Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.
Smart Monitoring for Downstream Oil & Gas — ATEX-Certified Efficiency and Safety
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
Predictive maintenance, ensures product quality
Detects leaks saving thousands €/month
Reduces energy waste, maintenance costs
Improves combustion efficiency, safety
Traceability of valve operations
Detects stuck valves or leaks
Prevents incidents during loading operations
Prevents overfill and spills
Optimizes energy consumption, identifies fouling early
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
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 |
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| Analytics & Insights |
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:
Acoustic & Vibration Detection of Rockfall or Structural Movement (Early Warning & Worker Protection)
Early warning to protect workers underground

Gas Vent Line Acoustic & Pressure Anomaly Detection (Methane Hazard Early Warning)
Early detection of dangerous methane releases

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?
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.
Trusted by a Worldwide Network
With partners in over 20 countries, Sensa IO delivers rugged sensor solutions to the toughest environments — everywhere.
