< Industries/
downstream-oil-gas

Smart Monitoring for Downstream Oil & Gas — ATEX-Certified Efficiency and Safety

Have a quote

Quick Overview

Problem

Refineries, depots, and storage facilities handle flammable products and complex process units where any leak, overpressure, or equipment failure can lead to costly shutdowns and safety incidents.

Solution

ATEX-certified wireless sensors for pressure, differential pressure, temperature, vibration, valve position, and acoustic monitoring ensure safe, efficient, and compliant downstream operations.

Value

↑ Operational uptime • ↓ Maintenance cost (−30 %) • Typical ROI < 12 months

ATEX

Zones 0–2 • Ex ia IIC T4 Gb certified sensors

The Downstream Challenge

Downstream operations are highly energy-intensive, capital-heavy, and safety-critical.

From crude distillation to product blending, every process unit involves heat, pressure, and flammable materials under strict ATEX and environmental regulations.

Even a single unmonitored valve or pump can cause downtime, product loss, or non-compliance penalties.

Yet, many refinery and depot systems still rely on periodic manual readings or limited DCS inputs, leaving blind spots in safety and efficiency.

Continuous, ATEX-compliant sensing is now the standard for refineries that aim to reduce OPEX, ensure traceability, and reach their decarbonisation goals.

Why ATEX-Compliant Monitoring Matters 🔥 ATEX

Downstream sites concentrate the highest explosion risk zones due to volatile solvents, hydrogen, and hydrocarbon vapours.

Every sensor, junction box, or cable is a potential ignition source if not certified.

Sensa.io eliminates that constraint through wireless, intrinsically safe (Ex ia) sensors requiring no hot-work permits or extra cabling.

They continuously track pressure, temperature, and vibration in real time — safely and cost-effectively.

1 hour of unscheduled refinery downtime can cost over €80 000 in lost throughput and energy waste.

Core Use Cases for

Downstream Oil & Gas

Use Case
Sensor Type
ATEX
ROI/Value
Differential Pressure Monitoring Across Filter Trains (Diesel, Solvent & Process Filtration) — ATEX
Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Predictive maintenance, ensures product quality

Acoustic Steam Leak Detection (Energy Loss Reduction & Safety) — ATEX
Acoustic

Detects leaks saving thousands €/month

Compressor & Fan Vibration Tracking (Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency) — ATEX
Vibration

Reduces energy waste, maintenance costs

Burner Fuel Pressure & Temperature Monitoring (Heaters & Boilers Performance & Safety) — ATEX
Pressure
Temperature

Improves combustion efficiency, safety

Pipeline Valve Position Feedback (Traceability & ATEX Process Safety) — ATEX
Valve position

Traceability of valve operations

Relief Valve Acoustic Monitoring (Safety Valve Integrity & Compliance) — ATEX
Acoustic

Detects stuck valves or leaks

Fuel Transfer Pressure Monitoring (Loading & Unloading Safety) — ATEX
Pressure

Prevents incidents during loading operations

Tank Differential Pressure & Level Monitoring (Overfill Prevention & Storage Integrity) — ATEX
Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Prevents overfill and spills

Heat Exchanger Temperature Monitoring (Efficiency & Fouling Detection) — ATEX
Temperature

Optimizes energy consumption, identifies fouling early

Refinery Pump Vibration Monitoring (Predictive Maintenance & Reliability) — ATEX
Vibration

Reduces unplanned shutdowns, increases reliability

Refinery Pump Vibration Monitoring (Predictive Maintenance & Reliability) — ATEX

Heat Exchanger Temperature Monitoring (Efficiency & Fouling Detection) — ATEX

Tank Differential Pressure & Level Monitoring (Overfill Prevention & Storage Integrity) — ATEX

Fuel Transfer Pressure Monitoring (Loading & Unloading Safety) — ATEX

Relief Valve Acoustic Monitoring (Safety Valve Integrity & Compliance) — ATEX

Pipeline Valve Position Feedback (Traceability & ATEX Process Safety) — ATEX

Burner Fuel Pressure & Temperature Monitoring (Heaters & Boilers Performance & Safety) — ATEX

Compressor & Fan Vibration Tracking (Predictive Maintenance & Energy Efficiency) — ATEX

Acoustic Steam Leak Detection (Energy Loss Reduction & Safety) — ATEX

Differential Pressure Monitoring Across Filter Trains (Diesel, Solvent & Process Filtration) — ATEX

Vibration
Acoustic
Differential Pressure (ΔP)
Temperature
Pressure
Valve position
Use Case Sensor Type ATEX ROI/Value

How Sensa.io Technology Works

Open Wireless Architecture

All Sensa.io sensors are gateway-agnostic, connecting to any LoRaWAN, MQTT, or Modbus network and integrating directly with SCADA / DCS systems such as Honeywell Experion, Emerson DeltaV, ABB 800xA, or Schneider EcoStruxure.

Sensor Design Highlights
  • Intrinsically safe housings (Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)
  • 10-year battery autonomy with adaptive sampling
  • High-accuracy sensors (pressure ±0.1 % FS / temperature ±0.2 °C / vibration ±2 µm·s⁻¹)
  • Stainless-steel 316L, PTFE-sealed electronics resistant to solvents and acids

Analytics & Insights
  • Pressure / ΔP trends → detect clogging & line restrictions
  • Vibration spectrum analysis → predict bearing / impeller wear
  • Acoustic signatures → detect relief-valve leaks
  • Temperature profiles → identify fouling & energy losses

All data are encrypted (AES-128) and transmitted securely to your SCADA or cloud dashboard.

Proven ROI and Field Results

Operators who deployed Sensa.io in upstream fields typically achieved:

−30 %
Maintenance cost reduction
−25 %
Unplanned downtime
5–10 %
Energy savings
Case Example

Acoustic & Vibration Detection of Rockfall or Structural Movement (Early Warning & Worker Protection)

Early warning to protect workers underground

Case Example

Gas Vent Line Acoustic & Pressure Anomaly Detection (Methane Hazard Early Warning)

Early detection of dangerous methane releases

Payback: typically < 12 months depending on scope.
Get the ROI Calculator for Upstream Operations

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All Sensa.io sensors for upstream operations comply with:

  • Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb (Gas Zones 0–1)
  • Ex ia IIIC T135 °C Db (Dust Zones 20–21)
  • IECEx certification + Directive 2014/34/EU

Every delivery includes Declaration of Conformity, calibration certificate, and maintenance guidelines.

Sensa.io’s intrinsically safe design guarantees full compliance and peace of mind in hazardous areas.

FAQ - Common Questions

Are Sensa.io sensors compatible with any gateway or network?

Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.

What ATEX certifications apply to Sensa.io devices?

All hazardous-area models are certified Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb and IECEx approved for Zones 0–2.

What is the typical battery life?

Up to 10 years at 15-minute intervals, depending on signal strength and environment.

How are the sensors integrated into existing systems?

Through standard protocols — LoRaWAN, Modbus, MQTT, REST API — no proprietary middleware needed.

How does predictive maintenance reduce OPEX?

Early anomaly detection reduces emergency interventions by 30–40 %, extends equipment life and lowers energy costs.

General & Functionality

What is the typical ROI when deploying sensors in upstream production?

Depending on asset criticality and scope, operators generally achieve payback within 6 to 12 months, driven by reduced downtime, lower maintenance overhead, and improved safety compliance.

How are calibration and maintenance handled in ATEX zones?

Sensors are factory-calibrated and include internal digital calibration tables. No field recalibration is required for 5–10 years; visual inspection every 3 years is sufficient.

How are data transmissions secured in remote fields?

All data packets are encrypted end-to-end with AES-128, and communication can run over private LoRaWAN or VPN-secured 4G networks. This guarantees industrial-grade cybersecurity and compliance with IT/OT segmentation policies.

Can Sensa.io sensors monitor hydrate or wax formation in flowlines?

Yes. Temperature sensors placed along the flowline detect critical cooling patterns leading to hydrate or wax build-up. Real-time data allows proactive heating or chemical injection, avoiding costly blockages.

How does acoustic leak detection work in upstream applications?

Acoustic sensors detect high-frequency sound anomalies generated by gas or fluid leaks. When combined with pressure readings, they localise the leak within ±10 m, reducing detection time from hours to minutes.

Can sensors remain active during well interventions or shutdowns?

Yes. Thanks to intrinsically safe (Ex ia) design, sensors can operate continuously in Zone 0 even during interventions, without hot-work permits or risk of ignition.

How do pressure sensors resist sand abrasion and high vibration in wellheads?

Each pressure module uses 316L stainless-steel diaphragms and vibration-proof electronics (rated up to 20 g RMS) with conformal coating. This ensures long-term stability in abrasive and high-shock environments typical of wellhead zones.

How does predictive maintenance with Sensa.io actually reduce OPEX?

By analysing vibration, pressure, or ΔP trends, the system detects anomalies before they escalate. This reduces emergency interventions by 30–40 %, extends equipment lifetime, and lowers energy consumption by 10–15 %.

How can Sensa.io sensors be integrated into our SCADA or DCS system?

Integration is immediate through standard industrial protocols: LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, or REST API. Data can feed directly into Honeywell, Emerson, Schneider, or ABB SCADA platforms without middleware.

How long do the batteries last in upstream operations?

Up to 10 years depending on the transmission interval and signal quality. The adaptive power management system automatically adjusts the sending frequency according to the measured parameter’s variability.

What ATEX certifications cover Sensa.io sensors?

All hazardous-area models are certified Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb (Gas Zones 0–2) and Ex ia IIIC T135°C Db (Dust Zones 20–21). They are also IECEx approved and comply with the European Directive 2014/34/EU.

Are Sensa.io sensors compatible with any LoRaWAN gateway or network?

Yes. Sensa.io sensors are fully gateway-agnostic and connect seamlessly to any LoRaWAN or MQTT-compatible infrastructure — including Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, or private industrial networks. This ensures flexible integration with existing SCADA or IoT systems.

Specific Technical Questions/

Downstream Oil & Gas

What’s the expected ROI for refinery-wide deployment?

Between 8 and 14 months depending on unit size and maintenance maturity. Energy-intensive sites recover costs faster.

Do sensors help with ESG or emissions reporting?

Yes — they monitor flaring, steam leaks, and energy losses — all key to emission reduction reporting under ISO 50001 and EU ETS.

How are sensors maintained in hazardous areas?

No calibration for 5–10 years; visual inspection every 3 years. Intrinsic safety allows servicing without gas-freeing operations.

Can sensors detect filter clogging before pressure alarms?

Yes — ΔP sensors measure subtle pressure differentials across filters; predictive alerts trigger at 70 % clogging to schedule maintenance.

How does acoustic monitoring detect valve leaks?

Acoustic sensors capture ultrasonic noise from leaking relief valves, even before visible pressure changes occur, enabling early intervention.

Can sensors operate in high-temperature refinery units?

Yes — rated −40 °C to +125 °C, suitable for furnaces and reformer sections with remote electronics to limit exposure.

How do sensors resist solvents and sulfur compounds?

All process-contact parts use 316L stainless steel and PTFE seals; optional Hastelloy versions provide long-term resistance in acid gas or solvent service.

By clicking "Book a technical demo" you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Text Link

Trusted by a Worldwide Network

With partners in over 20 countries, Sensa IO delivers rugged sensor solutions to the toughest environments — everywhere.