LNG Cryogenic Temperature Monitoring (Process Safety & Asset Integrity) — ATEX

Prevents overpressure, ensures cryo integrity

Temperature

Quick Overview

Problem

LNG facilities operate at cryogenic temperatures where small deviations can compromise containment integrity, trigger overpressure events, or damage equipment. Manual temperature checks are intermittent and insufficient for managing cryogenic risk in ATEX-classified environments.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified temperature sensors provide continuous, wireless monitoring of cryogenic temperature points across LNG pipelines, valves, and process equipment, delivering real-time visibility to SCADA systems.

Value

Improved cryogenic safety • Early anomaly detection • Reduced equipment damage • Lower inspection OPEX

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) systems operate at extremely low temperatures, typically around −160 °C.


Maintaining thermal stability is essential to ensure the integrity of:

  • Cryogenic pipelines and transfer lines
  • Valves, seals, and expansion joints
  • Insulated vessels and loading arms

Operational challenges commonly include:

  • Localised cold spots caused by insulation failure
  • Temperature stratification during loading or unloading
  • Thermal cycling stressing materials and welds
  • Delayed detection of abnormal temperature rise indicating loss of insulation or leakage

Traditional monitoring practices often rely on:

  • Limited wired instrumentation at selected points
  • Manual infrared inspections
  • Periodic thermal surveys

These approaches provide incomplete visibility and may miss transient or localised thermal anomalies. In ATEX-classified LNG environments, continuous remote temperature monitoring is essential to reduce personnel exposure and maintain safe operations.

Why Continuous Cryogenic Temperature Monitoring Matters

Cryogenic temperature deviations are early indicators of LNG system integrity issues.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect insulation degradation before structural damage occurs
  • Identify abnormal warming indicating leaks or vapor ingress
  • Monitor thermal gradients that stress equipment over time
  • Validate safe operating envelopes during LNG transfer operations

Temperature changes often precede pressure or flow anomalies, making temperature one of the most sensitive early warning indicators in LNG systems. By trending cryogenic temperature data, operators can implement predictive maintenance strategies and avoid sudden containment failures.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe cryogenic temperature monitoring solution designed for LNG midstream operations.

Core Components

Temperature Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Designed for extended low-temperature operation and outdoor installation. Materials selected for compatibility with cryogenic environments.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling seamless integration with LNG SCADA and terminal management systems.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered design removes the need for cabling. Clamp-on or surface-mounted installation allows rapid retrofit without process interruption.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of cryogenic anomalies
  • Improved safety of LNG handling operations
  • Reduced inspection frequency
  • Extended equipment life

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Thermal visibility Limited Continuous
Anomaly detection Delayed Early
Equipment stress Unmonitored Managed
Manual inspections Frequent Reduced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All temperature sensors for LNG 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 LNG systems without shutdown, ensuring safe operation in explosive atmospheres.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, terminal management, LNG operations 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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