Rivertrace OCD CM Oil Content Monitor – Complete Technical Guide, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Calibration & 15ppm Bilge Alarm Applications
Rivertrace OCD CM Oil Content Monitor
Manufacturer
Rivertrace Engineering Ltd.
Country of Origin
United Kingdom (UK)
Product Type
Oil Content Monitor (OCM) / Oil Content Detector
Marine Application
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Monitoring & Bilge Water Oil Content Measurement
Product Introduction
The Rivertrace OCD CM Oil Content Monitor is a reliable marine environmental monitoring instrument designed to continuously measure oil concentration in water discharged from shipboard Oily Water Separator (OWS) systems.
The unit plays a critical role in helping vessels comply with international pollution prevention regulations by continuously monitoring oil content before overboard discharge occurs.
The OCD CM system measures oil concentration in parts per million (PPM) and provides alarm outputs whenever oil content exceeds preset limits. This ensures compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex I requirements and helps prevent accidental marine pollution.
The Rivertrace OCD CM has been widely used onboard commercial ships, offshore vessels, and marine installations because of its accuracy, durability, and simple operation.
Original Product Image
The image above shows an actual Rivertrace OCD CM Oil Content Monitor supplied by SM MARINE SERVICE™, including the control unit and detector assembly.
What Is an Oil Content Monitor?
An Oil Content Monitor (OCM) is a marine environmental protection device used to continuously measure oil concentration in water flowing from an Oily Water Separator.
Its main purpose is to:
- Measure oil concentration
- Monitor OWS performance
- Prevent illegal discharge
- Activate alarms
- Support environmental compliance
The monitor continuously measures oil content and displays the value in PPM.
If the measured oil concentration exceeds the preset limit, the system immediately activates alarms and can trigger automatic discharge control systems.
Oil Content Monitoring Images
How the Rivertrace OCD CM Works
The OCD CM continuously receives a water sample from the Oily Water Separator outlet.
Inside the detector unit:
- Water enters the measuring chamber.
- Optical measurement technology analyzes the sample.
- Oil concentration is calculated.
- The measured value is displayed on the control panel.
- Alarm limits are continuously monitored.
- Alarm outputs activate when limits are exceeded.
This process ensures continuous monitoring of discharged water quality.
Main Features
Continuous Oil Content Measurement
Provides real-time oil concentration monitoring.
Digital PPM Display
Displays oil content values directly.
Dual Alarm Functions
Supports multiple alarm thresholds.
Automatic Alarm Outputs
Interfaces with vessel control systems.
Compact Design
Easy installation in machinery spaces.
High Reliability
Designed for continuous marine operation.
Easy Calibration
Simple calibration and verification procedures.
Long Service Life
Proven performance in demanding marine environments.
System Images
Main Components
1. OCD CM Control Unit
The central monitoring and display module.
Functions
- Oil concentration display
- Alarm management
- Calibration control
- System diagnostics
2. Detector Cell Assembly
Measures oil concentration within the water sample.
Functions
- Optical measurement
- Oil detection
- Signal generation
3. Sampling System
Supplies continuous sample flow.
Functions
- Water sampling
- Stable measurement conditions
4. Alarm Output Circuit
Interfaces with external systems.
Functions
- Alarm activation
- Automatic shutdown signals
- Monitoring integration
5. Calibration System
Supports accuracy verification.
Functions
- Calibration procedures
- System testing
Marine Applications
The OCD CM is commonly installed on:
Commercial Vessels
- Container Ships
- Bulk Carriers
- Oil Tankers
- Chemical Tankers
- LNG Carriers
- LPG Carriers
Offshore Vessels
- Offshore Support Vessels
- Platform Supply Vessels
Machinery Space Systems
- Oily Water Separators
- Bilge Treatment Systems
- Environmental Monitoring Systems
The OCD CM helps ensure safe and legal discharge operations.
OWS Installation Images
Alarm Functions
Alarm 1
Provides early warning when oil concentration rises above the first preset level.
Alarm 2
Provides high-level alarm when oil concentration exceeds the critical limit.
Detector Fault Alarm
Indicates detector contamination or malfunction.
Calibration Alarm
Indicates calibration or accuracy issues.
System Fault Alarm
Internal electronics fault detected.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
High Oil Content Reading
Possible Causes
- OWS malfunction
- Excessive oil contamination
- Separator inefficiency
Corrective Actions
- Inspect OWS
- Verify separator operation
- Stop overboard discharge
Detector Cell Contamination
Possible Causes
- Oil deposits
- Dirty optics
Corrective Actions
- Clean detector cell
- Verify sample quality
Calibration Drift
Possible Causes
- Sensor aging
- Optical contamination
Corrective Actions
- Perform calibration
- Inspect detector components
No Display or Incorrect Reading
Possible Causes
- Power supply issue
- Electronics fault
- Wiring problem
Corrective Actions
- Verify power supply
- Inspect wiring
- Test internal electronics
Maintenance Tips
Daily Checks
- Verify display operation
- Confirm normal readings
Weekly Checks
- Check detector condition
- Verify sample flow
Monthly Checks
- Test alarm outputs
- Inspect detector chamber
Quarterly Maintenance
- Clean optical surfaces
- Verify calibration values
Annual Maintenance
- Full calibration
- Performance testing
- Compliance verification
Maintenance Images
Available Stock From SM MARINE SERVICE™
SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies Rivertrace OCD CM units in:
- Used Condition
- Refurbished Condition
- Reconditioned Condition
Available services include:
- Complete unit supply
- Spare parts sourcing
- Technical support
- Worldwide shipping
All units can be tested prior to delivery depending on stock availability.
Why Ships Still Use Rivertrace OCD CM
The OCD CM remains widely used because:
- Proven UK engineering
- Accurate oil content measurement
- Reliable alarm operation
- Easy maintenance
- Compact design
- Worldwide acceptance
- Long operational life
Many vessels continue operating OCD CM units successfully due to their durability and compliance performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the OCD CM?
The OCD CM continuously measures oil concentration in water discharged from Oily Water Separator systems.
What does PPM mean?
PPM stands for Parts Per Million and indicates the amount of oil present in water.
Why is oil content monitoring important?
It helps vessels comply with MARPOL regulations and prevents marine pollution.
Can the OCD CM trigger alarms automatically?
Yes. The system provides automatic alarm outputs when oil concentration exceeds preset limits.
Does the unit require calibration?
Yes. Regular calibration and verification are necessary to maintain measurement accuracy.
Short Product Description
The Rivertrace OCD CM Oil Content Monitor is a marine oil concentration measurement system designed for Oily Water Separator monitoring applications. Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the system continuously measures oil content in discharged water, provides alarm outputs, and supports compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex I pollution prevention regulations. Its reliability and ease of maintenance make it a trusted environmental monitoring solution onboard ships worldwide.
Assembly Details
Complete System Assembly Includes
1. OCD CM Control Unit
- Digital display
- Alarm indicators
- Control electronics
2. Detector Cell Assembly
- Optical measuring chamber
- Oil sensing module
3. Sampling System
- Water inlet assembly
- Sample flow control
4. Alarm Output Circuit
- Alarm relays
- Shutdown interfaces
5. Calibration Module
- Calibration adjustment system
- Verification controls
6. Communication Interface
- External system connections
7. Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- Fasteners
8. Electrical Connection Assembly
- Terminal blocks
- Power supply wiring