Fellow Kogyo FOCAS-1800 15ppm Bilge Alarm – Complete Technical Guide, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Calibration & IMO Compliance
Fellow Kogyo FOCAS-1800 15ppm Bilge Alarm
Manufacturer
Fellow Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin
Japan
Product Type
15ppm Bilge Alarm & Oil Content Monitoring System
Marine Application
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Monitoring and MARPOL Pollution Prevention System
Product Introduction
The Fellow Kogyo FOCAS-1800 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a highly reliable marine pollution prevention device designed to continuously monitor oil concentration in bilge water discharged from a vessel's Oily Water Separator (OWS).
The primary purpose of the system is to ensure compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex I regulations, which prohibit the discharge of oily water containing more than 15 parts per million (ppm) of oil into the sea.
The FOCAS-1800 continuously measures oil content and automatically generates alarms whenever oil concentration exceeds permitted limits.
For ship owners, chief engineers, superintendents, and environmental compliance officers, the FOCAS-1800 remains an important piece of marine environmental protection equipment.
Original Product Image
The image above shows an actual Fellow Kogyo FOCAS-1800 Bilge Alarm System supplied by SM MARINE SERVICE™, including the monitor unit and detector assembly.
What Is a 15ppm Bilge Alarm?
A 15ppm Bilge Alarm is an IMO-required monitoring device installed after the Oily Water Separator.
Its purpose is to continuously measure oil concentration in discharged water.
When oil content exceeds 15ppm:
- Alarm activates
- Discharge is stopped automatically
- Three-way valve changes position
- Overboard discharge is prevented
- Environmental compliance is maintained
The system acts as the final protection barrier against marine pollution.
Bilge Alarm Images
How the FOCAS-1800 Works
The FOCAS-1800 continuously samples water flowing from the Oily Water Separator.
The detector cell analyzes the oil content using optical measurement technology.
The measured value is displayed on the monitor unit.
When oil concentration exceeds preset limits:
- Alarm activates.
- Visual indication appears.
- Relay outputs operate.
- Automatic discharge stopping functions activate.
- Vessel remains MARPOL compliant.
The monitoring process operates continuously while the OWS is running.
Main Features
Continuous Oil Content Monitoring
Provides real-time monitoring of discharged water quality.
15ppm Alarm Protection
Automatically detects excessive oil concentration.
Automatic Relay Outputs
Supports automatic valve control and discharge shutdown.
Compact Marine Design
Suitable for installation in machinery spaces.
IMO Compliance
Designed for use with IMO-approved Oily Water Separator systems.
Easy Calibration
Allows periodic calibration and verification.
Long Service Life
Reliable operation in harsh marine environments.
Monitoring System Images
Main Components
1. Monitor Unit
The main control and display section.
Functions
- Oil content display
- Alarm management
- Relay control
- System diagnostics
2. Detector Cell
Measures oil concentration in sampled water.
Functions
- Oil detection
- Optical analysis
- Measurement processing
3. Sampling System
Provides water samples to the detector.
Functions
- Continuous sample flow
- Stable measurement
4. Alarm Relay Outputs
Controls external equipment.
Functions
- Alarm activation
- Automatic shutdown
- Valve control
5. Calibration Interface
Used for testing and calibration procedures.
Functions
- Accuracy verification
- Maintenance support
Marine Applications
The FOCAS-1800 is commonly installed on:
Commercial Ships
- Bulk Carriers
- Container Ships
- Oil Tankers
- Chemical Tankers
- LPG Carriers
- LNG Carriers
Offshore Vessels
- Platform Supply Vessels
- Offshore Support Vessels
Engine Room Systems
- Oily Water Separator Systems
- Bilge Treatment Systems
- Environmental Compliance Systems
The system is an essential component of MARPOL Annex I compliance.
OWS Installation Images
Common Alarm Conditions
Typical alarms include:
Oil Alarm
Oil concentration exceeds 15ppm.
Detector Alarm
Detector contamination or malfunction.
Sample Flow Alarm
Insufficient sample flow through detector.
Calibration Error
Calibration values outside limits.
System Fault Alarm
Internal electronics or communication fault.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
High Oil Content Alarm
Possible Causes
- OWS malfunction
- Excessive oil contamination
- Bilge water quality issue
Corrective Actions
- Stop discharge
- Check OWS operation
- Verify separator performance
Detector Cell Contamination
Possible Causes
- Dirty optical surfaces
- Oil deposits
Corrective Actions
- Clean detector cell
- Verify sample quality
No Sample Flow
Possible Causes
- Blocked sampling line
- Valve closed
- Pump malfunction
Corrective Actions
- Inspect sample line
- Check valves
- Verify flow
False Alarm
Possible Causes
- Dirty detector
- Calibration drift
- Air bubbles
Corrective Actions
- Clean detector
- Recalibrate system
- Remove air from sampling line
Maintenance Tips
Daily Checks
- Verify displayed ppm value
- Confirm no active alarms
Weekly Checks
- Inspect sample flow
- Check detector condition
Monthly Checks
- Test alarm functions
- Verify relay outputs
Quarterly Maintenance
- Clean detector cell
- Inspect electrical connections
Annual Maintenance
- Full calibration
- Performance verification
- Certification inspection
Maintenance Images
Why Ships Still Use the FOCAS-1800
The FOCAS-1800 remains popular because:
- Proven Japanese reliability
- Accurate oil content measurement
- IMO compliance support
- Easy maintenance
- Long service life
- Reliable alarm operation
- Worldwide acceptance
Many vessels continue operating FOCAS systems successfully for years with proper maintenance and calibration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a 15ppm Bilge Alarm?
A device that continuously measures oil concentration in discharged bilge water and activates alarms when oil exceeds 15ppm.
Why is 15ppm important?
IMO MARPOL regulations prohibit discharge of oily water exceeding 15ppm.
Can the FOCAS-1800 stop discharge automatically?
Yes. Through relay outputs and connected control systems.
Does the detector require cleaning?
Yes. Periodic cleaning is essential for measurement accuracy.
Is calibration required?
Yes. Regular calibration and verification are mandatory for compliance.
Short Product Description
The Fellow Kogyo FOCAS-1800 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a marine oil content monitoring system designed to ensure compliance with MARPOL Annex I regulations. The system continuously measures oil concentration in bilge water discharged from Oily Water Separator systems and activates alarms whenever oil content exceeds 15ppm. Its reliable operation, accurate measurement technology, and IMO-compliant design make it a trusted environmental protection solution for vessels worldwide.
Assembly Details
Complete System Assembly Includes
1. Monitor Unit
- LCD display
- Alarm indicators
- Control electronics
2. Detector Cell Assembly
- Optical measurement chamber
- Oil sensing components
3. Sampling System
- Water sample inlet
- Flow control assembly
4. Alarm Output Module
- Relay outputs
- Shutdown interfaces
5. Calibration Assembly
- Calibration ports
- Verification connections
6. Communication Interface
- External system integration
7. Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- Fasteners
8. Electrical Connection Assembly
- Terminal blocks
- Power supply connections
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition:
• New Equipment
• Used Equipment
• Refurbished Equipment
• Reconditioned Equipment
Stock Location:
• Bangladesh
• China
Services:
• Worldwide Shipping
• Technical Support
• Spare Parts Supply
• Marine Equipment Sourcing
Contact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com