Feed Line Valve Position Monitoring (Automation, Traceability & Process Reliability)

Automation efficiency

Valve position

Quick Overview

Problem

Feed distribution systems in livestock and poultry farms rely on multiple valves to route feed accurately and consistently. Valve mispositioning, blockage, or manual error can cause uneven feed delivery, production losses, animal stress, and time-consuming troubleshooting—often without clear visibility.

Solution

Sensa.io’s wireless valve position sensors provide continuous, real-time visibility of feed line valve status, ensuring correct routing, automation reliability, and full operational traceability.

Value

Reliable feed distribution • Reduced feed waste • Lower labour cost • Improved animal performance

ATEX

Generally non-ATEX; ATEX-certified valve sensor variants available for dusty feed handling zones

The Operational Challenge

Feed lines are critical infrastructure in:

  • Poultry houses and hatcheries
  • Pig and cattle barns
  • Automated feeding systems
  • Central feed distribution rooms

They must ensure:

  • Correct valve sequencing between feed lines
  • Reliable opening and closing during feeding cycles
  • Consistent feed volume to each zone

Common operational issues include:

  • Valves left partially open or closed
  • Blockage caused by dust or feed residue
  • Manual operation errors during maintenance
  • Lack of confirmation that commands were executed

Traditional monitoring relies on:

  • Visual inspection of valves
  • Operator assumptions after actuation
  • Reactive troubleshooting after animals show reduced intake

This leads to inefficiencies, wasted feed, and production variability.

Why Valve Position Monitoring Matters

Valve position is the only reliable indicator that feed is being routed as intended.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Confirm valve status in real time
  • Detect misrouting or blockage immediately
  • Automate feeding cycles with confidence
  • Improve traceability and accountability

Reliable valve feedback is essential for modern automated feeding operations.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io delivers a wireless valve position monitoring solution designed for agricultural feed distribution systems.

Core Components

Valve Position Sensor

Detects open, closed, and intermediate valve positions on manual or actuated feed valves.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, suitable for large barns and central feed rooms.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered clamp-on installation — no wiring, no modification of existing valves

Operational Benefits

  • Accurate feed routing
  • Reduced feed loss and spillage
  • Faster troubleshooting
  • Improved automation reliability

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Feed routing errors Possible Detected instantly
Feed waste Higher Reduced
Labour time Manual checks Automated visibility
Process reliability Variable Predictable

ATEX Compliance and Safety

When required, Sensa.io valve sensors support:

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

This enables safe deployment in dusty feed handling and milling areas.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

Feeding automation controllers, farm management platforms

Deployment

Local or centralised dashboards

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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