- Removes free & emulsified oils: Uses high-tech filter media to capture floating and emulsified hydrocarbons
- Works with any bilge pump: Simple flow-through system with universal inlet/outlet compatibility
- Optional oil content monitor available for discharge monitoring.
- Compact and easy to install: Much smaller than traditional separators—just 30″ x 30″ x 8″
- Captures legal discharge data: Logs pump events and oil content for up to 18 months
- Low cost of ownership: Replaceable cartridges are inexpensive and user-friendly
- Helps meet EPA and VGP rules: Designed to assist smaller vessels with Clean Water Act compliance
- Prevents costly fines: Reduces risk of $25,000+ daily penalties for illegal oily discharge under the Clean Water Act
IN STOCK. READY TO SHIP. PROBLEM SOLVED.
No room for a full-sized separator? No problem. The OilSmart Bilge Filter comes pre-assembled, boxed, and ready to install—helping your vessel manage oily water quickly and hassle-free.
OilSmart Bilge Water Separator Features
The Bilge Filter (TBF) is simple flow thru filter system that works with any bilge pump and removes oils from your bilge water.
01
Design
- Compact housing: Just 30″ high, 30″ wide, and 8″ deep—fits where separators won’t
- Includes pressure gauge and gate valve: Full system assembly for plug-and-play use
- Modular system: Easily connects to existing bilge pumps
02
Filtration
- Removes hydrocarbons: Oil, gas, and diesel fuel are captured before discharge
- High-capacity cartridges: Each 20″ filter absorbs up to ½ gallon of oil
- Removes emulsified oils: Handles tough oil/water blends that fool basic separators
03
Monitoring
- Certified oil content monitor: Meets IMO/MEPC 107 (49) with 5-year certification
- Easy recertification: Swap the measuring cell to renew for another 5 years
- Discharge logging: Monitor tracks 18 months of pump events for legal documentation
WHY THE BILGE FILTER MATTERS
For vessels where space or budget limits the installation of larger separation equipment, the OilSmart Bilge Filter provides effective oil removal in an extremely compact footprint. Easy installation, replaceable filtration cartridges, and optional monitoring make it a practical solution for fishing vessels, workboats, ferries, and smaller marine operations.
The Bilge Filter System
The Bilge Filter (TBF) is simple flow thru filter system that works with any bilge pump and removes oils from your bilge water. The Bilge Filter system uses the same filter media that we use on the BRUTE/ B USCG/ABS/BV certified oily water separators.
The #TBF3X system ass’y has 1 sediment filter and and two OilSmart oil removal filters with a gate valve and pressure gauge, that can work with any bilge pump. It plumbed, assembled and ready to be installed with just a simple inlet/outlet connections. With the #TBF3X system we can mount a IMO/MEPC 107 (49) oil content monitor behind that is USCG/ABS/BV certified and you can have a clear record of your oil in water discharges. The monitor can log the last 18 months of discharges thru the unit. Every time your pump kicks on——–it’s logged.
How about TheBilgeFilter with an Oil Content Monitor?
This does not make it a separator — but it does give you a USCG approved monitor that shows the water quality of the water discharged thru this system. Unlike a full blown marine oil water separator that is usually a minimum of 30” square and 6′ tall, The Bilge Filter with the monitor is only 30″ high by 30″ wide x 8″ deep
Monitoring & Certification
These oil content monitors come with a 5 year certification which means it is certified to meet IMO/MEPC 107 (49) requirements for 5 years——-as long as the seal on the unit is not broken or missing. After 5 years it has to be re-calibrated to be certified as compliant with regulations. Big trouble awaits you if your monitor is out of certification because you would then be out of compliance with IMO/MEPC 107 (49) requirements and operating illegally. While there are a few recalibration services around, doing that takes you out of operation. The solution or work-around for that is simply getting a new measuring cell and simply installing it on your oil content monitor and you are then instantly recertified for another 5 years——-as long as you don’t break the seal on the measuring cell. It’s a simple quick installation and you’re back in business and back to being certified. Contact us directly for a certified replacement measuring cell.
Gives you a legal record of the water you’ve discharged thru the system. Shows the USCG — you’re trying to do the right thing. If you are not mandated to have a separator, this could be the answer. For 1/3 the size and cost of a Oil Water Separator!
TheBilgeFilter Brochure and Spec Sheet / International WorkBoat Show Video
Environmental Protection & Regulations
A Marine Oily Water Separator is a flow thru device designed to remove free (that’s floating) oils from a moving stream, but it can be fooled by an oily emulsion which is a combo of oil and water (the gray area). The newest IMO 107 separators are followed by a specialty Lloyds Type approval filter media that can remove even emulsified oils. The Bilge Filter (TBF) uses the latest technology filter media to remove both free AND emulsified oils from your overboard discharge.
The Bilge Filter system assembly includes the filter housings, gate valve, pressure gauge AND the TBF filter cartridge removes oil, gas, diesel fuel and other hydrocarbons from the bilge water as it is discharged overboard. The Bilge Filter cartridge is replaceable and this system even ships with one spare. Each 20″ cartridge will remove up to a 1/2 gallon of oil—before needing replacement. Once you own the housing and mount, filter replacements are cheap and easy to use—certainly compared to pollution! A pint of oil can cover almost an acre!
Until now most of the fishing industry vessels, smaller workboats, ferries and almost all recreational vessels have been pretty much overlooked regarding the amount of oil they put over. That’s all changed. Since the EPA was successfully and the courts ORDERED compliance to the Clean Water Act. VGP is here! Vessel General Permit (VGP) requires commercial vessels under 79′ to take steps to reduce several different waste water streams.
For use in marine applications with an over-board discharge, the system must be operated in conjunction with a suitable oily water separator and monitor acceptable to the National Authority, when required to meet MARPOL or other relative legislative requirements.
NEED EVEN MORE REASONS?
- It’s against the law to pump oil into water!
- TheBilgeFilter can save you from a $25,000 fine.
- The Federal Water Pollution Act (aka Clean Water Act) disallows even the appearance of a visible sheen on the water.
Want to meet the EPA or Coast Guard to discuss your illegal oily discharge?
Don’t have room for a full sized Oily Water Separator?
The FEDS are coming to a boat near you. The VGP is happening!
SkimOIL ® systems are designed specifically for the commercial marine industry and the unique marine wastes disposal problems they have both onboard and onshore
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pump can I use with this bilge filter system?
It works with any bilge pump using standard inlet and outlet connections.
Does the filter remove emulsified oils?
Yes, the system uses advanced filter media capable of removing both free and emulsified oils.
How long does a filter cartridge last?
Each 20″ cartridge removes up to ½ gallon of oil before needing replacement.
Can this help me comply with EPA or VGP rules?
Yes, the system is built to help smaller vessels reduce oily discharge and meet VGP requirements.
What happens when the monitor’s 5-year certification expires?
Simply replace the measuring cell to restore full certification—no need to recalibrate.