Pipeline Leak Detection (Topside & Subsea) Using Acoustic & Pressure Monitoring — ATEX

Detects leaks within minutes, reduces spill risk

Acoustic

Pressure

Quick Overview

Problem

Offshore pipelines—both topside and subsea—operate under extreme pressure, vibration, and corrosive conditions. Small leaks often go undetected until they escalate into spills, shutdowns, or major safety incidents in ATEX-classified areas.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified acoustic and pressure sensors continuously monitor pipelines to detect early leak signatures, pressure anomalies, and abnormal flow behaviour in real time.

Value

Early leak localisation • Reduced spill risk • Faster response time • Improved regulatory compliance

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Offshore pipelines connect critical assets such as:

  • Wells to platforms
  • Platforms to FPSOs
  • FPSOs to export lines
  • Utility and fuel distribution networks

These pipelines are exposed to:

  • Corrosion and erosion
  • Fatigue due to waves and vibration
  • Thermal expansion and contraction
  • Mechanical damage during operations

Typical leak detection methods include:

  • Periodic pressure testing
  • Mass balance calculations
  • Visual inspection (limited offshore)

These methods often fail to detect small or developing leaks, especially subsea or insulated lines.

In offshore environments, delayed detection increases:

  • Environmental impact
  • Production losses
  • Repair complexity and cost
  • Regulatory exposure

Why Acoustic & Pressure Monitoring Matters

Pipeline leaks generate distinct acoustic signatures caused by turbulent fluid escape, long before pressure drops become visible.

Combining acoustic and pressure monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect micro-leaks early
  • Localise leak position along the pipeline
  • Differentiate leaks from normal flow noise
  • Detect sudden rupture or pressure transients

This dual-sensor approach provides faster and more reliable detection than pressure-only systems. In ATEX offshore zones, wireless monitoring also reduces personnel exposure and inspection frequency.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe pipeline monitoring solution for offshore and subsea applications.

Core Components

Acoustic Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Detects ultrasonic and audible leak signatures in pressurised pipelines.

Pressure Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Monitors static and transient pressure changes for confirmation and localisation.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling seamless integration with refinery SCADA and energy management platforms.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered clamp-on installation on steam lines, valves, traps, or flanges — no insulation removal required.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of pipeline leaks
  • Faster leak localisation and response
  • Reduced environmental risk
  • Lower inspection and intervention costs

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Leak detection time Hours / Days Minutes
Leak size at detection Large Small
Environmental impact Higher Reduced
Inspection effort High Reduced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All sensors for offshore pipeline 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 safe deployment in explosive offshore environments without process shutdown.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, pipeline integrity management, HSE platforms

Vendors

Honeywell, ABB, Emerson, Siemens

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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With partners in over 20 countries, Sensa IO delivers rugged sensor solutions to the toughest environments — everywhere.