Oily water separators are an essential component of ships and offshore drilling rigs, used to separate oil and other contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged into the ocean. These machines rely on precision-engineered spare parts to function correctly and maintain peak performance.
Unfortunately, the use of fake spare parts in oily water separators has become a growing concern in recent years, leading to a range of issues that can result in costly downtime and environmental damage. In this article, we'll explore how fake spare parts can cause problems in oily water separators and what can be done to prevent these issues from occurring.
What Are Fake Spare Parts?
Fake spare parts are counterfeit products that are designed to resemble genuine spare parts but are made from lower-quality materials or are produced using inferior manufacturing processes. These parts are typically sold at a lower price than genuine parts, making them an attractive option for those looking to cut costs.
However, the use of fake spare parts can have serious consequences. In the case of oily water separators, fake parts can cause a range of issues that can impact the performance of the machine and the quality of the wastewater it produces.
How Fake Spare Parts Can Cause Problems in Oily Water Separators
There are several ways that fake spare parts can cause problems in oily water separators, including:
- Reduced Efficiency
Oily water separators rely on precision-engineered parts to function correctly. When fake parts are used, they may not fit correctly or may not be made to the same specifications as genuine parts. This can lead to reduced efficiency and a decrease in the quality of the wastewater produced.
- Increased Wear and Tear
Fake parts may not be made from the same quality materials as genuine parts, leading to increased wear and tear over time. This can result in parts wearing out more quickly, leading to increased maintenance and repair costs.
- Malfunctioning Equipment
In some cases, fake parts can cause oily water separators to malfunction. For example, if a fake valve is used, it may not function correctly, leading to a buildup of contaminants in the wastewater or a failure of the machine to operate altogether.
- Safety Risks
In addition to performance issues, the use of fake parts can also pose safety risks. For example, if a fake pressure gauge is used, it may not accurately display the pressure inside the machine, leading to an increased risk of an explosion or other safety hazard.
Preventing Issues Caused by Fake Spare Parts
The best way to prevent issues caused by fake spare parts is to use only genuine parts from reputable suppliers. Shipowners and offshore drilling companies should work with trusted suppliers who can provide documentation proving the authenticity of their parts.
In addition, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any issues with the machine before they become more significant problems. By keeping the machine in good working order, the risk of issues caused by fake parts can be minimized.
We are often called onboard vessels for oil content monitor calibration and OWS services. Most faults found are due to use of non-genuine parts, the parts are just replaced by the crew and immediately the OWS starts producing error messages. Such as the following case where the non-genuine filter causes a huge spike in PPM when the separator is run.
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Conclusion
Fake spare parts are a growing concern for those in the maritime industry, particularly in the case of oily water separators. The use of fake parts can cause a range of issues, including reduced efficiency, increased wear and tear, malfunctioning equipment, and safety risks. By using only genuine parts from reputable suppliers and maintaining the machine regularly, these issues can be minimized, ensuring the machine functions correctly and wastewater is properly treated before being discharged into the ocean.
Genuine spare parts will ensure compatibility with the equipment, reduced chance of failure and unnecessary costs associated with fake parts that are not usable.
N&P Maritime is an authorized Singapore based service partner for RWO GmbH since 2016. We are one of their 40 global service stations. Our services include:
- Troubleshoot/Repair,
- Authorized Deckma OCM(OMD) calibration
- RWO equipment health check
N&P Maritime has an extensive inventory for RWO/Deckma consumable spare parts such as coalescer filter, absorber polisher, zinc anodes, gauges, desiccators and more, in our warehouse.
We are able to provide same day delivery, there is no minimum order quantity, and a price advantage due to regular consolidated shipment from Germany.
Contact us at sales@npmarine.sg and/or +65 97684033 if you have any questions.
*RWO GmbH has been supplying future-proof made in Germany solutions for marine water treatment for over 45 years. Their product portfolio includes equipment for the treatment of drinking and process water as well as systems for pollution prevention such as oily water separators or sewage treatment plants. RWO is a technological leader in the field of oil/water-separation with over 16,000 units delivered worldwide. More than 40 global sales and service stations.