Earth:Oil discharge monitoring equipment

From HandWiki

Oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME) is based on a measurement of oil content in the ballast and slop water, to measure conformance with regulations.[1] The apparatus is equipped with a GPS, data recording functionality, an oil content meter and a flow meter.[2] By use of data interpretation, a computing unit will be able to allow the discharge to continue or it will stop it using a valve outside the deck.[2]

Operating principle

A sample point on the discharge line allows for the analyzer to determine the oil content of the ballast now and slop water in PPM.[2] The analyzer is self-maintaining by periodical cleansings with fresh water, and therefore requires a minimum of active maintenance from the crew.[2] The results of the analyzer are sent to a computer, which determines whether the oil content values are to result in overboard discharge or not.[2] The valves that direct the ballast water either over board or to slop tank are controlled by the integrated computer, and a GPS signal further automates the process by including special areas and completes the required input for the Oil Record Book.[2]

All oil tankers with a gross tonnage of larger than 150 must have efficient Oil Discharge Monitoring Equipment on board.[3][4]

The oily discharge is sent out to sea through a pump.[5] The oily mixture has to pass through a series of sensors to determine whether it is acceptable to be sent to the discharge pipe.[6]

Based on regulations, the following values must be recorded by the system:[3]

  • Date and time of the discharge
  • Location of the ship
  • Oil content of the discharge in ppm
  • Total quantity discharged
  • Discharge rate

All records of Oil Detection Monitoring Equipment must be stored on board ships for no less than 3 years.[3]

Oil Discharge Monitoring systems today consist of a computing unit that is installed in the cargo control room. The computer unit control and receives data from other ODME components.[7]

ODME systems also have an analyzing unit that contains the Oil content meter, a fresh water valve for cleaning purposes, and a pressure transmitter that monitors the sample flow through the measuring cell.[7]

See also

  • Marpol 73/78
  • Marpol Annex I
  • Oily water separators
  • Oily water separator (marine)
  • Oil Content Meter
  • Magic Pipe
  • IMO
  • Port Reception Facilities

References