ETS Scorpions™ have been successfully used by the wine industry around the world for over four years, and by the fuel ethanol industry for more than a year. Extensive testing on fuel ethanol samples throughout all phases of the production process demonstrated the assay's effectiveness detecting low levels of contaminant organisms in all samples. Forensic application of the technology has enabled producers to successfully identify source points for microbial contamination in their process and was the first step in resolving contamination problems.

Discussions and presentations at the 2008 Fuel Ethanol Workshop in Nashville emphasized that early identification of contaminant fermentation organisms is crucial to their successful control. Early detection and genus-specific identification allow efficient use of antimicrobial technologies to control contamination. Methods currently used to detect contamination by monitoring acetic and lactic acid levels during ethanol production lack sensitivity and specificity. Such methods do not detect contamination until populations are in excess of 100,000 cells/mL and do not identify the microbes causing the problem. Scorpions™ diagnostics routinely detect cells at concentrations less than 100 cells/mL and provide specific identification, facilitating the appropriate selection and application of antimicrobial measures.

Intervention at low levels of contamination is more effective than at high levels and reduces intervention cost. Early application of antimicrobial technologies provides better control, reduces antimicrobial applications, and helps minimize yield or time loss due to the presence of contaminants in ethanol fermentations. Use of the Scorpions technology provides the maximum process optimization benefit when it is utilized as a preemptive screening tool to identify contamination before it has a negative impact on the fermentation.

Fuel Ethanol Inquiries
Contact for all your fuel ethanol related needs, including analytical services or implementation of onsite Scorpions™ diagnostics at your facility:

Dr. Rich DeScenzo
Direct Line: 707-302-1228
Email: rdescenzo@etslabs.com

For more information about the benefits of onsite Scorpions™ technology:
ETS Scorpions Kit Information
Why Use Scorpions at your Facility
Onsite Scorpions Testing FAQ

Related Documents
ETS Laboratories Scorpions Analysis Fee Schedule
Scorpions Analysis Technical Bulletin
Acetic Acid Detection Comparison