Humbug Bug Detector Kit

The Hum-Bug Bug Detector Kit is a simple field test for detecting microbial contamination in aviation fuel. The kit helps identify the presence of bacteria, yeast, mold and other microbial growth associated with fuel systems, allowing maintenance personnel to identify potential contamination before it contributes to fuel-system problems.  Shelf life is three years from date of manufacture.

Microbial growth can occur when water is present in fuel. Contamination may contribute to fuel degradation, biomass accumulation, filter plugging and corrosion. The Hum-Bug kit provides a convenient way to check for microbial activity as part of an aviation fuel-quality monitoring program.  

Hum-Bug Bug Detector Kit Features

Detecting Microbial Contamination in Aviation Fuel

Microbial contamination is most commonly associated with the fuel-water interface. When water is present in a fuel system, microorganisms can grow and produce biomass that may accumulate in tanks, filters and other fuel-system components.

Regular fuel monitoring can help maintenance personnel identify microbial contamination and determine when additional investigation or treatment may be appropriate. The Hum-Bug Bug Detector Kit provides a convenient screening tool for identifying microbial growth in fuel samples.

Hum-Bug for Aircraft Fuel Maintenance

The Hum-Bug kit can be incorporated into routine aircraft fuel-system inspections and fuel-quality monitoring programs. It is particularly useful when there is a concern about microbial contamination or when fuel-system conditions indicate that additional testing may be warranted.

If microbial contamination is identified, treatment should be performed according to the applicable aircraft, fuel-system and fuel supplier maintenance procedures. BAC also carries Biobor JF Fuel Biocide for applications where an appropriate fuel biocide is required.

Fuel Microbial Testing and Treatment

The Hum-Bug kit is a detection product rather than a fuel treatment. Testing can be used to determine whether microbial contamination is present before selecting an appropriate treatment procedure.

BAC also offers the ECHA Microbmonitor 2 Microbial Fuel Test Kit, providing another option for monitoring microbial contamination in fuel. For treatment, see Biobor JF.

Why Test Aviation Fuel for Microbial Growth?

• Identify potential microbial contamination in fuel systems.
• Monitor fuel condition as part of a preventive maintenance program.
• Investigate potential fuel-system contamination when water is present.
• Help identify conditions that may contribute to filter plugging or corrosion.
• Provide information that can help determine whether further fuel-system investigation or treatment is appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hum-Bug kit detect?

The Hum-Bug Bug Detector Kit is used to detect microbial contamination in fuel, including microbial growth associated with bacteria, yeast and mold.

Why is microbial contamination a concern in aviation fuel?

Microorganisms can grow when water is present in fuel. Microbial contamination can contribute to biomass accumulation, fuel-system contamination, filter plugging and corrosion.

Is the Hum-Bug kit a fuel treatment?

No. Hum-Bug is a microbial detection and screening product. If contamination is identified, an appropriate treatment should be selected according to applicable aircraft and fuel-system procedures.

What can be used to treat microbial contamination?

BAC carries Biobor JF fuel biocide for applications requiring treatment of microbial contamination in aviation turbine fuel. Always follow the applicable manufacturer's instructions and aircraft or fuel-system maintenance procedures.

Can Hum-Bug be used as part of routine fuel monitoring?

Yes. Microbial detection kits such as Hum-Bug can be incorporated into fuel-quality monitoring programs where periodic screening for microbial contamination is appropriate.

Always follow the current manufacturer's instructions and applicable aircraft maintenance procedures when collecting fuel samples, interpreting test results or treating contaminated fuel.