In early 2019, GPC Harena partnered with River Canal Rescue (RCR) to provide filtration for bilge use on the UK's inland waterways. RCR have many years experience within the UK marine pleasure craft sector, providing breakdown assistance and recovery across the UK's inland waterways and marinas.
Why the need for a new type of bilge filter?
There are numerous different types of bilge filters already available on the market but most are ineffectual or prone to regular blockages. Conversations with many of RCR's customer base highlighted the need for a better, more environmentally suitable bilge filter. The world is rightly trying to become greener and use more sustainable products and materials. Any new filter system would not only need to outperform the incumbent bilge filters but must also provide progress in delivering greener and more environmentally friendly solutions.
With RCR's commitment and partnership, we were able to streamline the most suitable filter options. Their trial feedback enabled us to develop a product which fulfilled the requirements of the industry. We are continuing to work to further improve the design with our long term aim of creating a filter that is fully recyclable with zero waste product. We believe this can be achieved.
The BilgeAway filter
A variety of different filter sizes are available to provide a solution for watercraft of every size. This range is exclusively marketed to the UK inland waterway sector, under RCR's BilgeAway brand name. Each filter is capable of removing typical bilge hydrocarbon contaminate down to below 3ppm. Well below the 5ppm stipulated by the Boat Safety Scheme and designated by the Environment Agency.
Below are some examples of the BilgeAway filter making a positive difference on UK waterways.
Why the need for a new type of bilge filter?
There are numerous different types of bilge filters already available on the market but most are ineffectual or prone to regular blockages. Conversations with many of RCR's customer base highlighted the need for a better, more environmentally suitable bilge filter. The world is rightly trying to become greener and use more sustainable products and materials. Any new filter system would not only need to outperform the incumbent bilge filters but must also provide progress in delivering greener and more environmentally friendly solutions.
With RCR's commitment and partnership, we were able to streamline the most suitable filter options. Their trial feedback enabled us to develop a product which fulfilled the requirements of the industry. We are continuing to work to further improve the design with our long term aim of creating a filter that is fully recyclable with zero waste product. We believe this can be achieved.
The BilgeAway filter
A variety of different filter sizes are available to provide a solution for watercraft of every size. This range is exclusively marketed to the UK inland waterway sector, under RCR's BilgeAway brand name. Each filter is capable of removing typical bilge hydrocarbon contaminate down to below 3ppm. Well below the 5ppm stipulated by the Boat Safety Scheme and designated by the Environment Agency.
Below are some examples of the BilgeAway filter making a positive difference on UK waterways.
Case study 1
Vessel X reported contaminated bilge water due to a fuel leak. Historically the vessel bilge would have to be manually cleaned and the contaminated liquid stored until it could be disposed of at an appropriate facility. The result of leaving the contamination present would be eventual discharge into the waterway causing pollution and resulting in a penalty charge. Unfortunately, Polluting the waterways in this manner is a fairly common occurrence.
Vessel X reported contaminated bilge water due to a fuel leak. Historically the vessel bilge would have to be manually cleaned and the contaminated liquid stored until it could be disposed of at an appropriate facility. The result of leaving the contamination present would be eventual discharge into the waterway causing pollution and resulting in a penalty charge. Unfortunately, Polluting the waterways in this manner is a fairly common occurrence.
The introduction of a Bilgeaway filter (above right), utilising the Harena product into the bilge discharge system between the pump and outlet allows for the liquid to be pumped overboard without the risk of pollution. Effectively acting as a barrier to harmful hydrocarbons the filter removes contaminants from the liquid before it leaves the vessel.
The result is that vessel x no longer needs to keep the bilge area clean and is at no risk of polluting the waterways and potentially receiving large fines. Vessel X can also travel with the peace of mind that if a spillage occurs, he has a system in place to minimise the effects on the environment. The ability to easily replace the cartridges once they become full to capacity means that bilge maintenance is also easier and less risky.
The result is that vessel x no longer needs to keep the bilge area clean and is at no risk of polluting the waterways and potentially receiving large fines. Vessel X can also travel with the peace of mind that if a spillage occurs, he has a system in place to minimise the effects on the environment. The ability to easily replace the cartridges once they become full to capacity means that bilge maintenance is also easier and less risky.
Case study 2
Vessel Y sunk on its moorings and was subsequently rescued the following day. Unfortunately, this resulted in large amounts of hydrocarbon pollutants being spilled throughout the vessel. Following the rescue, the vessel was booked to be craned ashore to be transported. Due to heavy rainfall the vessel filled with rainwater which became contaminated. This contaminated liquid needed removing before craneage and transport could be accomplished and if a commercial pump out was arranged, the cost would have been >£800 with a wait of >2 days.
Vessel Y sunk on its moorings and was subsequently rescued the following day. Unfortunately, this resulted in large amounts of hydrocarbon pollutants being spilled throughout the vessel. Following the rescue, the vessel was booked to be craned ashore to be transported. Due to heavy rainfall the vessel filled with rainwater which became contaminated. This contaminated liquid needed removing before craneage and transport could be accomplished and if a commercial pump out was arranged, the cost would have been >£800 with a wait of >2 days.
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The application of the Bilgeaway filter utilising the Harena product into a mobile pumping platform allowed us to quickly and cheaply deal with the problem. The mobile pumping platform was organized and set up within an hour. It worked perfectly and safely pumped out the contaminated contents of the vessel.
The vessel was transported to have the necessary repairs without delay or inflated expense.
The vessel was transported to have the necessary repairs without delay or inflated expense.
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Left: Image highlights extensive removal of hydrocarbon contamination. |
