Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.
Acoustic Rockfall / Structural Anomaly Monitoring
Early detection of structural stress events
Acoustic
Quick Overview
| Problem | Rockfall events and structural anomalies generate physical signals that are not always continuously monitored in mining environments. |
| Solution | SENSAiO acoustic sensors monitor sound signatures associated with rock movement and structural changes. |
| Value | Improved visibility on mechanical disturbances, supporting earlier identification of abnormal structural activity. |
| ATEX | Suitable for hazardous mining environments (Zone 1–2 / dust zones), compliant with ATEX / IECEx requirements where applicable. |
In mining and metals operations, rock masses and structures are subject to:
- Mechanical stress redistribution
- Blasting effects
- Excavation-induced instability
- Environmental conditions such as vibration and water ingress
These factors can lead to:
- Rockfalls in tunnels or open pits
- Structural deformation or cracking
- Progressive instability in surrounding formations
From a physical perspective:
- Rock movement generates acoustic emissions due to friction, cracking, and impact
- Structural stress release produces transient acoustic energy
- Larger events typically produce higher amplitude and broader frequency signals
Typical risks include:
- Sudden rockfall events
- Progressive structural degradation
- Localized instability not visible through standard inspection
Detection challenges include:
- Large and distributed mine geometry
- Limited instrumentation in remote or hazardous areas
- Difficulty detecting early-stage structural changes
- Dependence on visual inspection or periodic surveys
As a result, structural anomalies may develop without continuous monitoring.
Why Acoustic Monitoring Matters
Acoustic monitoring provides a way to detect physical events associated with rock movement.
By continuously measuring acoustic signals:
- Background noise levels can be established
- Deviations indicating abnormal activity can be detected
- Event frequency and intensity can be tracked
Typical interpretations include:
- Sudden acoustic spikes may indicate rock impact or fracture
- Repeated acoustic events may correlate with progressive instability
- Increased acoustic activity may indicate changing stress conditions
Acoustic data reflects the physical manifestation of mechanical energy release.
SENSAiO Solution
SENSAiO deploys wireless acoustic sensors installed near critical areas such as:
- Tunnel walls
- Slopes or pit edges
- Structural supports
Sensors capture acoustic energy and transmit data via LoRaWAN to a centralized monitoring platform.
The system provides:
- Continuous acoustic monitoring
- Detection of abnormal acoustic events
- Alerts based on thresholds or pattern deviations
It is important to clarify that:
- SENSAiO is a monitoring-only system
- It does not predict rockfall events with certainty
- It does not perform geotechnical modeling
- It does not replace safety systems or geotechnical assessments
The system supports early awareness and investigation.
Results and ROI
ATEX Compliance and Safety
Mining environments may involve combustible dust or hazardous gases. SENSAiO sensors:
- Are available with ATEX / IECEx certification where required
- Are suitable for underground or surface installations
- Are designed for harsh industrial environments
All equipment is delivered with appropriate certification documentation.
SENSAiO systems are not safety systems and do not replace geotechnical monitoring systems, structural reinforcement, or regulatory safety measures.
Integration and compatibility
| Protocols | LoRaWAN, MQTT, REST API |
| Gateways | Compatible with standard LoRaWAN gateways (Kerlink, Multitech, Cisco, etc.) |
| Systems | Integration with mining monitoring and maintenance platforms |
| Deployment | Suitable for retrofit in tunnels, pits, and structural areas |
FAQ - Common Questions
Are Sensa.io sensors compatible with any gateway or network?
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.
Explore Our Sensors
Valve position
The SENSAiO Valve Position Sensor provides real-time open/close feedback for manual and automated valves in oil & gas, chemical, and hydrogen operations.
Pressure
A rugged, industrial-grade pressure sensor designed for high-demand oil & gas applications. Provides continuous gas and liquid pressure monitoring, with ATEX intrinsic safety, IP67 housing, and LoRaWAN® connectivity.
Temperature
SENSAiO’s temperature sensor delivers precise temperature data for process lines, steam systems, heat exchangers, and storage assets.
Differential Pressure (ΔP)
A compact DP solution using dual synchronized pressure inputs to deliver accurate differential pressure data for filters, heat exchangers, separators, and manifolds.
Vibration
A high-resolution vibration sensor built for predictive maintenance of pumps, motors, compressors, and rotating equipment.
Acoustic
The SENSAiO acoustic sensor identifies ultrasonic leak signatures, gas escape, steam trap failures, and flare noise anomalies.
Trusted by a Worldwide Network
With partners in over 20 countries, SENSAiO delivers rugged sensor solutions to the toughest environments — everywhere.
