Test methods

• Proof and quantification of microorganisms in aqueous media by

1. Culture techniques to determine to number of germs capable of forming colonies (only active, reproductive bacteria can be assayed like this)
   
2. Direct microscopy, to determine the total number of microorganisms, irrespective of their physiological condition.
   

• Examination of materials surfaces for contamination
  
• Determination of the germ count in gaseous media

Areas of application

• Determination of the quality of water in technical installations (e.g., in cooling water or drinking water circuits)
• Qualify contamination on surfaces (implants, conveyor belts, and filling machines for food processing, clean rooms etc.)
• Inspection of air and water systems for contamination by infectious microorganisms (e.g., legionella)
• Analysis of microbiological damage of materials in contact with water - heat exchangers, components in hydraulic power stations etc..

Mikrobiological examination under the Epifluorescence microscope	Corrosion damage by microbiological activity (MIC) in CuNi heat exhange piping

Schadensanalyse

• Beurteilung der Rolle von Bakterien bei Korrosionsschäden
• Beratung zur Bekämpfung von mikrobiologisch bedingten Problemen (Schadensverhinderung)

Spezialitäten

• Visualisierung von Mikroorganismen oder Biofilmen durch Epifluoreszenz-mikroskopie an Filterproben mit farblicher Markierung der Bakterien (Methode DEFT)
• Beurteilung von mikrobiell verursachten Korrosionsschäden

Failure Analysis

• Determination of the role of bacteria in corrosion damage
• Consultancy for remedying and preventing microbiological problems (failure prevention)

Specialisation

• Visualisation of microorganisms or bio-films by epifluorescence microscopy on samples of colour-tagged bacteria (the DEFT method)
• Analysis of corrosion failure induced by microbiological activity

Microscopic assay of micro-organisms in a water sample by DEFT

Delivery

Depending on extent of task

SWA - your competent partner in case of damage, failure analysis and prevention, materials, material analysis, corrosion protection, corrosion testing, water analyses, microbiological assessement, polymers and polymer characterization, metallography and asbestos analysis