Occurrence of bacteria in industrial fluid power systems

Abstract. Water hydraulic systems use water as a pressure medium to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of oil-using hydraulics. Microbial growth in the systems may restrict the applicability of this technology. In this work, occurrence of bacteria in three different full-scale water hydraulic applications operating in different industries was studied. Bacteria were found from different parts of diesel engine direct water injection (DWI) systems in the range of 1.8×105–1.0×107 cells/ml. Filters designed for removal of mechanical particles released bacteria and particles into the pressure medium indicating that a more frequent change of filters was needed or better filters for microbial control should be developed. The microbiological quality of the pressure medium in the DWI systems did not significantly change during the hydraulic circuit indicating suitability for long-term operation. The DWI studies showed that tap water quality is sufficient to ensure the long-term operation of full-scale water hydraulic applications. The microbiological quality of the pressure medium in a nuclear power plant remained stable (1.4–2.1×105 cells/ml) over long-term operation. The results confirmed that water hydraulics, with demineralized water as a pressure medium, can be used in such demanding applications as nuclear power plants. In the pressure medium of the hydraulic system of a wood processing plant, microbial growth resulted in malfunction. Bacteria should be controlled by a better quality pressure medium rather than the use of a biocide.