DECKMA OMD-24 Oil Content Meter (15ppm Bilge Alarm) – Complete Technical Guide, Calibration, Maintenance & Troubleshooting
DECKMA OMD-24 Oil Content Meter (15ppm Bilge Alarm)
Manufacturer
DECKMA Hamburg GmbH
Country of Origin
Germany
Product Type
Oil Content Meter (OCM) / 15ppm Bilge Alarm
Marine Application
Oily Water Separator (OWS) Monitoring & MARPOL Compliance System
Product Introduction
The DECKMA OMD-24 Oil Content Meter is one of the most widely installed and internationally approved 15ppm Bilge Alarm systems used on commercial vessels worldwide.
Manufactured by DECKMA Hamburg GmbH, Germany, the OMD-24 continuously measures the oil concentration in bilge water discharged through an Oily Water Separator (OWS). The system ensures that overboard discharge complies with MARPOL Annex I regulations by monitoring oil content and automatically activating alarms when oil concentration exceeds permitted limits.
Due to its reliability, high accuracy, and worldwide acceptance by classification societies, the OMD-24 has become a standard environmental protection device on tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, offshore vessels, and passenger ships.
Original Product Image
The image above shows an actual DECKMA OMD-24 Oil Content Meter supplied by SM MARINE SERVICE™, including the control/display unit and measuring cell assembly.
What Is the DECKMA OMD-24?
The OMD-24 is a marine-approved oil content monitoring device designed to continuously analyze the oil concentration of water discharged overboard through an Oily Water Separator.
Its main functions include:
- Oil content measurement
- Bilge discharge monitoring
- Automatic alarm generation
- MARPOL compliance verification
- Environmental protection
- Automatic discharge control
The system measures oil concentration in parts per million (ppm) and ensures discharge remains below the internationally accepted 15ppm limit.
DECKMA OMD-24 Images
Working Principle
The OMD-24 uses advanced optical measurement technology to detect oil droplets suspended in water.
Operating Sequence
- Water exits the Oily Water Separator.
- Sample water flows through the OMD-24 measuring cell.
- Optical sensors analyze oil contamination.
- Internal electronics calculate oil concentration.
- The result is displayed in ppm.
- Alarm outputs are monitored continuously.
- If oil content exceeds preset limits, alarm and control outputs activate.
This process allows real-time monitoring of discharge water quality.
Main Features
Continuous Oil Content Measurement
Real-time monitoring of discharge water.
15ppm Alarm Protection
Provides alarm activation at regulatory limits.
Automatic Overboard Discharge Protection
Prevents illegal discharge.
Data Logging Capability
Stores operational records and alarm history.
Self-Diagnostic Functions
Monitors system health continuously.
Digital LCD Display
Easy-to-read operating information.
IMO & MARPOL Approved
Accepted by major classification societies worldwide.
Additional Product Images
Main Components
1. OMD-24 Control Unit
The primary operator interface.
Functions
- Oil content display
- Alarm indication
- Configuration settings
- Data logging
2. Measuring Cell
The sensing section of the system.
Functions
- Optical oil detection
- Water sample analysis
3. Sampling System
Controls water flow through the detector.
Functions
- Sample transport
- Measurement stability
4. Alarm Module
Provides alarm outputs.
Functions
- Alarm 1 (pre-warning)
- Alarm 2 (high oil content)
5. Automatic Discharge Control Interface
Interacts with discharge valves and OWS systems.
Functions
- Valve operation
- Overboard discharge protection
Marine Applications
The OMD-24 is commonly installed on:
Cargo Ships
- Bulk carriers
- General cargo vessels
Container Ships
- Engine room environmental systems
Tankers
- Oil tankers
- Chemical tankers
Offshore Vessels
- Platform supply vessels
- Offshore support vessels
Passenger Ships
- Cruise ships
- Ferries
Shipboard Installation Images
MARPOL Compliance Requirements
Under MARPOL Annex I:
Maximum Permitted Oil Content
- 15 ppm
Mandatory Alarm
- Activated above 15 ppm
Automatic Stop Function
- Required for approved systems
Record Retention
- Alarm and operation history logging
The OMD-24 helps vessel operators maintain compliance with international environmental regulations.
Alarm Functions
AL1 Alarm
Early warning condition.
Possible Causes
- Rising oil concentration
- OWS efficiency reduction
AL2 Alarm
High oil content condition.
Possible Causes
- Oil concentration above permitted limit
- OWS malfunction
SYS Alarm
Internal system fault indication.
Possible Causes
- Sensor issue
- Electronics fault
- Calibration problem
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
Reading Permanently High
Possible Causes
- Dirty measuring cell
- Oil contamination
- Incorrect calibration
Corrective Actions
- Clean measuring chamber
- Verify calibration
- Inspect OWS operation
No Display
Possible Causes
- Power supply failure
- Internal fuse fault
Corrective Actions
- Verify power supply
- Check internal protection devices
Frequent AL2 Alarm
Possible Causes
- OWS malfunction
- Excessive oil contamination
Corrective Actions
- Inspect separator
- Verify discharge quality
Calibration Failure
Possible Causes
- Sensor contamination
- Incorrect calibration fluid
Corrective Actions
- Clean optics
- Repeat calibration procedure
Sample Flow Failure
Possible Causes
- Blocked sample line
- Valve malfunction
Corrective Actions
- Inspect flow path
- Verify sample circulation
Maintenance Tips
Daily Checks
- Verify display readings
- Check alarm indicators
Weekly Checks
- Inspect sample flow
- Verify system operation
Monthly Checks
- Clean measuring chamber
- Check optical surfaces
Quarterly Maintenance
- Verify calibration
- Inspect control outputs
Annual Maintenance
- Complete system calibration
- Functional testing
- Alarm verification
Maintenance Images
Why Ships Still Use DECKMA OMD-24
The OMD-24 remains one of the most trusted oil content meters because:
- Proven German engineering
- Worldwide classification approval
- High measurement accuracy
- Long service life
- Easy maintenance
- Reliable operation
- Strong MARPOL compliance performance
Thousands of vessels continue operating OMD-24 systems successfully around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the OMD-24?
It continuously measures oil concentration in water discharged through an Oily Water Separator.
What happens if oil concentration exceeds 15ppm?
The system activates alarms and can automatically stop overboard discharge.
Is the OMD-24 IMO approved?
Yes. It is designed to meet applicable IMO and MARPOL requirements.
Does the system require calibration?
Yes. Regular calibration is necessary to maintain measurement accuracy.
Can the measuring cell be cleaned?
Yes. Routine cleaning is a normal maintenance requirement.
Short Product Description
The DECKMA OMD-24 Oil Content Meter is a German-manufactured 15ppm Bilge Alarm system used for continuous monitoring of oil concentration in bilge water discharged through Oily Water Separators. Featuring advanced optical sensing technology, automatic alarms, and MARPOL compliance functionality, the OMD-24 remains one of the most widely used marine environmental protection systems worldwide.
Assembly Details
Complete DECKMA OMD-24 Assembly Includes
1. OMD-24 Main Control Unit
- LCD display
- Keypad interface
- Alarm indicators
2. Measuring Cell Assembly
- Optical sensor chamber
- Oil content detection module
3. Sample Flow System
- Water inlet
- Water outlet
- Flow control section
4. Alarm Circuit Module
- AL1 warning output
- AL2 high oil alarm output
5. System Diagnostic Module
- Self-monitoring electronics
- Internal fault detection
6. Data Logging System
- Alarm history
- Event recording
7. Electrical Interface Section
- Power connections
- Signal outputs
- Relay outputs
8. Mounting Hardware
- Installation brackets
- Fixing accessories
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition:
• New Equipment
• Used Equipment
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• Reconditioned EquipmentStock Location:
• Bangladesh
• ChinaServices:
• Worldwide Shipping
• Technical Support
• Spare Parts Supply
• Marine Equipment SourcingContact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, BangladeshMobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com