Reactor Temperature Monitoring (Batch Control & Product Quality) — ATEX

Quality control, energy efficiency

Temperature

Quick Overview

Problem

In chemical and process industries, reactor temperature is the most critical parameter for reaction kinetics, product quality, and safety. Temperature deviations can trigger runaway reactions, off-spec batches, or emergency shutdowns—especially in ATEX-classified environments where manual intervention is risky and slow.

Solution

Sensa.io’s ATEX-certified temperature sensors provide continuous, high-accuracy monitoring of reactor temperature, delivering real-time visibility for safe batch control and process optimisation.

Value

Improved batch quality • Reduced safety risk • Lower scrap rate • Stable, repeatable processes

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Chemical reactors are used for:

  • Batch and semi-batch reactions
  • Continuous chemical synthesis
  • Polymerisation, neutralisation, and mixing processes

Temperature directly affects:

  • Reaction speed and yield
  • Selectivity and by-product formation
  • Pressure generation inside the reactor
  • Safety margins during exothermic reactions

Common challenges include:

  • Localised overheating or hot spots
  • Sensor drift or loss of signal from wired probes
  • Limited measurement points on legacy reactors
  • Delayed operator response to rapid temperature rise

Traditional temperature monitoring often relies on:

  • Single wired thermocouples
  • Periodic manual verification
  • Reactive alarms after thresholds are exceeded

These approaches can be insufficient in fast-changing reaction conditions.

Why Continuous Temperature Monitoring Matters

Temperature is the primary control variable in most chemical reactions.

Continuous monitoring enables operators to:

  • Detect deviations before runaway conditions develop
  • Maintain tight temperature control during critical phases
  • Improve repeatability between batches
  • Reduce thermal stress on reactor walls and seals

Accurate, real-time temperature trends support safer operation and higher product consistency.

Sensa.io Solution

Sensa.io delivers a wireless, intrinsically safe temperature monitoring solution for chemical reactors.

Core Components

Temperature Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

High-accuracy sensor (±0.2 °C) suitable for direct reactor surface or process measurement.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling integration with DCS, SCADA, and batch control systems.

Installation & Power

Battery-powered clamp-on or threaded installation — no wiring, no hot work, no process interruption.

Operational Benefits

  • Early detection of thermal deviations
  • Reduced risk of runaway reactions
  • Improved batch repeatability
  • Enhanced operator confidence

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Temperature visibility Limited Continuous
Batch consistency Variable Stable
Safety margin Narrow Increased
Scrap and rework Higher Reduced

ATEX Compliance and Safety

All temperature sensors for reactor monitoring 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 on live reactors without shutdown or hot work permits.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

DCS, SCADA, batch management systems

Vendors

Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, Emerson

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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