SMART Bilge 15 PPM Monitor

The Smart Bilge Alarm by Rivertrace employs advanced “Smart Cell” Detector Array Technology, allowing the OCM to simultaneously analyze three oil types—HFO, Diesel, and Emulsions—without requiring re-calibration. Additionally, the SMART Bilge is competitively priced, and its measuring cell can be conveniently replaced with a newly calibrated one, which can be purchased here.

Benefits of the SMART Bilge 15 PPM Monitor

Advanced “Smart Cell” Detector Array Technology: Analyzes HFO, Diesel, and Emulsions simultaneously without the need for re-calibration, improving accuracy and ease of use.
Manual Cleaning Device: Equipped with a manual cell cleaning device to enable routine maintenance and ensure optimal performance by preventing optical cell fouling.
Calibration Convenience: Replacement calibrated measuring cells and calibration check kits are available, allowing crew members to verify monitor accuracy and demonstrate compliance to PSC Surveyors.
5 ppm Compliance: Available in a 5 ppm version to meet strict regulatory requirements such as DNV ‘Clean Design,’ with calibration verification kits for easy compliance checks.
Customizable for Hazardous Environments: Can be tailored for use in hazardous zones (Zone 1 & 2) as an Exd system, featuring Auto Clean and housed in an explosion-proof cabinet.
Flow Switch Option: Ensures bilge water flow during monitoring, preventing errors and shutting off the overboard discharge valve if no flow is detected.
Autoclean Option: Eliminates the need for manual cleaning by automatically keeping the measuring cell glass tube free from fouling, ensuring continuous optimal performance.
Retrofit Capability: All options, including flow switch and Autoclean, can be ordered with new units or retrofitted to existing Rivertrace Smart Bilge monitors, providing flexibility for upgrades.

Key Features

Simple Maintenance: Includes an exchange scheme and fleet deals for easy upkeep.
Digital Certification: Automated reminders through an online portal for certification management.
Onboard Calibration Kits: Check kits available for convenient calibration on board.
Global Service Network: Approved service centers worldwide for reliable calibration checks.
Test Button: Allows demonstration of alarm functionality to port state control.

The SMART CELL – BILGE Monitor is specifically designed for use with 15ppm oily-water separator units and complies with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) requirements for Bilge Alarm Units, as outlined in Resolution MEPC 107(49). The monitor features a unique detector array that analyzes oily water samples. A narrow beam of light passes through a glass cell tube containing the sample, with scattered and transmitted light detected across the array. This data is processed through a sophisticated oil content calculation algorithm, with the resulting oil content displayed on an LCD screen.

The monitor includes two oil alarm relays and a 0-20mA / 4-20mA output for controlling overboard discharges and monitoring or recording oil content levels remotely. To ensure compliance with MEPC 107(49), it is equipped with onboard flash memory, a real-time clock, dual switch input, and a clean water/sample selection valve, with detailed instructions available in Section 4 of the operating manual.

Construction Details

The SMART CELL – BILGE Monitor consists of two primary modules:

Display/Control Module: Contains the membrane keypad, LCD display, and Smart Bilge Control PCB. This PCB handles all control functions, data storage, and customer connections, accessible via cable glands. It connects to the Cell electronics via a 4-wire interface cable, delivering a 5V supply and RS485 communication.
SMART CELL Module: Houses the optoelectronics and mechanics responsible for oil content calculations. This enclosure must not be opened under any circumstances. Sample and clean water lines are connected to a solenoid valve for automatic clean water calibration and diagnostics. Exhausted water exits through an outlet after passing through the measuring sensor. A manual cell cleaning unit is provided for routine maintenance, and a throttle allows adjustment of back pressure in the cell, particularly useful when air is present in the sample.

Mounting Details

The SMART CELL – BILGE Monitor should be installed close to the oily-water separator to reduce response delays. The distance between the monitor and the separator must not exceed the limit that would result in a response time of over 20 seconds, as this would breach IMO regulations.

Mounting Instructions: The monitor should be mounted on a rigid vertical surface using 4 x M6 bolts, ideally with the display panel positioned at eye level for easy operation.