Page 65 - IFIA_Magazine_No14

IFIA Magazine - March 2022 |

extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). A biofilm formation is a process consisting of many
stages. In the first stage microbes are initially connected to the tank surface by weak bonds,
remaining in permanent contact with water. This is a reversible process (reversible adhesion)
and if the deposits microbes are not removed, in the next stage referred to as irreversible ad-
hesion they enable accumulation of other microbes, forming a thin layer and a framework of
the matrix through extracellular polymer substances (EPS), giving the biofilm matrix a specified
permanent 3D structure. Biofilm affects electrochemical processes proceeding on the metal
surface, reducing the corrosion resistance of the passive layer. Microbes causing destruction of
the steel passive layer are both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A thick layer of biofilm matrix
and concentration of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria on the surface result in an oxygen deficit
and the iron surface is repassivated. The electrochemical processes proceeding on the metal
surface break the passive layer and pitting or even crevice corrosion occurs, very difficult to
monitor and being the reason for tank walls damage, threatening with fuel leakage.
What is the innovation in the invention
The biocidal - stabilising composition for biofuels contains a combination of active biocides
compatible with oxidation inhibitors, preventing microbiological contamination of the fuel and
formation of a biofilm matrix, being the reason for microbiologically induced corrosion of steel
surfaces of tanks and pipelines. It contains a surfactant with properties highly wetting the sur-
face and preventing irreversible adhesion of microbes through desorption on the metal surface.
In the fuel phase it solubilises and dispergates extracellular polymer substances secreted by
microbes forming the biofilm matrix.
Impact on the ecology and safety
The invention application prevents tank failures caused by microbiological corrosion of contam-
inated fuel, contamination of water and soil.
Impact on people
The applied solution is safe for human health during biofuels refining and as well as fuel storage
tanks service and distribution to petrol station chains.
Invention application
In the oil industry during fuels storage and transport as well as in petrol station chains.
COMMERCIALIZATION POTENTIAL:
A biocidal - stabilising composition for biofuels was submitted to the Patent Office of the Re-
public of Poland on May 6, 2019 and put into production at Department of Experimental and
Small-Scale Production and Sales of the Oil and Gas Institute - National Research Institute.
Three biocidal and stabilizing compositions for fuels were implemented in production: Bioxit-
en® 34, Bioxiten® 60 and Bioxiten® 70, taking into account the needs and essential require-
ments of producers of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The sales of those protected by the
invention PL 237018 granted by the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland on March 8, 2021,
also protected by the Bioxiten trademark, was from May 2009 to December 2021, respectively:
BIoxiten® 34 (8020 kg), Bioxiten® 60 (92 040 kg), Bioxiten® 70 (81,900 kg).

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