The 15ppm bilge alarm, Bilgmon 488, from Brannstrom is an ODME (Oil Discharge Monitoring System) type approved to meet the requirements of IMO Resolution MEPC.107(49), and with its small dimensions it is ideal for retrofit on existing separators.
If you need a new version or have lost the Bilgmon 488 software, please contact us for support.
A 15ppm Bilge Alarm operates on the working principle, where the oil content of the separated/filtered water is monitored and stops the discharge into the sea if the oil content exceeds 15ppm (parts per million). Thus, a 15ppm Bilge Alarm, linked to a ship's oil separator, stops discharge if oil content exceeds 15ppm, ensuring compliance through constant analysis. This technology, thus, is normally used in connection to a ship's oil filtering equipment, also known as "bilge water separator" a OWS-system.
The 15 ppm bilge alarm type "BilgMon 488" is type approved for this purpose according to the IMO Rules MEPC.107(49), demonstrating its reliable technology and compliance with industry standards.
Furthermore, the 15ppm bilge alarm can, in principle, be utilized as a simple oil content monitoring system for other applications, provided the water is free from solids or substances that may interfere with its operation.
Cheaper to Replace than Repair
When a complete new bilge water separator is delivered to an existing ship, or to a new building, the separator already contains a 15 ppm bilge alarm. However, when the 15ppm bilge alarm on an existing ship is broken beyond repair, or repairing the bilge alarm would be almost as expensive as a new one, the best solution is to replace the old alarm with a new one.
If your old model comes with the RTC failure alarm you can contact us directly, so we can give you support, or you can try to solve the problem yourself as it might has to do with the battery replacement of the unit.
The RTC failure means the real time clock (RTC) has stopped, if your Bilgmon 488 is of a newer type you can change the battery yourself. Thus, the Bilgmon 488 battery replacement is relatively simple to do.
The RTC backup battery is coupled in parallel with a backup capacitor. This means that the Bilgemon488 can keep its RTC running for a couple of hours without the battery present.
The RTC battery (type CR1225) is located on the backside of the master unit lid.
The BilgMon 488 is compact and simple to install as a replacement for most old 15ppm alarms. The ship's crew can normally do it in less than an hour.
A competitive price and immediate availability makes it an attractive choice for any ship having trouble with the old 15ppm bilge alarm. Please, also find the Bilgmon 488 manual attached in the top under "Downloads".
When the Bilgmon 488 measuring cell needs a re-calibration it is extremely easy to replace to a new cell, it can be done by the crew onboard and takes around 5 minutes.
We can supply you with both the Bilgemon 488, as well as the Bilgmon 488 measuring cell.
The Bilgmon 488 can be easily retrofitted onto any type or model of OWS instead of the current 15 ppm alarm monitor. The 15 ppm monitor Bilgmon is developed and manufactured in a very compact and simplified function so it fits all applications and models/brands from other manufacturers.
The Bilgmon 488 comes in both 24V and 115/230V versions so when doing the retrofit you simply have to fit in the new piping and connections, all of which can be done without any hot work.
In case the automatic stopping device consists of a solenoid valve draining a lot of current, you have to consider that the relay contacts of the Bilgmon 488 are fitted with electronic fuses rated at 0,25A. In case 0,25A is not sufficient, you might have to install an external relay between the Bilgmon 488 alarm relay output and the ASD.
Understanding the 15 ppm Bilge Alarm Functionality
Effective bilge water management is crucial for environmental compliance and operational efficiency on ships, ensuring that discharged water meets regulatory standards. A 15ppm Bilge Alarm, such as the BilgMon 488, operates on the working principle of continuous oil content analysis using advanced sensor technology. It monitors and analyzes bilge water, automatically stopping discharge if oil levels exceed 15ppm.
Type-approved under IMO MEPC.107(49), it’s suitable for various applications and easy to retrofit.
Additionally, it is cost-effective to replace, readily available, and supports simple onboard calibration and maintenance.
How do you change the battery in your BilgMon 488 15 PPM Alarm?
The RTC backup battery is connected in parallel with a backup capacitor. As a result, the BilgMon488 can maintain its RTC functioning for a few hours even without the battery. The RTC battery (CR1225 type) is situated on the underside of the master unit lid (See the illustration below).
Procedure for replacing the battery:
Disconnect the power source.
Remove the lid of the master unit by loosening the 4 screws at the corners.
Press the metal clip holding the battery and extract the battery from the socket.
Insert a new CR1225 battery promptly, ideally within a few hours.
The maintenance schedule for the Bilgmon 488 must address two items on the monitor:
The sensor unit’s calibration certificate, which expires after 5 years
A ‘calibration check’ on a regular basis.
Let’s dive into these two items in specific.
First, the calibration certificate validity is five years and the certificates expiration means that the sensor unit has to be replaced, which easily can be done by the crew onboard within five minutes. The replacement of the Bilgmon 488 sensor unit does not necessitate any modifications of the master unit.
More importantly, all new sensor units are accompanied with a new calibration certificate.
Second, there is certain requirements to the calibration check of the Bilgmon 488 monitor, which might be performed occasionally on the ship. This calibration check may be taking place within shorter intervals than the validity period of the calibration certificate. The calibration check of the Bilgmon 488 can take place in two of the following ways:
Using the ‘Calibration Check Kit” to check the calibration (see explanation below).
If the calibration check fails, it is recommended to thoroughly clean your sensor and go through your installation to check that no air bubbles or particles are measured. If the fault remains, there is high chance you must change the measuring cell.
Introducing BilgMon 488 Version 5: The Next Generation in Bilge Monitoring
The new BilgMon 488 Version 5 is designed to set a new standard in precision, flexibility, and reliability. Version 5 builds upon its predecessor with significant enhancements tailored to meet the evolving demands of marine operations.
Key Innovations in Version 5:
Expanded Signal Capabilities: Includes a new optional flow sensing switch input for enhanced operational oversight.
Higher Current Handling: Upgraded ASD relay output accommodates higher current loads for robust performance.
Smart Maintenance Features: A sensor age reminder ensures timely upkeep, improving system reliability.
Customizable Outputs: Offers both analog (0-20mA or 4-20mA) and digital RS422 data outputs for versatile integration and precise reporting.
BilgMon 488 Version 5 is engineered to provide superior functionality, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental regulations while delivering unmatched performance. Whether for new installations or seamless upgrades from Version 4, this new model is the ideal solution for maintaining safe and efficient marine operations.
The optional flow sensing switch for the BilgMon 488 is a valuable addition, providing a critical layer of protection to monitor sample flow, prevent accidental pollution, and ensure compliance with MARPOL regulations. However, only the latest BilgMon 488 Version 5 is designed to fully integrate this advanced feature, making it the ideal choice for modern bilge monitoring systems.
Dedicated Signal Input: Version 5 includes a specific input for the flow sensing switch. This ensures flow alarms are treated as critical alerts, displaying "No Flow" on the screen and logging the issue for enhanced compliance and monitoring.
Advanced Monitoring Accuracy: Version 5 accurately detects low-flow situations without compromising the proper logging of other system operations, such as separator activity.
Seamless System Integration: The flow switch integrates effortlessly with Version 5, eliminating the compromises required with older versions and streamlining installation.
Upgrading to the new version of the BilgMon 488, Version 5, ensures full compatibility, precise data accuracy, and improved environmental protection.
Installed in the sample flow loop, ideally in the drain line, the flow switch effectively detects blockages or tampering, ensuring safe and compliant operations by:
Preventing accidental oil discharge.
Protecting the environment.
Maintaining operational safety.
With models tailored to specific flow rates and a robust, clog-resistant design, the flow switch is an essential component for reliable and efficient bilge water monitoring.
According to MARPOL Annex I, ships of 400 gross tonnage and above must be fitted with a bilge water separator, and on ships of 10.000 gross tonnage and above the bilge water separator must additionally be fitted with a 15 ppm bilge alarm.
However, ships between 400 and 10.000 gross tonnage are also required to have the 15ppm alarm in order to be allowed to operate the bilge water separator, when the ship is in one of the following "Special Areas" as defined by MARPOL:
The Mediterranean Sea
The Black Sea
The Baltic Sea and the North West European waters
The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
The Arabian Gulf
The Oman area of the Arabian Sea.
For details see Reg.14 & 15 of MARPOL Annex I (Consolidated Edition 2006).
Compliance with IMO MEPC.107(49) Regulations
Ships built before 2005 may operate with equipment meeting the requirements of older IMO Rules, but ships built in 2005 and later must be fitted with bilge separators and 15ppm bilge alarms type approved According to MEPC.107(49).
The MASTER unit (enclosure with LCD, buttons, and LEDs)
The SENSOR unit (enclosure with pipe fittings).
The MASTER unit houses all electronics for controlling and storing data for the bilge alarm. The main memory, which logs bilge alarm events, is mounted in the lid of the MASTER housing.
The SENSOR unit contains electronics for measuring the sample stream and holds the measurement calibration data. Communication with the MASTER unit is wireless, so the SENSOR unit is hermetically sealed and should not be opened.
We have already addressed the maintenance schedule above concerning the calibration certificate of the sensor (5 years) and a regularly calibration check (see the paragraph: "Calibrating your Bilgmon 488". So, always include a verification of the expiry date of the factory-issued calibration certificate in your maintenance of the BilgMon 488.
The BilgMon488 can be configured to autoflush. This function causes the sensor tube to be flushed with clean water at specified intervals set in the settings menu. Autoflush operates only when the device is in the main menu and not actively monitoring or doing an analysis.
For cleaning the measurement unit, use a soft bottle brush and mild detergent. Be cautious with the glass tube inside the SENSOR unit—avoid any tools or substances that could scratch or damage the glass, such as metal objects. If the glass tube is coated with rust or similar deposits, use a low-concentration acid like hydrochloric acid, ensuring proper rinsing and protection for your eyes, skin, and airways when handling acidic substances.
Moreover, you can easily run a simulation, where you via the simulation menu can simulate the PPM (parts per million) input from the sensor unit and the separator status to ensure the unit is installed correctly and responds accurately to different oil content measurements.
Simulated events are recorded in the log, starting with a SIM_ON event and ending with a SIM_OFF event.
To access this menu, the BilgMon488 must be in POWER mode, meaning the unit is powered on but the separator is not running.
Read more about the simulation mode available in the manual here.
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