VETUS BISEP 19 Bilge Water/Oil Separator

Introduction

Oil-contaminated bilge water pollutes surface waters. This pollution can be prevented by installing a VETUS bilge water/oil separator in the discharge pipe of the bilge pump. The filter element within the separator will separate oils and fats from the bilge water before it is pumped overboard. The filter material is a coherent mass of surface-treated fibers, absorbing and retaining up to 95% of dissolved oils, fats, and emulsions, as well as heavy metals. The absorbed oil can be collected and recycled, and the filter can be washed and reused.

The separator can process water with oil contamination levels from 100-200 mg/l (100-200 ppm) up to 600 mg/l. The filter element has a capacity to absorb approximately 600 grams of oil. With an average contamination of 40 mg/l, it can treat 15,000 liters of water. Its high capacity means the filter element rarely needs replacement. The filter housing features a transparent cover for easy inspection without opening the separator.

Capacity

For optimal oil and water separation, a bilge pump with a capacity of approximately 20 liters/min is recommended. This capacity should be considered in standard installations (see Installation Examples, Figs. 1 and 2 on page 22). Connecting two separators in parallel (see Installation Examples, Fig. 2) can increase the overall capacity. Note that the separator introduces additional resistance in the discharge pipe.

Installation

• Mount the bilge water/oil separator in an easily accessible location.
• Always position the separator above the waterline and at a level that prevents bilge water from returning, thus avoiding a siphoning effect. For sailboats, consider the vessel's heel angle during navigation.
• Secure the separator against a vertical bulkhead.
• Refer to page 21 for main dimensions.

The separator connections are designed for 19 mm diameter tubing. Always use flexible tubing for both connections: from the bilge pump to the separator and from the separator to the hull fitting. For easier hose mounting, use only water and/or soap, avoiding oil or grease-based products. Fasten hose connections with stainless steel hose clamps.

For installations with long tubing runs, install a check valve immediately downstream of the bilge pump to prevent repeated starting and stopping of the pump (see Fig. 3 on page 23).

Operation and Maintenance

• Regularly inspect the filter element for saturation. Replace the filter element before it becomes saturated with oil.
• To replace the filter, remove the screw cap by turning it counter-clockwise (see Fig. 4 on page 24).
• Remove the 15 filter disks one by one from the housing.
• Clean the inside of the filter housing.
• Insert the new disks one by one.
• Grease the O-ring with silicone oil or Teflon spray (see Fig. 5 on page 25) and reattach the screw cap.

Always loosen or tighten the screw cap manually. Never use tools for this purpose (see Figs. 6 and 7 on page 25). After fitting the cover, check its seal on the filter housing. An improperly sealed cover may allow bilge water to leak through the O-ring.

To prevent freezing damage during winter, drain the bilge water by disconnecting the flexible hose couplings, as the filter housing is not equipped with a drain valve.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

The separator has the following approximate dimensions:

• Overall Diameter: 148 mm (5 13/16")
• Overall Height: 163 mm (6 7/16")
• Inlet/Outlet Diameter: 19 mm (3/4")
• Other dimensions: 9.5 mm (3/8"), 70 mm (2 3/4"), 77 mm (3 1/16"), 50 mm (2"), 118 mm (4 5/8").

Installation Examples

The manual illustrates two installation examples:

1. Example 1: A single VETUS BISEP 19 Bilge Water/Oil Separator installed in the bilge pump discharge line. The separator (1) is connected to the discharge pipe (2), which leads to the hull fitting (3). The bilge pump (4) is connected to the separator. The separator must be installed at least 30 cm (12") above the waterline (WL).
2. Example 2: Two VETUS BISEP 19 Bilge Water/Oil Separators installed in parallel. This configuration increases capacity. Both separators (1) are connected to the discharge pipe (2) leading to the hull fitting (3), with the bilge pumps (4) feeding into them. The minimum height requirement of 30 cm (12") above the waterline (WL) applies to both separators.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

The manual uses the following safety indications:

• DANGER: Indicates a high potential danger that can lead to serious injury or death.
• WARNING: Indicates a potential danger that can lead to injury.
• CAUTION/PRUDENCE: Indicates that procedures or actions may cause serious damage or fatal harm to the machine, or potential danger leading to serious injury or death.
• NOTE/ATTENTION: Emphasizes important procedures or circumstances.

Symbols used:

• ✔️: Indicates that the relevant procedure must be carried out.
• ❌: Indicates that a particular action is forbidden.

Always share these safety instructions with all users. General safety rules and laws must be observed.

Important Warning: This product must only be installed and maintained by qualified personnel who have read and understood the manual. Failure to follow instructions may result in serious injury or property damage. The manufacturer is not liable for damages from improper installation or maintenance by unqualified personnel.

Service Parts