BilgMon 488 15ppm Bilge Alarm – Complete Technical Guide, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Calibration & MARPOL Compliance
BilgMon 488 – 15ppm Bilge Alarm
Manufacturer
Brännström Sweden AB
Country of Origin
Sweden
Product Type
15ppm Bilge Alarm & Oil Content Monitoring System
Marine Application
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Monitoring & MARPOL Pollution Prevention System
Product Introduction
The BilgMon 488 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a highly reliable marine pollution prevention device designed to continuously monitor the oil content of water discharged from a vessel’s Oily Water Separator (OWS). The system ensures that discharged water complies with international environmental regulations by continuously measuring oil concentration before overboard discharge.
The BilgMon 488 is widely installed on commercial vessels and offshore units because of its proven reliability, compact design, and ability to prevent accidental pollution incidents.
By providing continuous monitoring and automatic alarm functions, the BilgMon 488 helps vessels maintain compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex I regulations, which limit oil discharge to a maximum concentration of 15ppm.
Original Product Image
The image above shows actual BilgMon 488 15ppm Bilge Alarm units supplied by SM MARINE SERVICE™, complete with detector assemblies and control modules.
What Is a BilgMon 488 15ppm Bilge Alarm?
A 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a mandatory environmental protection device installed downstream of an Oily Water Separator.
Its primary function is to:
- Measure oil concentration in discharged water
- Monitor separator performance
- Generate alarms when oil exceeds 15ppm
- Prevent illegal discharge
- Support MARPOL compliance
Whenever oil concentration rises above the permitted limit, the BilgMon 488 immediately activates alarm outputs and can automatically stop overboard discharge.
BilgMon 488 Images
How the BilgMon 488 Works
The BilgMon 488 continuously receives water samples from the outlet of the Oily Water Separator.
Inside the detector:
- Water passes through the measuring chamber.
- Optical sensors analyze oil concentration.
- Oil content is displayed on the digital screen.
- Values are continuously compared with alarm limits.
- When concentration exceeds 15ppm, alarms activate.
- Automatic discharge control systems can stop overboard discharge.
This process ensures continuous environmental compliance during OWS operation.
Main Features
Continuous Oil Content Monitoring
Provides real-time monitoring of oil concentration.
15ppm Alarm Function
Immediately warns operators when oil exceeds legal discharge limits.
Digital Display
Clear display of measured oil content values.
Automatic Relay Outputs
Supports automatic valve switching and discharge shutdown.
MARPOL Compliance
Designed to support international pollution prevention requirements.
Compact Design
Easy installation in machinery spaces.
Reliable Marine Construction
Suitable for continuous operation in harsh marine environments.
System Images
Main Components
1. Control Unit
The main monitoring and display section.
Functions
- Oil content display
- Alarm processing
- Relay control
- Diagnostic functions
2. Detector Cell
Measures oil concentration in sampled water.
Functions
- Optical analysis
- Oil detection
- Signal generation
3. Sampling Assembly
Provides continuous sample flow.
Functions
- Water sampling
- Flow stabilization
4. Alarm Relay Outputs
Interface with vessel systems.
Functions
- Alarm activation
- Automatic shutdown
- Valve control
5. Calibration Interface
Used for system testing and calibration.
Functions
- Verification
- Accuracy adjustment
Marine Applications
The BilgMon 488 is commonly installed on:
Commercial Ships
- Container Ships
- Bulk Carriers
- Oil Tankers
- Chemical Tankers
- LNG Carriers
- LPG Carriers
Offshore Vessels
- Offshore Support Vessels
- Platform Supply Vessels
Engine Room Systems
- Oily Water Separators
- Bilge Treatment Systems
- Environmental Compliance Systems
OWS Installation Images
Common Alarm Conditions
Oil Alarm
Oil concentration exceeds 15ppm.
Detector Fault Alarm
Internal detector contamination or malfunction.
Flow Alarm
Insufficient sample flow through detector.
Calibration Alarm
Calibration values outside acceptable limits.
System Fault Alarm
Internal electronics or communication fault.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
High Oil Content Alarm
Possible Causes
- OWS malfunction
- Excessive oil contamination
- Incorrect separator operation
Corrective Actions
- Stop discharge
- Inspect OWS
- Verify separator performance
Detector Contamination
Possible Causes
- Dirty measuring chamber
- Oil deposits
Corrective Actions
- Clean detector cell
- Verify sample quality
Flow Alarm
Possible Causes
- Blocked sample line
- Closed valve
- Flow restriction
Corrective Actions
- Check piping
- Verify valves
- Restore sample flow
False Alarm
Possible Causes
- Dirty optics
- Air bubbles
- Calibration drift
Corrective Actions
- Clean optics
- Remove air from sample line
- Recalibrate system
Maintenance Tips
Daily Checks
- Verify display operation
- Check alarm indicators
Weekly Checks
- Verify sample flow
- Inspect detector condition
Monthly Checks
- Test alarms
- Verify relay outputs
Quarterly Maintenance
- Clean measuring chamber
- Inspect electrical connections
Annual Maintenance
- Full calibration
- Functional testing
- Compliance verification
Maintenance Images
Available Stock From SM MARINE SERVICE™
SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies BilgMon 488 systems in:
- Used Condition
- Refurbished Condition
- Reconditioned Condition
Available items may include:
- Complete BilgMon 488 Units
- Detector Assemblies
- Control Modules
- Spare Parts
- Repair Exchange Units
All units can be tested before shipment subject to stock availability.
Why Ships Still Use BilgMon 488
The BilgMon 488 remains popular because:
- Proven Swedish engineering
- Reliable oil content monitoring
- Easy operation
- Accurate measurement technology
- Long service life
- Worldwide acceptance
- Strong environmental compliance record
Many vessels continue operating BilgMon systems successfully for years with proper maintenance and calibration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the BilgMon 488?
The BilgMon 488 continuously measures oil concentration in water discharged from Oily Water Separator systems and ensures MARPOL compliance.
Why is the 15ppm limit important?
International regulations prohibit the discharge of oily water containing more than 15ppm oil.
Can the BilgMon 488 stop discharge automatically?
Yes. Through relay outputs and connected automatic control systems.
Does the detector require cleaning?
Yes. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain measurement accuracy.
Is calibration required?
Yes. Periodic calibration and verification are required for regulatory compliance.
Short Product Description
The BilgMon 488 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a marine oil content monitoring system designed to ensure compliance with MARPOL Annex I regulations. Manufactured in Sweden, the system continuously measures oil concentration in discharged bilge water and activates alarms whenever oil content exceeds 15ppm. Its reliability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance make it a trusted solution for marine environmental protection.
Assembly Details
Complete System Assembly Includes
1. BilgMon 488 Control Unit
- LCD display
- Alarm indicators
- Control electronics
2. Detector Cell Assembly
- Optical measuring chamber
- Oil sensing module
3. Sampling System
- Water inlet assembly
- Flow control section
4. Alarm Output Module
- Relay outputs
- Shutdown interfaces
5. Calibration Assembly
- Calibration ports
- Verification fittings
6. Communication Interface
- External system connections
7. Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- Fasteners
8. Electrical Connection Assembly
- Terminal blocks
- Power 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