Dust Filtration ΔP Monitoring (Baghouse Performance & Explosion Risk Reduction) — ATEX

Compliance, maintenance planning

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Quick Overview

Problem

Dust filtration systems (baghouses, cartridge filters) are critical safety barriers in chemical, powder, and bulk processing. Progressive clogging increases differential pressure (ΔP), reducing airflow, overheating fans, and dramatically increasing dust explosion risk—especially in ATEX-classified environments where failures escalate rapidly.

Solution

Sensa.io’s ATEX-certified differential pressure sensors continuously monitor ΔP across dust filters, enabling predictive maintenance, stable ventilation, and compliance with ATEX dust regulations.

Value

Reduced explosion risk • Stable airflow • Lower fan energy use • Predictable maintenance

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Dust filtration systems are used to control airborne particles from:

  • Powder handling and mixing
  • Drying and milling operations
  • Packaging and conveying systems
  • Reactor charging and discharge

Key challenges include:

  • Progressive filter clogging reducing airflow
  • Overloaded fans and motors
  • Increased dust concentration inside enclosures
  • Loss of explosion protection effectiveness

Typical failure scenarios:

  • Filter rupture due to excessive ΔP
  • Dust accumulation beyond ATEX limits
  • Emergency shutdowns triggered by airflow loss
  • Increased ignition risk from overheating equipment

Traditional monitoring methods rely on:

  • Local manometers
  • Periodic inspection during maintenance rounds
  • Reactive intervention after alarms

These approaches provide limited early warning and inconsistent documentation.

Why Differential Pressure Monitoring Matters

ΔP is the most reliable indicator of dust filter health.

Continuous ΔP monitoring enables operators to:

  • Track clogging trends in real time
  • Maintain stable ventilation and capture efficiency
  • Prevent fan overload and overheating
  • Reduce dust explosion risk by maintaining design airflow

Maintaining correct ΔP is a core requirement in ATEX dust safety strategies.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe ΔP monitoring solution for dust filtration systems.

Core Components

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

High-resolution measurement across baghouse or cartridge filters in dust environments.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling integration with SCADA, EHS, and maintenance platforms.

Installation & Power

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

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of filter clogging
  • Reduced explosion and fire risk
  • Optimised fan operation
  • Predictable filter replacement cycles

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Airflow stability Variable Stable
Explosion risk Elevated Reduced
Fan energy use Higher Optimised
Maintenance planning Reactive Predictive

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All ΔP sensors for dust filtration comply with:

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

The intrinsically safe design supports installation in explosive dust environments without shutdown.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, EHS, ventilation control platforms

Vendors

Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, Honeywell

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.

Heading

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
Browse other sectors
Explore

Explore Our Sensors

Valve position

The Sensa iO Valve Position Sensor provides real-time open/close feedback for manual and automated valves in oil & gas, chemical, and hydrogen operations.

Pressure

A rugged, industrial-grade pressure sensor designed for high-demand oil & gas applications. Provides continuous gas and liquid pressure monitoring, with ATEX intrinsic safety, IP67 housing, and LoRaWAN® connectivity.

Temperature

Sensa iO’s temperature sensor delivers precise temperature data for process lines, steam systems, heat exchangers, and storage assets.

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

A compact DP solution using dual synchronized pressure inputs to deliver accurate differential pressure data for filters, heat exchangers, separators, and manifolds.

Vibration

A high-resolution vibration sensor built for predictive maintenance of pumps, motors, compressors, and rotating equipment.

Acoustic

The Sensa iO acoustic sensor identifies ultrasonic leak signatures, gas escape, steam trap failures, and flare noise anomalies.

Trusted by a Worldwide Network

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