The BilgMon 488 Master Unit is the central control module of Brannstrom’s bilge alarm system, featuring a durable housing with LCD display, buttons, and LEDs. It stores all alarm data in its integrated memory and receives wireless signals from the sealed sensor unit. The Master Unit processes oil content and separator signals, triggers alarms, and logs events to ensure compliant bilge water monitoring.
If you need a new version or have lost the BilgMon 488 software, please contact us for support.
Advantages for you:
Easy to operate
Stocked at Insatech warehouse
Cost friendly
We deliver directly and globally to end-users, agents, and resellers. Contact us at quotes@insatech.com.
The optional flow sensing switch for the BilgMon 488 is a valuable addition, providing a critical layer of protection to monitor sample flow, prevent accidental pollution, and ensure compliance with MARPOL regulations. However, only the latest BilgMon 488 Version 5 is designed to fully integrate this advanced feature, making it the ideal choice for modern bilge monitoring systems.
Why Choose Version 5 for Flow Switch Integration?
Dedicated Signal Input: Version 5 includes a specific input for the flow sensing switch. This ensures flow alarms are treated as critical alerts, displaying "No Flow" on the screen and logging the issue for enhanced compliance and monitoring.
Advanced Monitoring Accuracy: Version 5 accurately detects low-flow situations without compromising the proper logging of other system operations, such as separator activity.
Seamless System Integration: The flow switch integrates effortlessly with Version 5, eliminating the compromises required with older versions and streamlining installation.
Upgrading to the new version of the BilgMon 488, Version 5, ensures full compatibility, precise data accuracy, and improved environmental protection.
Installed in the sample flow loop, ideally in the drain line, the flow switch effectively detects blockages or tampering, ensuring safe and compliant operations by:
Preventing accidental oil discharge.
Protecting the environment.
Maintaining operational safety.
With models tailored to specific flow rates and a robust, clog-resistant design, the flow switch is an essential component for reliable and efficient bilge water monitoring.
Understanding the 15 ppm Bilge Alarm Functionality
Effective bilge water management is crucial for environmental compliance and operational efficiency on ships, ensuring that discharged water meets regulatory standards. A 15ppm Bilge Alarm, such as the BilgMon 488, operates on the working principle of continuous oil content analysis using advanced sensor technology. It monitors and analyzes bilge water, automatically stopping discharge if oil levels exceed 15ppm.
Type-approved under IMO MEPC.107(49), it’s suitable for various applications and easy to retrofit.
Additionally, it is cost-effective to replace, readily available, and supports simple onboard calibration and maintenance.
We have already addressed the maintenance schedule above concerning the calibration certificate of the sensor (5 years) and a regularly calibration check (see the paragraph: "Calibrating your Bilgmon 488". So, always include a verification of the expiry date of the factory-issued calibration certificate in your maintenance of the BilgMon 488.
The BilgMon488 can be configured to autoflush. This function causes the sensor tube to be flushed with clean water at specified intervals set in the settings menu. Autoflush operates only when the device is in the main menu and not actively monitoring or doing an analysis.
For cleaning the measurement unit, use a soft bottle brush and mild detergent. Be cautious with the glass tube inside the SENSOR unit - avoid any tools or substances that could scratch or damage the glass, such as metal objects. If the glass tube is coated with rust or similar deposits, use a low-concentration acid like hydrochloric acid, ensuring proper rinsing and protection for your eyes, skin, and airways when handling acidic substances.
According to MARPOL Annex I, ships of 400 gross tonnage and above must be fitted with a bilge water separator, and on ships of 10.000 gross tonnage and above the bilge water separator must additionally be fitted with a 15 ppm bilge alarm.
However, ships between 400 and 10.000 gross tonnage are also required to have the 15ppm alarm in order to be allowed to operate the bilge water separator, when the ship is in one of the following "Special Areas" as defined by MARPOL:
The Mediterranean Sea
The Black Sea
The Baltic Sea and the North West European waters
The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden
The Arabian Gulf
The Oman area of the Arabian Sea.
For details see Reg.14 & 15 of MARPOL Annex I (Consolidated Edition 2006).
Compliance with IMO MEPC.107(49) Regulations
Ships built before 2005 may operate with equipment meeting the requirements of older IMO Rules, but ships built in 2005 and later must be fitted with bilge separators and 15ppm bilge alarms type approved According to MEPC.107(49).
AMSA’s (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) inspect oily-water separators, filtering equipment, and alarms per Resolution A.1185(33). Testing ensures that effluent samples flow correctly to the 15ppm bilge alarm and that the automatic stopping device activates when oil content exceeds 15ppm. Failure to meet MEPC.107(49) can result in non-compliance and vessel detention.
The MASTER unit (enclosure with LCD, buttons, and LEDs)
The SENSOR unit (enclosure with pipe fittings).
The MASTER unit houses all electronics for controlling and storing data for the bilge alarm. The main memory, which logs bilge alarm events, is mounted in the lid of the MASTER housing.
The SENSOR unit contains electronics for measuring the sample stream and holds the measurement calibration data. Communication with the MASTER unit is wireless, so the SENSOR unit is hermetically sealed and should not be opened.
A 15ppm Bilge Alarm operates on the working principle, where the oil content of the separated/filtered water is monitored and stops the discharge into the sea if the oil content exceeds 15ppm (parts per million). Thus, a 15ppm Bilge Alarm, linked to a ship's oil separator, stops discharge if oil content exceeds 15ppm, ensuring compliance through constant analysis. This technology, thus, is normally used in connection to a ship's oil filtering equipment, also known as "bilge water separator" a OWS-system.
The 15 ppm bilge alarm type "BilgMon 488" is type approved for this purpose according to the IMO Rules MEPC.107(49), demonstrating its reliable technology and compliance with industry standards.
Furthermore, the 15ppm bilge alarm can, in principle, be utilized as a simple oil content monitoring system for other applications, provided the water is free from solids or substances that may interfere with its operation.
Cheaper to Replace than Repair
When a complete new bilge water separator is delivered to an existing ship, or to a new building, the separator already contains a 15 ppm bilge alarm. However, when the 15ppm bilge alarm on an existing ship is broken beyond repair, or repairing the bilge alarm would be almost as expensive as a new one, the best solution is to replace the old alarm with a new one.
If your old model comes with the RTC failure alarm you can contact us directly, so we can give you support, or you can try to solve the problem yourself as it might has to do with the battery replacement of the unit.
The RTC failure means the real time clock (RTC) has stopped, if your Bilgmon 488 is of a newer type you can change the battery yourself. Thus, the Bilgmon 488 battery replacement is relatively simple to do.
The RTC backup battery is coupled in parallel with a backup capacitor. This means that the Bilgemon488 can keep its RTC running for a couple of hours without the battery present.
The RTC battery (type CR1225) is located on the backside of the master unit lid.
We Deliver Directly to End Customers, Resellers, and Agents – Globally
At Insatech, we are proud to offer our high-quality products to all customers worldwide. Whether you’re an end customer, a reseller, or an agent, you can purchase directly from us.
By choosing us, you gain direct access to all our products, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Our global distribution possibilities ensure fast and reliable delivery to your doorstep, wherever you are.
We strive to make it easy for you as an end consumer to find the products you are looking for while supporting agents and resellers looking to grow their business. Whether you’re buying for your use or resale, we’re here to meet your needs.
Discover how simple it is to work directly with a trusted global distributor – shop with confidence at Insatech today!
At Insatech, we are an authorized distributor of Brannstrom Sweden, supplying advanced oil-in-water monitors, bilge alarms, turbidity meters, and customized inline measurement systems for demanding marine and industrial applications.
Brannstrom solutions meet IMO and Classification Society requirements.
Originating from bilge alarm and pollution control technologies, Brannstrom now delivers a broad range of precision inline monitoring systems for vessels, water treatment facilities, paper mills, and other process installations.
Insatech offers Brannstrom solutions for their engineering precision, durability, and proven compliance with strict environmental standards. With full in-house design and manufacturing, Brannstrom delivers monitoring systems tailored to specific operational needs - for example the 15ppm bilge alarm type BILGMON 488
These solutions enable reliable performance and regulatory compliance across marine and industrial applications.
Bilge Alarm Tailored to Your Application
Brannstrom has a long tradition of developing application-specific systems, engineered in close collaboration with clients and tailored to their exact requirements - drawing on decades of design and development experience.
