Tank Overpressure Monitoring

Early deviation visibility and improved event reconstruction

Pressure

Quick Overview

Problem

Storage tanks may experience pressure build-up due to thermal expansion or process imbalance, which can be difficult to detect continuously.

Solution

SENSAiO pressure sensors monitor internal tank pressure trends to identify abnormal pressure increases.

Value

Improved visibility on tank pressure behavior, supporting earlier detection of overpressure conditions.

ATEX

Suitable for hazardous environments (Zone 1–2), compliant with ATEX / IECEx requirements.

The Operational Challenge

Storage tanks in refining and downstream facilities are used to contain hydrocarbons and process fluids.

These tanks are typically designed to operate within specific pressure ranges, often near atmospheric conditions.

Pressure inside a tank can increase due to several physical mechanisms:

  • Thermal expansion of vapor due to temperature rise
  • Vapor generation from volatile liquids
  • Inadequate venting or restricted breather valves
  • Process upsets such as overfilling or gas ingress

These conditions lead to:

  • Increase in internal vapor pressure
  • Stress on tank structure and sealing systems
  • Activation of pressure relief or venting devices

Detecting overpressure conditions is challenging because:

  • Pressure changes may be gradual
  • Tanks are often distributed across large tank farms
  • Instrumentation may be limited or not continuously monitored
  • Manual checks are periodic

As a result, abnormal pressure build-up may not be identified early.

Why Pressure Monitoring Matters

Pressure is a direct physical indicator of tank internal conditions.

By continuously monitoring pressure:

  • Normal operating pressure ranges can be established
  • Deviations from baseline can be detected
  • Pressure trends can be analyzed over time

Typical interpretations include:

  • A gradual pressure increase may indicate thermal effects or vapor accumulation
  • A rapid increase may correlate with process upset or restricted venting
  • Pressure oscillations may reflect unstable venting behavior

Pressure monitoring provides a direct and measurable indication of tank situation.

SENSAiO Solution

SENSAiO deploys wireless pressure sensors installed on tank vapor space or connected piping.

Sensors continuously measure pressure and transmit data via LoRaWAN to a centralized monitoring platform.

The system provides:

  • Continuous pressure trend monitoring
  • Detection of abnormal pressure deviations
  • Alerts based on threshold exceedance or unusual trends

It is important to clarify that:

  • SENSAiO is a monitoring-only system
  • It does not control tank pressure or venting systems
  • It does not replace pressure relief devices or safety systems
  • It does not guarantee prevention of overpressure events

The system supports operational awareness and early investigation.

Results and ROI

Metric Before After
Tank pressure visibility Limited or periodic Continuous monitoring
Detection of pressure deviations Delayed Earlier identification
Operational awareness Partial Improved through trend analysis
Maintenance response Reactive More proactive investigation

ATEX Compliance and Safety

Tank farms handling hydrocarbons are classified hazardous areas. SENSAiO sensors:

  • Are available with ATEX / IECEx certification for Zone 1–2
  • Are designed for installation in vapor-rich environments
  • Can be deployed on tanks and associated piping

All equipment is provided with appropriate certification documentation.

SENSAiO systems are not safety systems and do not replace pressure relief valves, breather systems, or regulatory safety requirements.

Integration and compatibility

Protocols

LoRaWAN, MQTT, REST API

Gateways

Compatible with standard LoRaWAN gateways (Kerlink, Multitech, Cisco, etc.)

Systems

Integration with tank monitoring and maintenance platforms

Deployment

Suitable for retrofit on existing storage tanks

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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