Hidden water system risks: Daniamant’s response to vessel protection with the OLA400 and SL8005

As the maritime industry faces a wave of strict regulation scrutiny for water system compliance, ship operators are under increasing pressure to prevent contamination before it jeopardises safety or triggers costly enforcement actions.

Recent data from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) shows that up to 30-44% of ballast water treatment systems are failing Port State Control D‑2 compliance checks, often due to contamination and inadequate maintenance. The result is heightened inspections, rising operational risk and growing concern across the sector.

With modern vessels operating increasingly complex machinery, including freshwater generators, boiler systems, advanced desalination and ballast water treatment, one of the least visible but most damaging threats is contamination within onboard water systems. Even minor impurities, whether oil in a hot well or an unexpected spike in salinity, can compromise equipment, reduce efficiency, trigger emergency shutdowns and lead to catastrophic failures.

In response, Daniamant, a long-standing manufacturer of IMO-approved safety technology, has developed two specialised monitoring systems: the OLA400 Oil Level Alarm and the SL8005 Salinometer. Designed to detect contamination at the earliest possible stage, these systems provide continuous monitoring, well before minor impurities can escalate into equipment failures.

Oil ingress in boiler hot wells is a well-known hazard. Even small amounts of oil floating in the water can prevent correct heat transfer, and lead to dangerous operating conditions or costly repairs when it enters the boiler.

The OLA400 Oil Level Alarm acts as a dedicated safeguard against this risk. Installed in the hot well, the system continuously monitors the presence of oil using a high-sensitivity sensor. When oil touches the sensor, the OLA400 activates a clear visual indication on the control box and triggers relay outputs to any central alarm system connected to the unit.

Unlike generic level sensors or pressure switches, the OLA400 is engineered specifically for oil discrimination. Its design incorporates:

- Capacitive measuring technology for precise oil detection

- Visual alarm and dual relay outputs

- Easy installation with low maintenance

- Durable stainless-steel sensor with no moving parts

- IP65-rated ABS control box

Salinity control is another critical requirement across multiple onboard freshwater systems. Excess salinity can accelerate corrosion, disrupt freshwater generators and compromise boiler system processes.

Daniamant’s SL8005 Salinometer provides salinity level information in accurate detail, thanks to its temperature-compensated conductive electrode, delivered via dual digital displays for real-time values and alarm setpoints.

More than a simple meter, the SL8005 provides:

- Measuring range: 0-200 ppm

- High salinity warning and alarm display

- 4-20 mA output for integration with control systems

- Built-in self-test and temperature compensation (0–100°C)

- Wall or panel mounting

For ship operators, the OLA400 offers peace of mind by ensuring oil contamination is spotted before it can reach sensitive boiler components. This is a significant advantage for vessel reliability, safety and compliance with engineering best practices. By measuring conductivity rather than relying solely on chemical tests, the SL8005 can detect salt and often reveal hidden water-quality issues earlier than traditional testing methods – providing vital reassurance and early warnings when maintenance is required.

Together, the OLA400 and SL8005 provide a comprehensive safety shield by preventing oil from entering feedwater circuits and damaging boilers and ensuring salinity levels remain within safe operating limits, preventing serious failures. These systems align with Daniamant’s wider mission to enhance maritime safety through robust, dependable engineering supported by international approvals and industry standards.

For ship operators, engineers and shipyards, installing specialised monitoring devices such as the OLA400 and SL8005 are practical, cost-effective methods of safeguarding critical onboard systems, reducing downtime and ensuring vessels can operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with modern regulatory and technical requirements.

■ Contact: Damiamant www.daniamant.com.