
Charting the Course:Your Questions, Answered!
At H2O Incorporated, we know navigating the world of marine water treatment can feel like sailing uncharted waters.
That’s why we’ve created this FAQ to be your compass. From equipment specs to maintenance tips, we’ve got answers to the questions our global marine customers ask most.
Dive in and discover solutions tailored to keep your vessels running smoothly, no matter where the tides take you.
How do I get my oil content monitor calibration certificate renewed?
Each manufacturer of oil content monitor has different guidelines as to how and when to achieve a new calibration certificate. The Nag oil content monitor TD-107 has a calibration certificate that lasts two years while both the Bilgmon 488 and Rivertrace Smartcell is certified for 5 years. Some manufacturers do not offer the renewal of calibration certificates for expired measuring cells. Rather a replacement measuring cell with a new calibration certificate is recommended. Both Brannstrom and Rivertrace require that the expired measuring cell be replaced while the NAG TD-107 monitor can be sent in after two years for recalibration. It is important to know what is required for your brand of oil content monitor. Always request letters of authorization from suppliers to ensure that you are dealing with reputable representatives to avoid fraudulent certificates or equipment.
My measuring cells calibration certificate is expired, how do I get a new one?
If the date on the calibration certificate is past your current date, it is time to get a new calibration certificate. If you have a TD-107 monitor from Nag, you will need to send this monitor to them for recalibration. Contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC to begin this process. If you have a Brannstrom Bilgmon 488 or a Rivertrace Smartcell you can contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC and start the process of getting a new measuring cell sent to you. For these two types of oil content monitor, there is no “recalibration” of the expired cell. Simply remove the expired cell and replace it with a new cell that will come with a new calibration certificate valid for 5 years. The old cell can simply be thrown away. Please note that there are companies out there that claim that they can provide you with an updated calibration certificate. Please note that these companies are fraudulent as neither Brannstrom nor Rivertrace authorized dealers to perform this function. It is their standard practice to simply replace the measuring cell with a new one. Not only is it a quicker turnaround for the customer, but it is also the most cost-effective solution to this issue. Always request a letter of authorization from the supplier of this equipment. Only those authorized by Brannstrom or Rivertrace will be able to provide this service to you. Fraudulent certifications are illegal and can result in large fines for operators. An important thing to note is that a customer can use a calibration check kit to verify the function and accuracy of the oil content monitor. Performing this test does not replace or renew the manufactured supplied calibration certificate. It only serves as a document that shows that the monitor is reading accurately. At the end of the 5 years, the measuring cell should be replaced even if the calibration check kit shows that it is still reading accurately.
How do I know when to replace my measuring cell?
All monitors should come with a calibration certificate. On that certificate, there should be a manufacturing date that indicates when this measuring cell was built by the manufacturer. A measuring cell from Brannstrom or Rivertrace is valid for 5 years from this date after which it is considered expired. A TD-107 monitor from NAG is valid for two years from the date of manufacturer. The ORIGINAL certificate should say how long the certificate is valid for. Please note that the measuring cell is the only part of the oil content monitor that should be replaced when the certificate expires. The master unit or the control unit is not required to be replaced when the cell needs to be replaced. The date on the calibration certificate does not apply to this part of the monitor.
When should I replace my current monitor with a new one?
When the monitor is no longer functioning as it should, it should be replaced. If the master unit is malfunctioning to the point where it is no longer working, it should be replaced. Sometimes monitors have software updates that require the monitor to be replaced. All master units have a date of manufacturer on them. Please note that the calibration certificate does not apply to the master unit but only to the measuring cell. The master unit would only be replaced should it be damaged, out of date, or malfunctioning for some other reason. Please contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC for additional guidance or information.
I am getting water out the top of the OWS when discharging oil, why?
The reason why you are getting water out of the top of the OWS unit when the system is in “FILL/OIL DISCHARGE” is most likely due to dirty sensors within the level probe housing. The blue box on top of the BOSS OWS is designed to measure the oil and water level within the coalescing chamber. These three probes that extend into the body of the separator can become dirty and coated with oil. Because these probes use conductance to measure the water level inside the coalescing chamber, if these probes get coated with oil, the probes can no longer communicate with each other and tell the system when it is full of water. Simply remove the top cover of the blue box, disconnect the wires from the probe feed-throughs, and wipe the level rods clean. These rods are made of solid ¼” stainless steel round bar and should be cleaned periodically to ensure optimal performance. Be sure to connect the probes to the correct wires and correct spots to prevent malfunction of this sensor. For more help and information please contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC.
The pump on my OWS is not coming on, why?
The cause of the pump not coming on can be a result of a variety of reasons. It could be simply due to the 3-position selector switch being turned to the REM side instead of the ON side. It could be a result of the BOSS circuit board malfunctioning. A new BOSS circuit board would be required to fix this issue. The pump could also not be coming on due to the level probes having a fault in them which causes the pump to never receive the signal from the level indicating to the pump to turn on. The motor contactor or side switch could also be faulty causing the pump to not turn on. Additional troubleshooting may be required to properly identify the exact problem. Contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC for additional troubleshooting steps.
When do I change my coalescing media? How long does it last?
The coalescing media is designed to last approximately 10 years. However, if the media has been damaged by harsh chemicals or has been plugged by sediments or foreign debris, it may be required to change it out sooner. The coalescing media, as it begins to be coated with oil, actually improves its efficiency in removing and aiding in the coalescing of oil in this chamber. Any time the coalescing media is replaced, the flange gasket should also be changed. Contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC for the correct part numbers and quantities.
When do I change out my polishing media or cartridge filters? How long do they last?
The BOSS polishing media should replaced based on the performance of the media. If your system is no longer able to achieve the desired ppm for discharge it could be time to replace the media. If your system is using the bulk BOSS media, you can backwash the media to prolong the life of this media. However, eventually, you will need to replace the media. The duration between replacements is a result of how often the system is used and how much oil is in the bilge water. These two factors will determine how long the media will last. Contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC with any additional questions.
My OWS is showing no flow on the flow indicator. Why?
This could be a result of the pump not working, a valve downstream of the OWS, or the flow indicator vein inside the flow indicator being stuck. First, verify that the pump is operating. Verify that the pump is operating in the correct rotation. Viewed from the back, the motor fan should be turning clockwise. If the system is turning the wrong way it will result in a low to no flow. Second, check to verify that an isolation valve has not been closed downstream of the OWS equipment. Check your pressure gauges to see if this is the case. A high pressure on the pre and post-polishing gauges would indicate a closed valve. The pump could be pulling in air from somewhere and the pump is cavitating. If the pump sounds rough and like there are rocks in the housing, this is caused by cavitation and will result in no flow. This is remedied by ensuring that the system is filled with water completely before operation. No flow on the flow indicator could also be simply a result of the flow indicator vein being stuck. This can be solved by removing the back of the flow indicator housing and cleaning the debris from the housing. Please contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC for additional troubleshooting tips and questions.
My monitor is reading a high ppm alarm but I know I don't have oil in the water. Why?
It is rare but not entirely impossible for the monitor to measure something that is not in the water. Meaning, that if the monitor is reading a high ppm, it is due to something in the water. The Brannstrom Bilgmon 488 and the Rivertrace Smartcell monitors are both light-refracting monitors. They send a light signal across the sampled water and anything that refracts the light is considered to be oil. It is important in the operation of the BOSS oily water separator to remove all debris from the water to prevent false readings. These readings can come as a result of oil droplets, air bubbles, sediment or debris, and even bacteria in the water. The clarity of the water can also cause these light-refracting monitors to read high if there are dyes in the water. In some cases, when replacing the BOSS media, microscopic air bubbles temporarily will flow through the system causing the ppm to read high despite clean water being used. These bubbles will eventually clear themselves out after some time of operation. A dirty cell can also be the cause of a high ppm reading despite clean water. Remove the cap from the top of the measuring cell on a Brannstrom monitor and use a mild cleaning agent that has no abrasives to clean the cell. With the Rivertrace Smartcell, you can simply push the plunger down to clean the cell. Please contact your authorized BOSS dealer or H2O LLC if you have any additional questions.