Pipeline Acoustic & Vibration Monitoring (Early Leak & Anomaly Detection) — ATEX

Early anomaly alerts, reduces inspection frequency

Acoustic

Vibration

Quick Overview

Problem

Small pipeline leaks, mechanical defects, or external interference often generate acoustic or vibration signatures long before pressure loss becomes visible. These early signals are rarely detected by conventional monitoring, allowing leaks to grow into major incidents.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified acoustic and vibration sensors continuously monitor pipelines to detect abnormal sound and vibration patterns associated with leaks, mechanical damage, or third-party interference — in real time.

Value

Early leak detection • Reduced spill impact • Fewer inspections • Improved pipeline integrity

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Midstream pipelines extend over long distances and are exposed to multiple risk factors:

  • Progressive corrosion or pinhole leaks
  • Mechanical damage from ground movement or vibration
  • Third-party interference (excavation, vehicle impact)
  • Fatigue at welds, bends, or supports

Traditional detection methods typically rely on:

  • Pressure balance or flow discrepancy analysis
  • Periodic patrols and visual inspection
  • Post-event investigation after alarms or spills

These methods often detect leaks late, especially when leakage rates are small or transient. In ATEX environments, frequent physical inspection also increases personnel exposure and operational cost.

Why Acoustic & Vibration Monitoring Matters

Leaks and mechanical anomalies generate distinct acoustic and vibration signatures before they cause measurable pressure loss.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect pinhole leaks and micro-fractures early
  • Identify abnormal vibration from pipe movement or fatigue
  • Detect third-party interference near buried or exposed pipelines
  • Localise anomaly zones for targeted inspection

Unlike pressure-based methods, acoustic and vibration monitoring focuses on mechanical behaviour, enabling detection at a much earlier stage.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe acoustic and vibration monitoring solution for midstream pipelines.

Core Components

Acoustic Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Captures a wide frequency range to detect leak noise, flow anomalies, and mechanical sounds transmitted through the pipe wall.

Vibration Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Measures vibration amplitude and frequency to detect abnormal mechanical behaviour.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling real-time integration with pipeline SCADA and integrity platforms.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered clamp-on installation suitable for exposed pipelines, supports, and valve stations.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of small leaks
  • Reduced spill volume and environmental impact
  • Fewer routine patrols and inspections
  • Faster localisation of problem areas

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Leak detection Late Early
Inspection effort High Reduced
Spill severity Higher Lower
Integrity insight Limited Enhanced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All acoustic and vibration sensors for pipeline monitoring comply with:

  • Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb (Zones 0–2)
  • IECEx certification
  • ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU

The intrinsically safe design enables installation on live pipelines without shutdown, supporting safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, pipeline integrity, leak detection platforms

Vendors

Honeywell, ABB, Emerson, Schneider

Cybersecurity

AES-128 encrypted communication with secure transport

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.

What does the Sensa.io Valve Position Sensor actually measure?

The device detects real-time valve position states—open, closed, or intermediate—with high accuracy. It continuously sends this information wirelessly to your monitoring dashboard.

Can this sensor detect partial valve movement or stuck valves?

Yes. The sensor identifies irregular patterns such as partial movement, delayed response, or stuck valves, enabling early maintenance before failure occurs.

Is this sensor suitable for manual, motorized, and actuated valves?

Yes. It supports a wide range of valve types including ball, gate, butterfly, actuator-driven, and manual valves.

How fast does it update the valve position?

You can configure the reporting interval—from seconds to minutes—depending on your operational and battery needs.

How long does installation take?

Most installations take under 10 minutes. The sensor mounts using brackets or clamps without modifying existing valves.

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