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Help Choosing Filter Size

Your BilgeAway filter kit should include – 1x Filter Head, 1x filter Bowl, 1x Compression Nut, 1x O-Ring, 1x BilgeAway Cartridge, 1x BilgeAway Filter Bracket, 1x BilgeAway Filter Spanner.

Other components required (can be purchased from any BilgeAway distributor) – 2x Hose-tails of correct sizing (the threaded size is 3/4 inch on all BilgeAway Filters).

Components which may be needed – Replacement Hose, 4x Jubilee clips, 1x One-way valve, 1x Bilge Pump, 1x Float switch.

Consumables required – Screws and fixings, Cable ties, PTFE tape.

Tools required – Adjustable spanner, Screwdrivers (cross and flat headed), A Knife or Cutters.

The filter should be built and ready for installation on delivery.

Small filter

For use with cruisers and narrow boats and single engine vessels where engines are producing below 80bhp or if available space restricts the use of the large filter option. In this situation, double filter systems should be used.

Dimensions
• Filter head – height = 7.5cm / 3 inches, width = 12cm / 4 ¾ inches
• Filter bowl – height = 24cm / 9 ½ inches, width = 10cm / 4 inches
• Compression nut – height = 5cm / 2 inches, width 12cm / 4 ¾ inches
• Total height of complete filter – 32cm / 12 ½ inches

Quantities of absorption
• Maximum – 0.45 Litres
• Safe – 0.4 Litres

Lab results – dependant on bilge hydrocarbon content, discharged water is expected to contain between 3 and 4 micro grams of hydrocarbons or <4ppm (less than 4 parts per million) The UK Boat Safety Scheme requires hydrocarbon content less than 5ppm and the coastal requirement is less than 15ppm.
Pollutants scope – any Hydrocarbon based liquid.
Component materials – polyethylene plastic.

Large filter

For use with large cruisers, wide-beam boats, Dutch barges, and vessels with single or twin engines exceeding 80bhp. A double filter system is supplied for very large bilge areas and separate systems will be needed for vessels with multiple sump areas.

Dimensions
• Filter head – height = 7.5cm / 3 inches, width = 12cm / 4 ¾ inches
• Filter bowl – height = 50m / 19 ½ inches, width = 10cm / 4 inches
• Compression nut – height = 5cm / 2 inches, width 12cm / 4 ¾ inches
• Total height of complete filter – 57cm / 22 ½ inches
Quantities of absorption
• Maximum – 0.9 Litres
• Safe – 0.8 Litres
Lab results – dependant on bilge hydrocarbon content, discharged water is expected to contain between 3 and 4 micro grams of hydrocarbons or <4ppm (less than 4 parts per million) The UK Boat Safety Scheme requires hydrocarbon content less than 5ppm and the coastal requirement is less than 15ppm.
Pollutants scope – any Hydrocarbon based liquid.
Component materials – polyethylene plastic.

 

If the bilge water flow becomes restricted or stops, check the bilge area to see how the bilge pump is operating and whether there are any bilge pump, pipe, hose or filter cartridge blockages. If the filter cartridge is blocked, it must be replaced.

Maintenance requirements

Cartridge

Filter specifications advise the maximum potential absorption capabilities of each filter type. The filters will last indefinitely until this maximum potential absorption is reached. However, due to the difficulties of measuring absorption amounts at any given time, RCR recommends the Bilgeaway filter cartridge is replaced every 12 months. Preferably before the winter months when the bilge pump will be heavily relied upon to maintain safe water levels within the vessel.

If when using the bilge pump to evacuate the bilge area, a fuel sheen or oil slick appears in the waterway, then the filter cartridge has absorbed it maximum potential and is ready for replacement. Avoid using the bilge pump until a replacement cartridge has been installed (the team is currently developing a visual aid to help keep track of this).