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

Predictive maintenance, ensures product quality

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Quick Overview

Problem

Filter trains in refineries progressively clog due to particulates, waxes, or catalyst fines. Without continuous visibility, clogging is detected too late, leading to pressure loss, reduced throughput, off-spec products, or forced shutdowns in ATEX-classified areas.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified differential pressure (ΔP) sensors continuously monitor pressure drop across filter trains, enabling early detection of fouling and condition-based maintenance.

Value

Predictive maintenance • Stable throughput • Improved product quality • Reduced unplanned shutdowns

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Refinery filtration systems are used across multiple units, including:

  • Diesel and gasoline polishing filters
  • Solvent and additive filtration
  • Lube oil and hydraulic oil filtration
  • Catalyst and fines removal

As filters load with contaminants, pressure drop increases, causing:

  • Reduced flow and throughput limitations
  • Increased pump energy consumption
  • Risk of filter collapse or bypass
  • Contamination of downstream equipment

Traditional monitoring often relies on:

  • Periodic manual pressure readings
  • Fixed maintenance intervals
  • Reactive filter replacement after alarms

These approaches either replace filters too early (wasting consumables) or too late (causing process disruption).

Why Differential Pressure Monitoring Matters

Differential pressure is the most reliable indicator of filter condition.

Continuous ΔP monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect gradual clogging trends early
  • Identify abnormal fouling rates
  • Optimise filter replacement timing
  • Prevent sudden pressure loss or bypass events

By tracking ΔP trends, maintenance can be scheduled based on actual filter condition, not conservative time-based rules. In ATEX environments, remote monitoring also reduces manual intervention near pressurised and hazardous equipment.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe ΔP monitoring solution for refinery filter trains.

Core Components

Differential Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-accuracy ΔP measurement across filter housings, suitable for liquid and gas service.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling seamless integration with refinery SCADA and energy management platforms.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered clamp-on installation on steam lines, valves, traps, or flanges — no insulation removal required.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of filter clogging
  • Stable process flow and pressure
  • Reduced risk of unplanned shutdowns
  • Optimised filter consumption

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Filter replacement Conservative Optimised
Throughput stability Variable Stable
Shutdown risk Higher Reduced
Maintenance efficiency Lower Higher

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All differential pressure sensors for filtration 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 allows installation on live filtration systems without shutdown, ensuring safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, CMMS, asset performance management 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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