Wellhead Valve Position Monitoring (ESD & Production Valves) — ATEX

Prevents blowouts, ensures ESD compliance, reduces manual inspections

Valve position

Quick Overview

Problem

In upstream oil & gas operations, limited visibility on wellhead valve position (ESD, master, wing, choke) creates safety risks, compliance gaps, and operational uncertainty. Manual verification is infrequent and hazardous in ATEX zones.

Solution

SENSAiO’s ATEX-certified valve position sensors provide continuous, wireless feedback on wellhead valve status (open / closed / intermediate), enabling real-time visibility and remote verification via SCADA.

Value

Improved well safety • Verified ESD readiness • Reduced site visits • Faster incident response

ATEX

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

The Operational Challenge

Wellhead valves are among the most safety-critical components in upstream production. They control flow, isolate wells in emergencies, and ensure regulatory compliance.

However, many upstream sites still rely on:

  • Manual valve position checks
  • Visual confirmation during site visits
  • Indirect assumptions based on pressure readings

This creates several operational risks:

  • Uncertainty on actual valve state after intervention
  • Inability to remotely verify ESD valve readiness
  • Delayed response during abnormal events
  • Increased personnel exposure in hazardous areas

In multi-well fields or remote locations, valve verification may occur only weekly or monthly, leaving long periods without confirmation of safe operating conditions.

Why Valve Position Monitoring Matters

Valve position is a binary but critical parameter.

Continuous monitoring allows operators to:

  • Confirm ESD valves are fully closed when commanded
  • Detect partially closed or stuck valves
  • Verify valve actuation after remote or manual operation
  • Maintain an auditable record of valve movements

Relying solely on pressure data is insufficient — pressure may stabilise even if a valve is not fully seated. Valve position feedback provides direct, unambiguous confirmation of mechanical status, which is essential for safety and compliance.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO delivers a non-intrusive, wireless valve position monitoring solution designed for upstream wellhead environments.

Core Components

Valve Position Sensor (ATEX Ex ia IIC T4 Gb)

Detects valve state using magnetic or mechanical position sensing. Suitable for gate, ball, and choke valves.

Wireless Communication

Supports LoRaWAN, Modbus, and MQTT, enabling direct integration with SCADA and safety systems.

Installation & Power

Clamp-on or bracket-mounted design with internal battery power. No cabling, no hot work, no production interruption.

Operational Benefits

  • Continuous verification of valve status
  • Immediate detection of misalignment or incomplete closure
  • Reduced need for manual inspections
  • Improved emergency response readiness

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Valve status verification Manual / visual Continuous
ESD readiness confidence Limited Verified
Site visits for valve checks Frequent Reduced
Incident response time Delayed Immediate

Title

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ATEX Compliance and Safety

All valve position sensors for wellhead applications 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 installation on live wellheads without shutdown, supporting safe operations in explosive atmospheres.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, REST API

Systems

SCADA, DCS, safety systems (SIS read-only integration)

Vendors

Honeywell, ABB, Emerson, Schneider

Cybersecurity

AES-128 encrypted data transmission

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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