Fuel Transfer Pressure Monitoring (FPSO Bunkering & Transfer Safety) — ATEX

Prevents leaks, ensures safe bunkering

Pressure

Quick Overview

Problem

Fuel transfer and bunkering operations on FPSOs and offshore platforms involve high flow rates and flammable products. Pressure instability during loading or transfer can cause hose rupture, spills, fire risk, and emergency shutdowns in ATEX-classified areas.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified pressure sensors provide continuous, wireless monitoring of fuel transfer pressure to ensure safe, controlled bunkering and transfer operations.

Value

Reduced spill risk • Improved transfer safety • Faster operations • Enhanced ATEX compliance

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Fuel transfer operations offshore include:

  • FPSO bunkering from supply vessels
  • Fuel oil transfer between tanks
  • Diesel distribution to generators and utilities

These operations are exposed to:

  • Rapid pressure transients
  • Hose and coupling stress
  • Human error during valve sequencing
  • Limited visibility from control rooms

Common risks include:

  • Overpressure leading to hose or flange failure
  • Undetected pressure loss indicating leaks
  • Delayed shutdown response during abnormal events

Traditional monitoring often relies on:

  • Local pressure gauges
  • Manual radio communication
  • Visual observation during transfer

These methods provide limited real-time visibility and increase personnel exposure in hazardous zones.

Why Fuel Transfer Pressure Monitoring Matters

Pressure is the primary safety indicator during bunkering and transfer.

Continuous pressure monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect abnormal pressure rise or drop instantly
  • Prevent hose rupture and fuel spills
  • Ensure controlled flow rates
  • Trigger immediate shutdown during unsafe conditions

Remote monitoring reduces the need for personnel presence near pressurised fuel lines and improves response speed during critical operations.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe pressure monitoring solution for offshore fuel transfer systems.

Core Components

Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-accuracy pressure measurement designed for hydrocarbon fuel service.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling integration with FPSO SCADA and bunkering management systems.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered threaded or clamp-on installation on fuel transfer lines — no wiring or hot work required.

Operational Benefits

  • Real-time visibility of transfer pressure
  • Faster reaction to abnormal events
  • Reduced spill and fire risk
  • Safer bunkering operations

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Pressure visibility Local only Control room
Spill risk Higher Reduced
Operator exposure High Reduced
Transfer efficiency Variable Stable

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All pressure sensors for offshore fuel transfer 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 fuel lines without shutdown.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, bunkering management, marine automation platforms

Vendors

Kongsberg, ABB, Siemens, 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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