Did you know? Only 5% of oil and fuel pollution in the water are from catastrophic spills, the majority comes from everyday sources such as refuelling, engine emissions and oil leaks. One drop of oil can contaminate thousands of litres of water! So as a boat-owner out on the water, what can you do to help? The experts at A.S.A.P Supplies have provided the following useful advice:
• Check your bilge before pumping
• Use a large enough funnel if you have to refuel on board
• Keep the engine well-tuned and operating efficiently
• Avoid over filling the tank and allow room for the fuel to expand
• NEVER use detergents to deal with spills - it may disperse the fuel or oil and save you embarrassment but they can do even more damage
• Practice preventive engine maintenance - inspect fuel lines, connections and seals to avoid leaks
Bilge Filters
Bilge filters are designed to be fitted in the bilge discharge line and remove oil and fuel (hydrocarbons) in a single pass to prevent polluting the water around you when pumping out the bilge.
In an ideal world every boat would be fitted with a bilge filter to prevent them from discharging pollution from the bilge. However, as it stands only certain regulations state you must fit them.
For example the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) advise you should fit a bilge filter if you do not have a secure tray fitted under the engine to catch any drips or if there is any risk of any hydrocarbons mixing with the bilge water.
For more information on this, please visit the following link: http://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/
Make sure you choose a bilge filter that meets the high standards the BSS expects. For a bilge filter to comply, it must be capable of a 5 parts per million (PPM) discharge performance. Don’t worry – at A.S.A.P. Supplies all of our bilge filters comply to these standards.
So, how do the Mycelx bilge filters give such a high level of filtration?
Here’s the science bit… MyCelx is infused so that it is homogeneously dispersed throughout the base materials. As hydrocarbons (oil and fuel) come into contact with MyCelx, they are solubilised into the infused MyCelx coating, making them hydrophobic and thickening them so they will not re-disperse into the solution. MyCelx is a non-hazardous/non-toxic material that will not dissolve or migrate in water.
A great tip!
Bilge socks are a cost effective and simple solution to remove hydrocarbons as they capture oil and fuel and repel water. These are ideal to use in conjunction with a bilge filter by removing the bulk of the hydrocarbons to prolong the life of the filter elements. Available in 2 sizes, one absorbs 4 litres of oil, fuel and other hydrocarbons, the other can absorb up to 10 litres.
Other fuel clean up products….
Pillow
The pillows are quick and easy to deploy and can be used in other applications such as small spill containment at refuelling or around workshops. They also feature the advanced hydrophobic technology and are inexpensive.
Absorbent Pads
These are suitable for all applications and have excellent absorbency rates. Made from high grade polypropylene for durability the single weight pads are easy to use and are bonded for increased fluid retention. The double weight pads are double the thickness and be used on both sides.
Fuel Collars
A fuel filling collar catches and absorbs any drips and splashes during the refuelling process. It fits onto the fuel nozzle and prevents any spillage and also creates a seal blocking any undesirable elements entering the tank.
The anti-splash fuel collars prevent any oil, petrol and diesel splashing up and getting into the water, so is beneficial to the environment.
First Response Kit
The ideal first response to accidental oil or fuel spillage of up to 10 litres, the CleenLife first response kit includes the following items:
2 x Single weight CleenLife pads
2 x Double weight CleenLife pads
1 x CleenLife bilge sock
1 x CleenLife pillow
1 x Pair latex gloves
2 x Disposable bags
(All items are available separately).
For more information, visit http://www.asap-supplies.com/
Email: info@asap-supplies.com
Tel: 01502 716993
