Instruction on installing the Rivertrace flow meter to your SmartBilge+ to capture discharge rates through your oily water separator.
Introduction
The Smart Cell bilge + monitor can be fitted with an optional flow meter, this article is designed to aid with its installation . It is assumed that the installer will ensure that he will isolate power when carrying out the installation and will not work on live equipment.
The flow meter is design to be installed within pipe work between the separator and the SmartBilge+ to relay accurate information regarding discharge flow rates.
Installation kit
The installation kit for the SmartBilge+ flow meter (part number 113615) contains the flow meter assembly with 15M of screened cabling and a 1.5" NPT threaded tee fitting for installation into pipework.
Instructions
Preparing the SmartBilge+
Remove front cover from microcontroller module using a small Philips screwdriver then remove the clear protective cover within the enclosure using a small flat bladed screwdriver.
Wiring the Flow Meter
The cable from the flow meter needs to be routed through a gland mounted on the underside of the enclosure. If the gland is not present then a 13mm dia hole will have to be drilled in the box to take an M12 gland.
The cable from the flow switch must plug into the header on the PCB marked "4-20mA IN" CON13, shown in the image below.
Ensure the cable gland is tighten around the cable after installing onto the PCB and resecure the enclosure's protective cover and front cover.
Installing the Flow Meter
The flow meter kit comes with a 1.5" NPT threaded tee fitting for installing the sensor into pipework after the IMO regulated diverter valve and the harbour test valve as shown below:
Select a location with sufficient length of straight pipe immediately upstream of the flow meter.
locating the sensor in a trap or where the flow is upward helps protect the flow meter from exposure to air bubbles when the system is in operation.
These locations are not recommended because it is difficult to keep the pipe full.
Enabling the Flow Meter
After installation of the flow meter the power needs to be restored to the monitor.
The flow meter will now need to be enabled using your unique SmartBilge+ activation PIN. Please contact sales@rivertrace.com to obtain the PIN. This will be specific to your PCB serial number so please ensure that this is included with your enquiry.
Flow Meter Settings
Coming Soon...
Testing the Flow Meter
You can observe the flow values on the SmartBilge+ interface by scrolling to "VIEW INPUTS" on the main menu then selecting "VIEW FLOW".
These values should align with the system's flow rate.