SMART Bilge+ monitor – 15ppm bilge alarm
15ppm bilge alarm
The SMART BILGE 15ppm Oil Content Monitor with 15ppm bilge alarm was developed in 2005 for real time oil analysis to meet and exceed the requirements for MEPC.107(49) regulations.
The SMART BILGE+ 15ppm monitor and alarm is made up of 2 key components:
- the SMART BILGE+ ‘Module’
- the SMART ‘CELL’ measuring cell
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.
This innovative design allows for simple routine maintenance of the OCM, while maintaining optimal operating conditions
15ppm bilge alarm
The SMART BILGE+ 15ppm Oil Content Monitor with 15ppm bilge alarm was developed in 2005 for real time oil analysis to meet and exceed the requirements for MEPC.107(49) regulations.
The SMART BILGE+ 15ppm monitor and alarm is made up of 2 key components:
- the SMART BILGE+ ‘Module’
- the SMART ‘CELL’ measuring cell
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.
This innovative design allows for simple routine maintenance of the OCM, while maintaining optimal operating conditions
The SMART CELL utilises a unique Detector Array Technology, developed by Rivertrace, allowing the OCM to analyse all three oil types (HFO, Diesel and Emulsions) simultaneously without the need for re-calibration. This innovative design allows for simple routine maintenance of the OCM while maintaining optimal conditions.
Optical cell fouling is recognised as a leading cause of monitor malfunction or incorrect reading. A manual cell cleaning device is included as standard to easily enable routine maintenance.
Replacement calibrated measuring cells can be purchased for easy change over on board the vessel and calibration check kits enable the crew to demonstrate the monitor is within factory calibration to PSC Surveyors.
- Digital Certifications
- Automated electronic calibration reminders
- Over 50 approved service centres worldwide for calibration checks and service
- Separate Calibrated SMART CELL to allow easy exchange
- Test button for demonstration of alarm points to port state control
- Real time oil analysis
- MEPC.107(49) Bilge Water Discharge
- DNV Clean Design Notation
- Oily Water Separator
- Deck Drains Discharge
- Rig Slop Tank Discharge
- Air Cooler Drains Discharge
- 5PPM Alarm – The Smart Bilge+ is readily available as a 5ppm version Type Approved to DNV Clean Design Notation
- Autoclean – our pneumatic autoclean solution has been designed to ensure the measuring cell glass tube his kept free from fouling. Cell fouling is recognised as a leading cause of monitor malfunction. Fitting the autoclean removed the need for the ship’s crew to remember to clean the cell manually.
- Flowswitch – The flowswitch option has been designed to ensure that bilge water is flowing through the measuring cell when in monitoring mode. An error is shown on the display if there is no flow. The flowswitch monitors the flow of water through the cell. This ensures that the flow cannot be shut off accidentally or maliciously. In case of no flow, the Smart Bilge+ will close the overboard discharge valve.
- GPS HARDWARE – SMART BILGE+ can be connected directly with a GPS Input to record the location of every event in the IMO logs and automatically logged in E-ORB via RT CONNECTED
- Overboard Flow Meter – Using an overboard flowmeter the SMART BILGE+ can record the total discharge volume into the IMO logs and automatically logged in E-ORB via RT CONNECTED
- SMART CONNECT – MEPC.107(49) OWS Discharge data can be captured and shared digitally to the cloud which can then be integrated into electronic ORBs.
- Hazardous Environments (Zone 1 & 2) – The SMART BILGE+ can be offered in an explosion proof cabinet
All options can be ordered from new or retrofitted to existing Rivertrace Smart Bilge monitors.
| Measurement | |
| Oil types: | HFO, Diesel and Mixture C (IMO defined) |
| Clean water calibration: | +/- 2ppm of factory set values |
| Oil range: | 0 – 40 ppm |
| Accuracy oil + solids: | +/- 5ppm up to 30 ppm |
| Solids discrimination: | 100ppm Iron Oxide in 10 ppm Diesel |
| Response time: | < 5 sec (oil reading) |
| Alarms | |
| Oil alarm 1 setpoint: | 1 – 15 ppm user adjustable |
| Oil alarm 2 setpoint: | 1 – 15 ppm user adjustable |
| Oil alarm 1 delay: | 0 – 5 seconds user adjustable |
| Oil alarm 2 delay: | 0 – 600 seconds user adjustable |
| Input / output | |
| Analogue output: | Active 4-20mA / 0 – 20mA |
| Switch inputs: | 2 x switch inputs for separator and backflush status |
| Data storage and retrieval | |
| Calibrate on data storage: | Stored in cell |
| IMO required data: | Stored in Control enclosure |
| IMO required data retrieval: | Via LCD display, RS 232 comms link or USB |
| System and supply | |
| Supply voltage: | 115 or 230V AC, 50 – 60Hz |
| Supply voltage Consumption: | < 50 VA incl. solenoid valve |
| Supply voltage tolerance: | +/- 15% |
| Projected life: | > 50,000 hrs |
| Protection class: | IP 65 |
| Approvals: | MEPC 107(49) – DNV, USCG, CCS, , Russian Register, Transport Canada.
DNV 5ppm Clean Design Notation |
| Weight: | 3.2 Kg / 7.05lb |
To ensure the highest precision and reliability of your equipment we highly recommend Annual Calibration.
If your device is registered with the Rivertrace portal, you can request a Calibration Check via the portal.
Calibration option 1 – Annual Calibration Check
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Annual Calibration Check – This would require the Calibration Check Kit (109996) our Rivertrace Approved Engineer would perform a calibration check and issue an annual certificate.
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Calibration Kit Required – To conduct an annual calibration check, the Calibration Check Kit (Part No: 109996) is necessary.
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Certified Engineer Services – A Rivertrace Approved Engineer will administer the calibration check.
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Certification – Following the successful calibration, an annual certification will be issued.
Calibration option 2 – IMO 5 Year Calibration
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IMO 5 Year Calibration – Measuring Cell Replacement (109171) this comes with the 5-year factory calibration certificate.
Calibration option 3 – Complete Manufacturer’s Calibration Process
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Return your unit to Rivertrace – Please send your unit back to us to fulfill the calibration process and ensure your equipment is operating with optimal precision.
Please contact us to schedule your annual calibration check and maintain your equipment’s optimal performance
Service Options – SMART Bilge
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Fault Diagnosis and Repair – Comprehensive troubleshooting to identify and fix issues.
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Installation and Upgrades – Seamless setup and enhancement of your monitoring equipment.
- Optional Add-Ons Available – Choose additional features such as Flow Switch and Autoclean.
- Servicing – Fault Finding/Repair or installation /upgrades to the monitor with optional extras are available (flow switch & autoclean).
Please contact us to discuss service requirements or to customise your monitoring solutions.
Please use this page to identify the part number of the part that you require.
Smart Bilge+ assembly overview
To ensure the correct parts are purchased, the serial number and voltage of your SmartBilge should always be provided to Rivertrace when ordering spares.
Main Spare Parts
When purchasing a replacement controller PCB, it is important to state any special settings that may be required from the list below:
- 5ppm Maximum alarm set-points
- Autoclean enabled
- Flow switch enabled
If no special settings are required, the standard software settings shall be applied that consist of the following:
- 15ppm Maximum alarm set-points
- No Autoclean capability
- No flow switch capability
Installation instructions for your replacement controller PCB can be found here.
Installation instructions for your replacement controller PCB can be found here.

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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

























