.

- Enumeration of aerobic germs living in middle distillates. Filtration and culture method according to IP 385/19 standard, to determine whether a biocide treatment is necessary to reduce the level of contamination.
-Water content standard NF EN 12937, which must be less than 200 mg/kg.
-Total contamination standard: NF EN 12662 which must be less than 24 mg/kg.

Category: Fuel

Clogging of a filter can result from the accumulation of micro-organisms but also from the accumulation of mineral (sand) or organic solid particles. The only solution to differentiate between these two types of pollution is microbiological analysis.

Category: Fuel

When engine problems occur: formation of gelatinous deposits clogging the fuel circuit or seizing the injection pump
OR
Prevent engine problems by using a MICROTEST P to detect the onset of contamination.

Category: Fuel

Generally, no, because petrol contains light fractions that are toxic to micro-organisms, unlike middle distillates (diesel, kerosene and domestic fuel oil), which are prone to microbial attack.

Category: Fuel

Disinfection

To be effective, a gel must contain at least 60% v/v alcohol, or have been tested in accordance with NF EN 14476, which attests to its virucidal properties. It must also bear the words "biocide" or "disinfectant" on the label. Only products complying with biocide regulations are guaranteed to eradicate bacteria or viruses.

The composition should be as short as possible, ideally 4 ingredients. Three types of alcohol are preferred: ethanol, propranol and isopropranol.
A good hydro-alcoholic gel should be non-sticky and evaporate quickly.
Homemade gels should be avoided, as their dosage is often imprecise.

Category: Disinfection

According to the AFNOR standard, a disinfectant must reduce a bacterial inoculum by 5 logs, a fungal inoculum by 4 logs, a viral inoculum by 4 logs and a spore inoculum by 5 logs. Therefore, after disinfection, an object can still be a carrier of micro-organisms if the initial inoculum is high.

Category: Disinfection

Cleaning involves using soap and water, or detergent, to remove impurities. This process can kill bacteria, but not completely.
Disinfection uses chemicals to kill microbes on a surface. Cleaning is a prerequisite for disinfection.

Category: Disinfection

Avoid using sponges or dipping cloths in the same bucket of dirty water. It's better to use several disposable or reusable cloths, soaked in disinfectant solution and then washed or discarded after use.
It's best to avoid spraying the surface to be cleaned, as this can cause respiratory irritation.

Category: Disinfection

Yes, at least gloves must be worn. These are discarded from the disinfection, and the person must wash their hands with water. If they are reusable gloves, they must be marked with the person's name, washed after use and dried inside out.

Some products require additional equipment, please refer to the instructions. Our range requires work equipment and protective glasses.

Category: Disinfection

Yes, it is better to clean the surfaces first, because even if they look clean to the naked eye, there may be microscopic dirt that would prevent the disinfectant from working.

Category: Disinfection

Microbiology

In the hydrocarbon phase, the MICROTEST P to detect aerobic bacteria, fungi and yeasts.
In the aqueous phase, MICROTEST A is used for the detection of aerobic bacteria, fungi and yeasts, and MICROTEST SR for the detection of yeasts and fungi. MICROTEST SR for the detection of sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria.

Category: Microbiology

Restoration of works of art

In most cases, it is better to use the alcoholic version, in order to avoid problems with humidity. In addition, alcohol helps to disinfect the board.

However, the artwork may be damaged by the alcohol. In this case, it is better to use the aqueous econacid.