Dust Collector ΔP Monitoring (Baghouse Filter Performance & Explosion Prevention) — ATEX

Prevents dust explosions, ensures ventilation performance

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Quick Overview

Problem

Dust collectors and baghouse filters are critical safety systems in mining operations. Progressive filter clogging, torn bags, or airflow restriction can lead to excessive dust accumulation, reduced ventilation efficiency, and increased risk of dust explosions. Manual checks are infrequent and provide no continuous visibility in ATEX dust zones.

Solution

Sensa.io’s ATEX-certified differential pressure (ΔP) sensors continuously monitor pressure drop across baghouse filters, enabling early detection of clogging or filter failure and ensuring safe, compliant dust control.

Value

Explosion risk reduction • Stable ventilation • Predictable filter maintenance • Regulatory compliance

ATEX

Dust Zones 20–22 • Ex ia IIIC T135°C Db certified ΔP sensors

The Operational Challenge

Dust collectors are used across mining operations:

  • Crusher and screening buildings
  • Transfer points and conveyor galleries
  • Grinding and milling circuits
  • Loading, dumping, and processing areas

They must ensure:

  • Sufficient airflow to capture airborne dust
  • Stable pressure balance across filter media
  • Safe operation in combustible dust atmospheres

Common operational issues include:

  • Gradual filter clogging increasing ΔP
  • Bag rupture causing dust release
  • Inefficient cleaning cycles (pulse-jet systems)
  • Overworked fans and increased energy consumption

Traditional monitoring relies on:

  • Local pressure gauges
  • Manual inspection during maintenance rounds
  • Fixed filter replacement schedules

These approaches fail to detect rapid degradation or sudden filter failure.

Why Differential Pressure Monitoring Matters

ΔP is the primary indicator of baghouse health.

Continuous ΔP monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect clogging before airflow is compromised
  • Identify torn or leaking filter bags
  • Optimise pulse-jet cleaning cycles
  • Maintain stable airflow and dust capture

Maintaining correct ΔP is essential to preventing dust accumulation and ignition risk.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe ΔP monitoring solution for mining dust collectors.

Core Components

Differential Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIIC T135°C Db)

High-resolution ΔP measurement across filter inlet and outlet.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, ideal for large processing plants and remote installations

Installation & Power

Battery-powered installation on existing pressure taps — no wiring, no hot work, no downtime.

Operational Benefits

  • Early clogging and failure detection
  • Reduced dust explosion risk
  • Optimised filter cleaning and replacement
  • Lower fan energy consumption

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Filter condition visibility Limited Continuous
Dust capture efficiency Variable Stable
Explosion risk Elevated Reduced
Maintenance strategy Reactive Condition-based

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All ΔP sensors for dust collector monitoring comply with:

  • ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
  • Ex ia IIIC T135°C Db (Dust Zones 20–22)
  • IECEx certification for combustible dust

Intrinsically safe design allows continuous monitoring in explosive dust environments without ignition risk.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

Mine SCADA, ventilation control systems, EHS dashboards

Deployment

Local or centralised monitoring

Cybersecurity

AES-128 encrypted communication

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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