SMART BILGE 15ppm OIL CONTENT MONITOR
Developed by Rivertrace, the SMART CELL utilises a unique Detector Array Technology. This enables the OCM to run real time oil analysis of all three oil types (HFO, Diesel and Emulsions) simultaneously without the need for re-calibration.
The SMART BILGE 15ppm oil content monitor has 2 main components:
- the SMART BILGE ‘Module’
- the SMART ‘CELL’ measuring cell
A manual cell cleaning device is included as standard, to easily enable routine maintenance, keeping the 15ppm OCM in optimum operating condition.
What is 15ppm?
15 ppm means 15 parts per million by mass in the solution. An oily water separator is used to separate oil and water mixtures into their separate components.
The 15ppm (parts per million) measurement is a key requirement in environmental regulations governing the discharge of oil from ships into the marine environment, particularly under the MEPC.107(49) guidelines issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
These regulations were introduced to ensure that ships comply with strict limits on the oil content of their wastewater discharges, specifically bilge water, which can be contaminated with oil from various parts of a vessel.
Relevance and Importance of 15ppm in relation to MEPC.107(49) Regulations:
Regulatory Compliance
The MEPC.107(49) regulation requires that ships’ bilge water must be treated before discharge into the sea to ensure the oil content does not exceed 15ppm. This is essential to prevent pollution from oil spills, which can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. The 15ppm threshold represents the maximum allowable concentration of oil in water that can be safely discharged into the ocean without causing significant environmental damage.
Protection of Marine Environment
Oil pollution from ships has been a long-standing environmental issue, with oil spills causing harm to wildlife, marine habitats, and coastal areas. Real time oil analysis ensures that discharges contain no more than 15ppm of oil. The SMART BILGE helps to minimise this environmental risk. This is particularly important for preserving the health of marine life and maintaining biodiversity in the world’s oceans.
Ensuring Safe Operations
The 15ppm limit is not just a regulatory target but also a safety standard for operational compliance. The SMART BILGE oil content monitor plays a critical role in ensuring that ships’ discharge systems are functioning correctly. By continuously monitoring and controlling oil levels in water, the system ensures that discharges are below the 15ppm threshold, helping to avoid costly fines, legal issues, or damage to a company’s reputation.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
The SMART BILGE is designed to exceed the requirements of MEPC.107(49) by offering advanced measurement capabilities. The unique Detector Array Technology in the SMART CELL allows it to simultaneously analyse different types of oils (HFO, Diesel, and Emulsions) without requiring recalibration. It’s particularly important because oil contamination in bilge water can vary based on the type of oil and the operational conditions on board the ship. The ability to measure all three oil types accurately, in real time, ensures that the system can reliably meet the 15ppm threshold across a wide range of scenarios.
Operational Efficiency and Reliability
The design of the SMART BILGE oil content monitor, with its simple maintenance routine and the inclusion of a manual cleaning device, allows ship operators to maintain the system’s performance. Routine maintenance and easy cell replacement ensure that the oil content monitor remains in optimal working condition, providing consistent and accurate readings.
Ease of Use and Cost-Effectiveness
The inclusion of replacement calibrated measuring cells and calibration check kits makes the SMART BILGE a cost-effective and user-friendly solution. Crew members can easily ensure that the system is within factory calibration, demonstrating compliance to Port State Control (PSC) Surveyors during inspections, and minimizing downtime or disruption to operations.
In summary, the 15ppm threshold is crucial for ensuring that ships do not contribute to oil pollution in the oceans. The SMART BILGE monitor’s ability to meet and exceed MEPC.107(49) regulations ensures both compliance and protection of the marine environment.
By utilising advanced detection and maintenance technologies, the SMART BILGE offers a reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible solution for managing oil content in bilge water discharge.
Our services
Since being founded in 1983 in the UK, we have a developed a deep understanding of the environmental regulations that relate to oil-in-water monitoring.
Rivertrace is regarded as a leading authority on the interpretation of the environmental regulations into practical recommendations and solutions for marine, offshore and industrial applications.
We apply this knowledge in two ways:
- To design oil-in-water monitoring devices and systems that create operating efficiencies
- To advise our customers on the most appropriate product solutions and processes for their operations