Westerbeke 8.0 KW-60Hz SBEG Operator's Manual page 7

CARBON MONOXIDE "CO" ISAFE-CO GENERATORS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Carbon monoxide "CO" is a component of engine exhaust. It
is a colorless, tasteless, odorless, lighter than air poisonous
gas that can kill you without any warning. CO poisoning is
one of the major safety risks associated with boating.
It
is a
threat that must not be underestimated.
Westerbeke Safe-CO generators are designed to reduce
normal levels of CO in the engine exhaust by approximately
99%.
Several standards for CO have been published, expressed in
parts per million "ppm" and hours of exposure:
Regulator CO ppm Exposure Hours
EPA 9 8
ACGIH
25
8
EPA
35
1
NIOSH
35
8
OSHA
50
8
ACGIH
125 0.5
NIOSH
200
0.0
NIOSH
1200
0.0
(IDLH)
1200 ppm is the so-called IDLH concentration -
IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH.
A city in California characterizes the effect of CO
concentration this way:
Paris per Million
Responses
25
Pennissible exposure level, no
apparent toxic symptoms.
100
No poisoning for long period.
Allowable for several hours.
200
Shonld not be exposed above
this level for any period of
time. A possible mild frontal
headache in two
to
three hours.
Even though the generator normally produces very low levels
of CO, an exhaust leak of untreated exhaust would be
extremely dangerous. For this reason it is extremely impor-
tant to install a CO detector near the generator and to be sure
it is always turned on and functioning properly. If this detec-
tor sounds, do not tum it off, assuming it is a false signal.
You can not taste, smell, or otherwise detect CO. Leave the
detector on, tum off all engines and generators, evacuate the
boat leaving ports and hatches open, and seek professional
help.
As soon as CO leaves the exhaust outlet, the level is subject
to dilution in the open air. The closer a person is to the
exhaust outlet, the higher the concentration of CO.
In a closed space, such as the engine compartment, the boat,
or underneath a stern swim platform, concentrations will
potentially rise to the undiluted level emanating from the
exhaust system due to a lack of fresh air to dilute the exhaust
gas. Therefore, one should never rely on dilution of the
exhaust to provide a margin of safety.
Westerbeke Safe-CO generators achieve an approximate 99%
reduction of typical CO by precise control control of the
engine's air/fuel ration coupled with after treatment in a
special catalyst. CO emissions are not the same for every
model because each engine is different. Also, certain fuel
system components are commonized across several engine
models being adequate for some and extra-adequate for
others, thus producing different CO levels for different
models.
The fuel system which accomplishes the required precise
air/fuel ratio control is comprised of many different
components: purchased sub-assemblies, machined castings,
sensors, electronics and others. Because of the extreme level
of CO reduction, any variability in the functioning of any
these components can and will cause variability of the CO
output.
CO concentration also varies with load. Usually, but not
always, the worst case CO concentration occurs at maximum
load.
INSPECTION
The catalyst is critical to optimizing CO levels. Any water
intrusion into the exhaust system will likely quickly
compromise the proper operation of the catalyst.
Westerbeke's exhaust system installation instructions dated
on or after February 2004 must be adhered to.
NOTE:
Water intrusion
is
not a product defect and is not cov-
ered under warranty. neither Westerbeke
s
nonnal
product warranty rwr the emissions specific warranty
mandated by various regulating authorities such as EPA
and CARB.
Maintenance of any components affecting the flow of air or
the flow of fuel to the engine is critically important, such as
fuel filters and air filters (if any).
Inspection of the catalyst at the prescribed intervals is
critically important. The exhaust elbow is removed by
loosening the metal clamp to provide a view of the output
surface of the catalyst. Any visual irregularity of the normal
flush, honeycomb appearance is most likely a result of water
intrusion. The cause of the irregularity must be identified and
addressed. If there is irregularity, the catalyst and gasket must
be replaced. Upon careful reassembly of the catalyst, exhaust
elbow gasket, and exhaust elbow, check for the presence of
CO while the engine is running. This must be performed with
a CO analyzer.
~
WESTERBEKE
Engines & Generators
iv