Fuel Transfer Pressure Monitoring (Loading & Unloading Safety) — ATEX

Prevents incidents during loading operations

Pressure

Quick Overview

Problem

Fuel loading and unloading operations involve rapid pressure changes across hoses, manifolds, and transfer lines. Undetected overpressure or pressure instability can lead to hose rupture, leaks, or safety incidents in ATEX-classified refinery and terminal areas.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified pressure sensors provide continuous, wireless monitoring of fuel transfer pressure, enabling real-time detection of abnormal conditions during loading and unloading operations.

Value

Safer transfer operations • Reduced spill risk • Faster response to anomalies • Lower inspection OPEX

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Downstream fuel transfer operations occur during:

  • Truck loading and unloading
  • Railcar filling and emptying
  • Ship and barge bunkering
  • Inter-tank and manifold transfers

These operations are characterised by:

  • Frequent connection and disconnection of hoses
  • Rapid changes in flow rate
  • Variable backpressure from downstream equipment
  • Manual valve and pump operation

Common risks include:

  • Overpressure due to blocked lines or closed valves
  • Hose fatigue and rupture
  • Seal failure and leakage
  • Delayed detection of abnormal transfer conditions

Traditional safeguards often rely on:

  • Mechanical pressure gauges
  • Operator supervision and manual checks
  • Emergency shutdown after visible leaks

These measures may not provide early warning, especially during fast-paced transfer operations.

Why Continuous Pressure Monitoring Matters

Pressure behaviour is the most direct indicator of safe fuel transfer conditions.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect abnormal pressure rise immediately
  • Identify blocked hoses or closed valves before rupture
  • Monitor pressure stability throughout the transfer
  • Validate safe operating envelopes

Early detection of pressure anomalies significantly reduces the likelihood of spills, fire hazards, and equipment damage. In ATEX environments, remote monitoring also reduces personnel exposure during high-risk operations.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe pressure monitoring solution for downstream fuel transfer operations.

Core Components

Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-accuracy pressure measurement suitable for hydrocarbon transfer lines, hoses, and manifolds.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling real-time integration with terminal SCADA and loading automation systems.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered, threaded or clamp-on installation allows rapid deployment on existing transfer infrastructure.

Operational Benefits

  • Immediate detection of unsafe pressure conditions
  • Reduced spill and fire risk
  • Improved operational discipline during transfers
  • Lower reliance on manual supervision

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Pressure visibility Intermittent Continuous
Overpressure detection Late Immediate
Spill risk Higher Reduced
Inspection effort High Reduced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All pressure sensors for 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 supports installation on live transfer systems without shutdown, ensuring safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, terminal management, loading automation platforms

Vendors

Honeywell, ABB, Emerson, Schneider

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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