Rivertrace Smart Cell 15ppm Bilge Alarm – Complete Technical Guide, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Calibration & MARPOL Compliance
Rivertrace Smart Cell 15ppm Bilge Alarm
Manufacturer
Rivertrace Engineering Ltd.
Country of Origin
United Kingdom (UK)
Product Type
15ppm Bilge Alarm & Oil Content Monitoring System
Marine Application
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Monitoring, Oil Content Measurement & MARPOL Pollution Prevention
Product Introduction
The Rivertrace Smart Cell 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a modern marine environmental protection system designed to continuously monitor oil concentration in bilge water discharged through a ship's Oily Water Separator (OWS).
Manufactured by Rivertrace Engineering in the United Kingdom, the Smart Cell system combines advanced oil content measurement technology with intelligent alarm and monitoring functions to ensure compliance with international marine pollution regulations.
The system consists primarily of a Smart Bilge Control Unit and a Smart Cell Detector Assembly, providing continuous oil content monitoring and automatic alarm activation whenever oil concentration exceeds permitted discharge limits.
Original Product Image
The image above shows an actual Rivertrace Smart Cell 15ppm Bilge Alarm System supplied by SM MARINE SERVICE™, including the Smart Bilge Display Unit and Smart Cell Detector Module.
What Is the Rivertrace Smart Cell System?
The Smart Cell is a sophisticated oil content monitoring device used in conjunction with shipboard Oily Water Separators.
Its primary purpose is to:
- Continuously measure oil concentration
- Protect the marine environment
- Prevent illegal oily water discharge
- Comply with IMO regulations
- Support automatic overboard discharge control
The system continuously analyzes the water sample flowing from the separator and displays the measured oil content value in real time.
Smart Cell System Images
How the Rivertrace Smart Cell Works
The Smart Cell utilizes optical oil detection technology to measure the amount of oil present in discharged water.
Operating Sequence
- Bilge water passes through the Oily Water Separator.
- Sample water enters the Smart Cell detector.
- Optical sensors analyze oil concentration.
- Oil content values are transmitted to the Smart Bilge monitor.
- The measured value is displayed on the LCD screen.
- If oil concentration exceeds 15ppm, alarm outputs activate.
- Automatic discharge control systems may stop overboard discharge.
This process ensures continuous environmental compliance and pollution prevention.
Main Features
Continuous Oil Content Monitoring
Provides real-time measurement of oil concentration.
Intelligent Smart Bilge Display
Easy-to-read LCD display with menu-driven operation.
Automatic 15ppm Alarm
Instant warning when oil concentration exceeds legal limits.
MARPOL Compliance
Supports IMO MEPC requirements for pollution prevention.
Self-Diagnostic Functions
Monitors system health and detector status.
Compact Detector Design
Easy installation and maintenance.
Long-Term Reliability
Designed for harsh marine engine room conditions.
Additional Product Images
Main Components
1. Smart Bilge Control Unit
The main operating interface.
Functions
- LCD display
- Alarm management
- Parameter settings
- Event monitoring
2. Smart Cell Detector
The oil sensing module.
Functions
- Oil concentration measurement
- Optical detection
- Signal generation
3. Sampling System
Provides continuous water flow.
Functions
- Water sampling
- Flow stabilization
- Measurement support
4. Alarm Relay Outputs
Interfaces with vessel systems.
Functions
- Alarm activation
- Automatic discharge shutdown
- External monitoring
5. Calibration Assembly
Supports accuracy verification.
Functions
- Calibration adjustment
- Performance testing
Marine Applications
The Smart Cell system is installed on:
Commercial Vessels
- Container Ships
- Bulk Carriers
- Oil Tankers
- Chemical Tankers
- LNG Carriers
- LPG Carriers
Offshore Vessels
- Platform Supply Vessels
- Offshore Support Vessels
Environmental Protection Systems
- Oily Water Separators
- Bilge Water Treatment Systems
- Pollution Prevention Installations
Shipboard Installation Images
Alarm Functions
High Oil Content Alarm
Activated when oil concentration exceeds the programmed limit.
Detector Fault Alarm
Indicates contamination or detector malfunction.
Flow Alarm
Indicates inadequate sample flow.
Calibration Alarm
Triggered when calibration values are outside acceptable limits.
System Fault Alarm
Indicates internal electronics or communication failure.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
High Oil Content Reading
Possible Causes
- OWS malfunction
- Excess oil contamination
- Incorrect separator adjustment
Corrective Actions
- Stop discharge
- Inspect separator operation
- Verify bilge treatment performance
Detector Contamination
Possible Causes
- Dirty measuring chamber
- Oil deposits on optics
Corrective Actions
- Clean detector cell
- Inspect sampling system
No Sample Flow
Possible Causes
- Blocked pipework
- Closed valves
- Pump failure
Corrective Actions
- Verify sample flow
- Inspect piping
- Restore circulation
False Alarm Condition
Possible Causes
- Dirty optics
- Calibration drift
- Air bubbles
Corrective Actions
- Clean optics
- Recalibrate system
- Remove air from sample line
Maintenance Tips
Daily Checks
- Verify display operation
- Confirm normal readings
Weekly Checks
- Check sample flow
- Inspect alarm condition
Monthly Checks
- Test relay outputs
- Verify detector condition
Quarterly Maintenance
- Clean detector chamber
- Inspect electrical connections
Annual Maintenance
- Full calibration
- Performance verification
- Compliance testing
Maintenance Images
Why Ships Still Use Rivertrace Smart Cell
The Rivertrace Smart Cell remains one of the most widely accepted 15ppm Bilge Alarm systems because:
- Proven UK engineering
- High measurement accuracy
- Reliable environmental protection
- Easy operation
- Advanced diagnostics
- Long service life
- Worldwide class approval acceptance
Its combination of reliability and compliance support makes it a preferred solution on vessels worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Smart Cell?
The Smart Cell continuously measures oil concentration in bilge water discharged from an Oily Water Separator.
Why is the 15ppm limit important?
International MARPOL regulations prohibit discharge of water containing more than 15ppm oil.
Can the Smart Cell stop discharge automatically?
Yes. Through connected relay outputs and automatic discharge control systems.
Does the detector require cleaning?
Yes. Regular cleaning ensures measurement accuracy.
Is periodic calibration required?
Yes. Regular calibration and verification are essential for regulatory compliance.
Short Product Description
The Rivertrace Smart Cell 15ppm Bilge Alarm is a UK-manufactured marine oil content monitoring system designed for continuous Oily Water Separator monitoring. Featuring a Smart Bilge control unit and Smart Cell detector assembly, the system accurately measures oil concentration, activates alarms when limits are exceeded, and supports compliance with IMO MARPOL Annex I environmental regulations.
Assembly Details
Complete Smart Cell System Assembly Includes
1. Smart Bilge Control Unit
- LCD display
- Menu control buttons
- Alarm indicators
2. Smart Cell Detector Assembly
- Optical measuring chamber
- Oil sensing module
3. Sampling System
- Sample inlet assembly
- Flow regulation components
4. Alarm Output Module
- Relay outputs
- Shutdown interfaces
5. Calibration Assembly
- Calibration adjustment controls
- Verification fittings
6. Communication Interface
- External monitoring connections
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