Fuel Tank Pressure Monitoring (Ports & Ships) — ATEX

Prevents overpressure & emissions

Pressure

Quick Overview

Problem

Fuel storage tanks on ships and in port terminals are subject to pressure variations caused by temperature changes, filling operations, and vapour generation. Undetected overpressure or vacuum conditions can lead to tank deformation, venting incidents, emissions, or safety risks in ATEX-classified zones.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified pressure sensors provide continuous monitoring of fuel tank pressure, enabling early detection of abnormal conditions and safe control of tank breathing systems.

Value

Prevented overpressure incidents • Reduced emissions • Improved safety • Lower inspection effort

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Fuel tanks in marine and port environments include:

  • Ship bunker fuel tanks
  • Day tanks and service tanks
  • Port terminal fuel storage tanks
  • Slop and recovery tanks

These tanks are exposed to:

  • Temperature fluctuations due to weather and operations
  • Vapour generation during filling and unloading
  • Blocked or malfunctioning vent systems
  • Inert gas or vapour recovery interfaces

Common risks include:

  • Overpressure damaging tank structure
  • Vacuum conditions during unloading
  • Uncontrolled venting of flammable vapours
  • Emissions non-compliance

Traditional monitoring often relies on:

  • Mechanical pressure/vacuum valves
  • Local gauges checked periodically
  • Manual inspection of venting systems

This approach provides limited visibility and delayed reaction.

Why Fuel Tank Pressure Monitoring Matters

Tank pressure is a direct indicator of safe storage conditions.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect abnormal pressure build-up early
  • Identify blocked vents or vapour recovery issues
  • Prevent tank deformation or rupture
  • Maintain controlled vapour emissions

Remote monitoring also reduces the need for personnel to access confined or hazardous tank areas.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe tank pressure monitoring solution for marine and port fuel storage.

Core Components

Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-accuracy pressure measurement optimised for low-pressure tank and vapour space monitoring.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling integration with port SCADA, ship automation, and vapour recovery systems.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered threaded installation on tank nozzles or vent lines — no cabling required.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of overpressure or vacuum
  • Improved venting and vapour recovery control
  • Reduced emission incidents
  • Enhanced safety for crew and terminal staff

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Pressure visibility Intermittent Continuous
Overpressure risk Higher Reduced
Manual inspections Frequent Reduced
Safety incidents Possible Lower probability

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All pressure sensors for fuel tank 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 safe installation on live tanks in hazardous fuel zones.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

Port SCADA, ship automation, vapour recovery systems

Vendors

ABB Marine, Siemens, Honeywell, Emerson

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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