Slurry Pipeline Pressure & Differential Pressure (ΔP) Monitoring (Blockage & Rupture Prevention)

Detects blockages, prevents pipe rupture

Pressure

Differential Pressure (ΔP)

Quick Overview

Problem

Slurry pipelines transporting ore, tailings, or concentrate are exposed to abrasion, sedimentation, and variable flow conditions. Undetected pressure increase, blockage formation, or pipe wear can rapidly lead to ruptures, spills, and forced production shutdowns. Manual inspection offers limited visibility over long distances.

Solution

Sensa.io’s wireless pressure and differential pressure (ΔP) sensors continuously monitor slurry pipeline conditions, detecting blockages, abnormal friction, and rupture risk early—without cabling or intrusive installation.

Value

Spill prevention • Reduced pipeline downtime • Improved transport reliability • Lower maintenance cost

ATEX

Generally non-ATEX • ATEX-certified pressure & ΔP sensor variants available where required

The Operational Challenge

Slurry pipelines are critical to mining operations, transporting:

  • Crushed ore and concentrate
  • Tailings and process by-products
  • High-density abrasive slurries

They operate under challenging conditions:

  • Variable solids concentration
  • High abrasion and erosion
  • Long distances with limited access
  • Changes in slope and elevation

Common failure modes include:

  • Progressive sediment buildup and blockage
  • Localised pressure increase
  • Accelerated pipe wear
  • Sudden rupture or leak

Traditional monitoring relies on:

  • Sparse pressure gauges
  • Periodic flow checks
  • Visual inspection after incidents

These approaches rarely provide early warning of developing issues.

Why Pressure & ΔP Monitoring Matter

Pressure and differential pressure trends are the earliest indicators of pipeline health.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect blockage formation via rising ΔP
  • Identify abnormal friction or sedimentation
  • Detect leaks or rupture through sudden pressure drops
  • Optimise flow velocity to reduce wear

Reliable slurry transport is essential to production continuity and environmental protection.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io delivers a wireless monitoring solution designed for abrasive slurry pipelines.

Core Components

Pressure Sensor

Monitors absolute pipeline pressure to detect rupture, leakage, or abnormal operating conditions.

Differential Pressure (ΔP) Sensor

Measures pressure drop between two points to identify blockages, sediment buildup, or increased friction.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, suitable for remote pipeline routes.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered threaded or clamp-on installation — no wiring, minimal disruption.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of blockages and rupture risk
  • Reduced spill and environmental impact
  • Improved pipeline availability
  • Lower maintenance and clean-up cost

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Blockage detection Late Early
Spill risk Elevated Reduced
Pipeline availability Variable Stable
Maintenance cost Emergency-driven Planned

ATEX Compliance and Safety

Where required, Sensa.io sensors support:

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

This enables safe monitoring in hazardous or mixed-use mining environments.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

Mining SCADA, pipeline monitoring, EHS platforms

Deployment

Along pipeline routes or central control rooms

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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Trusted by a Worldwide Network

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