Biogas Upgrading Filter ΔP Monitoring (Membrane & PSA Protection) — ATEX

Predicts maintenance, protects quality

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Quick Overview

Problem

Biogas upgrading systems rely on filters, membranes, or PSA units to remove CO₂, H₂S, moisture, and impurities. Progressive clogging or fouling increases differential pressure (ΔP), reducing methane purity, increasing energy consumption, and risking unplanned shutdowns—often without early warning in ATEX zones.

Solution

Sensa.io’s ATEX-certified differential pressure sensors continuously monitor ΔP across biogas upgrading filters and membranes, enabling predictive maintenance and stable gas quality.

Value

Improved methane purity • Reduced energy consumption • Fewer shutdowns • Predictable maintenance

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Biogas upgrading plants use multiple filtration and separation stages, including:

  • Pre-filters for dust and condensates
  • Activated carbon filters for H₂S removal
  • Membrane separation units
  • Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) systems

These components are highly sensitive to fouling.

Common operational issues include:

  • Gradual clogging of filters increasing ΔP
  • Reduced gas flow and methane recovery
  • Increased compressor workload and energy use
  • Sudden membrane damage if clogging is not detected

In many plants, filter condition is still assessed by:

  • Fixed maintenance intervals
  • Manual pressure readings
  • Reactive intervention after performance loss

This approach leads to inefficient maintenance and avoidable production losses.

Why Differential Pressure Monitoring Matters

Differential pressure is the most reliable indicator of filter and membrane condition.

Continuous ΔP monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect fouling trends long before blockage
  • Optimise filter replacement timing
  • Maintain stable gas flow and purity
  • Prevent membrane stress and irreversible damage

A small increase in ΔP often precedes major performance degradation by days or weeks.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io provides a wireless, intrinsically safe ΔP monitoring solution for biogas upgrading units.

Core Components

Differential Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-resolution measurement of pressure drop across filters, membranes, or PSA stages.

Wireless Communication

Compatible with LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT for seamless SCADA and EMS integration.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered installation using existing pressure taps — no cabling, no hot work.

Operational Benefits

  • Predictive maintenance instead of fixed schedules
  • Protection of membranes and PSA units
  • Stable methane concentration at outlet
  • Reduced compressor energy consumption

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Filter replacement Too early / too late Optimised
Methane purity Variable Stable
Energy consumption Higher Reduced
Unplanned shutdowns Possible Reduced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All ΔP sensors for biogas upgrading comply with:

  • ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
  • Ex II 2 G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb (Zones 0–2)
  • IECEx certification

The intrinsically safe design allows installation in gas processing areas without shutdown.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

Biogas SCADA, EMS, upgrading skid PLCs

Vendors

Bright Renewables, Greenlane, Wärtsilä, DMT

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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