Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.
Gas Vent Line Acoustic & Pressure Anomaly Detection (Methane Hazard Early Warning)
Early detection of dangerous methane releases
Acoustic
Pressure
Quick Overview
| Problem | Methane (CH₄) accumulation in mining operations represents one of the most critical safety hazards. Vent lines, degassing systems, and exhaust stacks can suffer from blockage, leaks, or abnormal flow behaviour. Undetected anomalies may lead to explosive atmospheres, regulatory non-compliance, or catastrophic incidents. Manual inspections are sporadic and unsafe. |
| Solution | Sensa.io’s ATEX-certified acoustic and pressure sensors continuously monitor gas vent lines, detecting abnormal flow noise, pressure instability, or leakage patterns in real time—providing early warning of methane-related hazards. |
| Value | Explosion risk reduction • Continuous gas safety monitoring • Compliance assurance • Reduced inspection exposure |
| ATEX | Zones 0–2 • Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb certified acoustic & pressure sensors |
The Operational Challenge
Mining operations generate methane through:
- Coal seams and surrounding strata
- Organic material decomposition
- Geological gas pockets released during excavation
To control this risk, mines rely on:
- Ventilation shafts
- Gas vent lines
- Degassing and exhaust systems
These systems face operational challenges:
- Partial blockage from dust or condensation
- Leaks along long vent routes
- Fan or extraction system instability
- Pressure imbalance causing gas backflow
Traditional monitoring methods include:
- Fixed gas detectors at limited points
- Manual inspections of vent infrastructure
- Periodic pressure checks
These approaches do not provide continuous insight into vent line integrity.
Why Acoustic & Pressure Monitoring Matter
Gas vent behaviour produces distinct acoustic and pressure signatures.
Continuous monitoring enables operators to:
- Detect abnormal flow noise indicating leaks or obstruction
- Identify pressure instability or reversal
- Detect vent line blockage before gas accumulation
- Correlate acoustic events with ventilation performance
Acoustic monitoring captures dynamic anomalies that static gas detectors cannot detect alone.
Sensa.io Solution
Sensa.io delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe monitoring solution for methane vent and degassing systems.
Core Components
Acoustic Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)
Detects gas flow noise, turbulence, and abnormal acoustic patterns in vent lines.
Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)
Monitors static and dynamic pressure to detect blockage, leaks, or backflow risk.
Wireless Communication
Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, suitable for underground and remote vent installations.
Installation & Power
Battery-powered clamp-on or threaded installation — no wiring, no hot work, no process interruption.
Operational Benefits
- Continuous methane hazard monitoring
- Early detection of vent line anomalies
- Reduced reliance on manual inspections
- Improved ventilation system reliability
Results and ROI
ATEX Compliance and Safety
All sensors for methane vent monitoring comply with:
- ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
- Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb (Zones 0–2)
- IECEx certification
Intrinsically safe design enables monitoring directly within explosive gas environments.
Integration and compatibility
| Protocols | LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API |
| Systems | Mine SCADA, gas safety systems, EHS platforms |
| Deployment | Vent lines, shafts, exhaust stacks |
| Cybersecurity | AES-128 encrypted communication |
FAQ - Common Questions
Are Sensa.io sensors compatible with any gateway or network?
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.
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.
