---
title: SMART BILGE+ Flow Switch installation guide
description: Detailed, user friendly guide on installing the sample flow switch to the SmartBilge+ oil content meter.
---

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# SMART BILGE+ Flow Switch installation guide

## Detailed, user friendly guide on installing the sample flow switch to the SMART BILGE+ oil content meter.

### **Introduction**

The SMART BILGE  + monitor can be fitted with an optional flow switch, 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 switch requires an input pressure and flowrate of a minimum of 0.3 bar and 0.8 litres/minute to be able to operate successfully throughout the discharge. If this is not obtainable then the separator outlet pipework might need re-routing in order to achieve these pressures/flowrates.

 

![flow switch](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Sep-10-2021-01-09-56-98-PM.png?width=500&height=547&name=image-png-Sep-10-2021-01-09-56-98-PM.png)

### **Installation kit**

The installation kit for the SMART BILGE+ flow switch (part number 113619) contains the following parts:

 

| 113681 | SPARE FLOW SWITCH ASSEMBLY | ![Spare flow switch](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-12-5880-AM.png?width=202&height=103&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-12-5880-AM.png) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 109827 | Adaptor ¼”OD x ¼” BSP Male straight stem adaptor | ![Straight stem adapter](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-27-7245-AM.png?width=202&height=107&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-27-7245-AM.png) |
| 101505 | ¼” BSP x 6mm OD Elbow | ![BSP elbow](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-36-3968-AM.png?width=202&height=103&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-25-36-3968-AM.png) |

 

### **Instructions**

#### **Preparing the SMART BILGE+**

You may need to re-route the cable that connects the clean water solenoid so that it passes under the valve mount and into its original cable gland on the SMART BILGE+ enclosure. 

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. 

#### **Mounting the Flow Switch on the Solenoid**

The solenoid is fitted with an extension ¼” female x ¼” male connector, this needs to be removed before fitting the ¼” elbow (part number 101505). The solenoid needs to be removed from the black mounting bracket to achieve this. The straight stem adaptor (part number 109827) needs to be inserted into the flow switch using a suitable pipe sealant or PTFE tape. The stem adaptor requires to be inserted into the elbow and tightened.

**WARNING - The flow switch must be mounted on the sample line and NOT the fresh water line.**  

 

![Solenoid mounting](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-32-53-8269-AM.png?width=457&height=265&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-32-53-8269-AM.png)

 

The cable from the flow switch needs to be routed through the gland shown in the image below into 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. 

 

![Solenoid cabling](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-10-35-33-9008-AM.png?width=561&height=242&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-10-35-33-9008-AM.png)

 

The cable from the flow switch must plug into the header on the PCB marked "FLOW SW", shown in the image below.

 

![PCB connection](https://hub.rivertrace.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-55-59-5172-AM.png?width=427&height=514&name=image-png-Jul-23-2024-09-55-59-5172-AM.png)

 

Ensure the cable gland is tighten around the flow switch cable after installing onto the PCB.

Reattach the solenoid to its bracket and secure the enclosure's protective cover and front cover.

 

**Important! - Enabling the Flow Switch - PIN Activation**

After installation of the flow switch and solenoid the power needs to be restored to the monitor.

Details on how to obtain your PIN, can be found [here.](https://hub.rivertrace.com/knowledge/smartbilge-accessory-activation)

Once you have obtained your PIN, please enter the menu of your SMART BILGE + Monitor and locate the "Accessories menu". The PIN can now be entered into the software for your chosen parameter.

This PIN remains active for 5 days before expiring.  

 

 

**To activate the Flow Switch**

Go to \> Accessories \> flow switch \> Activate \> Down Key \> installed flow SW\> Enter PIN

Go to \> Accessories \> flow switch \> Set flow SW\> Flow switch delay\> You can set 5s or 4s (If required by AMSA)

#### **Testing the Flow Switch**

You can demonstrate the operation of the flow switch  by starting and stopping flow to the SMART BILGE+. A flow error will be displayed, both alarm relays will be activated each time the flow error is displayed on the LCD screen.

#### **Maintenance**

There is no user maintenance for the flow Switch although it can be dismantled for cleaning if it is contaminated with oil however, care should be taken when removing the flow switch cap as the spring inside can be damaged or lost. The flow switch will not operate without the spring or the slug inside it.

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