Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most common questions we get. You can always reach out directly if you can't find the answer below.
Questions & Answers
1Is it easy to install?
YES. Simply locate a space on the bilge wall large enough to allow the removal of the housing to replace the filter.
1. Secure the bracket to the wall and the filter system head with the screws (included)
2. Purchase 2 straight connectors that are 1 1/2" NPT threaded on one end and barbed on the other. The barbed end needs to be the correct diameter to fit into your existing discharge hose.
3. Cut into the existing bilge pump discharge hose and secure one end to the "IN" and the other to the "OUT" ports on the filter head using the straight connectors. Be sure to connect the bilge pump end to the "IN" port of the filter head.
1. Secure the bracket to the wall and the filter system head with the screws (included)
2. Purchase 2 straight connectors that are 1 1/2" NPT threaded on one end and barbed on the other. The barbed end needs to be the correct diameter to fit into your existing discharge hose.
3. Cut into the existing bilge pump discharge hose and secure one end to the "IN" and the other to the "OUT" ports on the filter head using the straight connectors. Be sure to connect the bilge pump end to the "IN" port of the filter head.
2Can the system be installed horizontally?
It will work horizontally but it will be difficult to keep the filter cartridge centred to screw the housing back on when changing the filter. In the vertical position, you will need at least 3" from the floor to the bottom of the housing so you can unscrew the housing and replace the filter.
3What ppm will the filter remove oil & fuel?
The legal limit in Canada for bilge water contamination is 15 ppm for coastal waterways and 5ppm for inland waterways. The filters will remove contamination to below 5 ppm
4How long will a filter last?
Depending on the system, the filter will capture oil and fuel at capacities of approximately 1 Litre (System 2) or 2 Liters (System 3). Filter life depends on the level of contamination in the bilge. Although there are bilges with extremely high levels of contamination (1000's of ppm), the average bilge has about 150 ppm and in those situations, a filter can last 4-6 months of continuous usage.
5Is there anything I should do to prepare my bilge for the filter system?
Yes.
1. Clean all visible contamination with absorbent pads. The filters are designed to capture trace amounts of oil and fuel, not to clean up a spill.
2. Ensure all engine fuel and oil leaks are repaired before installing the filter system
1. Clean all visible contamination with absorbent pads. The filters are designed to capture trace amounts of oil and fuel, not to clean up a spill.
2. Ensure all engine fuel and oil leaks are repaired before installing the filter system
6Is there a bypass in the event of an emergency?
There is no bypass. The filter is designed in such a way that even when it's at capacity (full of oil, fuel, etc.), it will still pump out at approximately 90% of the original flow rate. However, it will be pumping out water and hydrocarbons at this point.
7How much wall space to I need for installation?
The BFS-2 (System 2) requires 23" high x 10" wide space and the BFS-3 (System 3) requires 33" high x 10" wide space
8What if my boat has more than one pump?
The bilge water filter should be placed in line with the electric pump and not the mechanical pump.
9Where do I purchase the replacement filters? Are they available locally?
Currently, the replacement filters can be purchased directly from GreenEarth
10Who do I contact if I have questions about the system?
James MacDonald, Founder - GreenEarth Technologies
Phone: 1-902-616-8100
Email: james@greenearthtech.ca
Phone: 1-902-616-8100
Email: james@greenearthtech.ca
