To : Chief Engr. Zosimo C. Sionil Jr.

Training Manager
Arctic Shipping Corporation – Training Department

CC : Chief Engr. Nino Mhelbert R. Nuez

Engine Instructor

CC : Engr. Kirby E. Dadole

Engine Instructor

Date : August 12, 2021

Subject: Oily Water Separator

Oily water separator function is to separate maximum amount of oil particles from the water to be discharged
overboard from engine room or cargo hold bilges, oil tanks and oil-contaminated spaces. As per maritime
regulations, the oil content in the water processed from the OWS must be less than 15 parts per million of oil. Oily
water separator Works on the Principle of Separation – Gravity Differential between the oil and water.

1st stage
Rough separation of oil form bilge water in the 1st stage is dependent upon the specific gravity
(relative density) of the oil being separated. The separation is achieved by using multiple parallel
plates which are housed in the separating compartment in two layers.
Therefore, they are capable of dealing with bilge water mixed with high density fuel oils and
particles of oil which are larger then 60 microns in size.

2nd stage
The 2nd stage is filled with hard type of emulsion breaker. Not only the emulsion is broken but also
 foreign matter in the bilge is filtered by the breaker and coalescers in 3rd and 4th stages is
protected from clogging by the foreign matter.

3rd stage
The 3rd stage contains a coalescer which allows small particles of oil to coagulate and become
bigger in size and thereby float to the surface.
Heishin’s coalescers are made of 18-8 stainless steel and heat/corrosion resistant glass fiber and
are capable of separating oil of 15-20 microns particles. If maintained properly, it is not necessary
to replace these coalescers as often as compared with other types of 15ppm Bilge Separator which
use fine filter elements. Moreover, if contaminated, they can be easily restored by washing with
steam or hot water.

4th stage
The 4th stage contains a coalescer which coagulates small particles of oil that can not be
separated in the 3rd stage and become bigger in size and thereby float to the surface.

Pipe between the 1st and the 2nd stage

The connecting pipe between the 1st and the 2nd stage all15ppm Bilge Separator the passage of
bilge water from the 1st stage to the 2nd stage. A T-shaped strainer and a non-return valve is fitted
to this pipe.
(1) T-shaped strainer
The T-shape strainer of a self-cleaning type is provided to arrest any sludge and foreign
matters which escape separation in the 1st stage in order to protect the coalescer element.
The element inside of the strain is made of stainless steel with 100 mesh/inch.
(2) Non-return valve
The non-return valve is provided to prevent any back flow of water into the 1st stage, when
 separated oil form the 1st stage is discharged via the automatic oil discharge valve which
causes a drop in pressure in the 1st stage.

Preparation for operation

Prior to operating the 15ppm Bilge Separator after installation, it is necessary to ensure the
following:
1. Piping for the 15ppm Bilge Separator is laid down in accordance with the manufacture’s piping
arrangement, and the specification of ship owner/shipyard if provided.
2. The electric wiring of power supply and alarm signal for 15ppm Bilge Separator is correctly
made.
3. For cleaning inside the pipe from the suction line to the inlet of 15ppm Bilge Separator, flush
with seawater by running bilge pump. (In this step, seawater is not to be supplied to 15ppm
Bilge Separator)
4. After elimination of sludge, mud and dirt in the pipe, confirm that there is no leakage from the
pipe and the system.
5. 15ppm Bilge Separator is filled up with seawater by bilge pump
6. No leakage should be observed from the pipe before the 15ppm Bilge Separator.

Operation
Procedures for daily service of 15ppm Bilge Separator:
7. Turn on the power supply to the automatic oil discharge device.
8. Open all the valves fitted to the bilge discharge pipe line and start the bilge pump.
Caution

Where the 15ppm Bilge Separator has been unused for more than one week, flush the 15ppm
Bilge Separator with seawater using bilge pump for 15 - 20 minutes prior to handling the bilge.
This is because oil, suspended solids (SS), sediment and bacteria staying in the 15ppm Bilge
Separator may have changed into containments by biochemical reaction and affect the 15ppm
Bilge Separator’s performance.
9. During the operation of the 15ppm Bilge Separator, oil is separated from bilge water and
accumulates at the upper part of each stage, and eventually this separated oil should be
discharged into the waste oil tank.
The separated oil in the 1st stage is discharged automatically by an automatic oil discharge
device. Oil in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th stages, however, must be discharged manually at any time
when considered necessary upon checking by the test cock fitted to the stage. The
recommended time for oil discharge is 2 - 3 minutes.