MEO Class IV · Written

Sketch a simple line diagram showing a shipboard oil-water separator in series with a coalescing second stage and describe its arrangement and operation?

Short answer

flowchart LR
    A[Bilge tank] -->|Oily bilge water| B[Bilge pump]
    B -->|Oily bilge water| C[First stage\nconical plates]
    C -->|Partially treated water| D[Coalescing\nsecond stage]
    D -->|Treated water| E[Oil content\nmonitor 100 ppm]
    E -->|<100 ppm| F[Overboard]
    E -->|>100 ppm| A
    C -->|Oil| G[Oil tank]
    D -->|Oil| G
  • Limit: 100 ppm oil content in effluent (MEPC.51(32))
  • First stage: Conical plate pack causes oil globules to coalesce; oil collects in dome; test cocks show oil depth; automated oil-drain valve opens at set level
  • Second stage: Coalescing media merges small droplets into larger ones for final separation
  • Monitor: Oil-content monitor on overboard line alarms and diverts to bilge tank if >100 ppm
  • Pre-use: Must be filled with clean water before first operation; never exceed rated throughput
  • Trap: Turbulence from over-throughput re-entrains oil; unit must not run dry
  • Record: Discharge logged in Oil Record Book Part I

Full answer

The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class IV section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class IV exam.