Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) Tube Test
Reliable microbiological testing for corrosion monitoring and water quality control.
The DTK Sulphate Reducing Bacteria (SRB) Tube Test provides a practical and cost-effective solution for detecting sulphate reducing bacteria in industrial water systems and environmental samples.
Using a selective microbiological culture medium, the test provides a semi-quantitative indication of bacterial activity, helping users identify contamination associated with microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
Designed for straightforward field sampling and visual interpretation following incubation, the SRB Tube Test supports routine microbiological monitoring and corrosion investigations without the need for specialist laboratory facilities.
Reliable Detection of Sulphate Reducing Bacteria
Sulphate reducing bacteria can contribute to microbiologically influenced corrosion in industrial water systems, particularly where conditions favour bacterial growth and hydrogen sulphide production.
The DTK SRB Tube Test uses a selective culture medium that responds to hydrogen sulphide produced during bacterial activity, with black precipitation developing within the tube as the test progresses.
This visible reaction provides a semi-quantitative indication of SRB activity, helping operators identify potential microbiological contamination and determine when further investigation or corrective action may be required.
Suitable for Multiple Applications
The DTK SRB Tube Test is suitable for microbiological monitoring across a variety of industrial, commercial and environmental applications where sulphate reducing bacteria may be present.
Applications include cooling and boiler water systems, process water, metalworking fluids, wastewater, ballast water, fuel tank water and environmental water samples.
The test can also support investigations involving soil, mud, drill core samples and corrosion deposits, providing a practical method for assessing potential SRB activity across different environments.
Designed for Straightforward Testing
The DTK SRB Tube Test provides a simple culture-based method for detecting sulphate reducing bacteria, using a convenient screw-cap tube containing selective microbiological growth medium.
Following the addition of the sample, the tube is incubated under the recommended conditions for up to seven days, allowing bacterial activity to develop and produce a visible reaction.
As hydrogen sulphide reacts with the culture medium, black precipitation forms within the tube, with the rate and extent of blackening providing a semi-quantitative indication of contamination.
Supporting Corrosion Investigations
Sulphate reducing bacteria are associated with microbiologically influenced corrosion, which can contribute to metal deterioration, equipment damage and reduced system performance.
In addition to testing water samples, the SRB Tube Test can be used to investigate corrosion deposits and affected surfaces by introducing suitable swab samples into the culture medium.
This provides useful information when assessing potential microbiological contributions to corrosion, helping maintenance and water treatment professionals determine whether further investigation or treatment adjustments are necessary.
Supporting Effective Water System Protection
Regular monitoring for sulphate reducing bacteria helps operators identify changing microbiological conditions and assess potential corrosion risks within industrial water systems.
By combining selective culture methods with straightforward sampling and visual interpretation, the DTK SRB Tube Test provides an accessible way to monitor bacterial activity without complex laboratory instrumentation.
This makes the test a practical solution for supporting preventative maintenance, corrosion investigations and ongoing water treatment programmes across industrial and environmental applications.
