Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.
Vent Stack Acoustic Monitoring
Faster identification of abnormal discharge events
Acoustic
Quick Overview
| Problem | Vent stacks may release gas intermittently or continuously without clear visibility at ground level. |
| Solution | SENSAiO acoustic sensors monitor sound signatures associated with gas flow through vent stacks. |
| Value | Improved detection of abnormal venting activity, supporting earlier operational awareness and investigation. |
| ATEX | Suitable for LNG and cryogenic hazardous environments (Zone 1–2), compliant with ATEX / IECEx requirements. |
The Operational Challenge
Vent stacks are used in LNG and cryogenic infrastructure to safely release gas under specific operating conditions, such as:
- Pressure relief events
- System depressurization
- Boil-off gas handling
- Emergency venting scenarios
Gas release through a vent stack involves:
- Expansion of pressurized gas
- High-velocity flow through piping and stack exit
- Turbulence and mixing with ambient air
This generates acoustic emissions, often in high-frequency ranges.
Operational challenges include:
- Vent stacks are elevated and not easily observable
- Gas releases may be intermittent or short duration
- Visual detection may be limited depending on conditions
- Standard instrumentation may not directly monitor flow through the stack
As a result, unintended or excessive venting may not be immediately detected.
Why Acoustic Monitoring Matters
Acoustic monitoring captures the sound generated by gas flow through the vent system.
When gas flows through a vent stack:
- Flow velocity and turbulence generate broadband acoustic energy
- Acoustic intensity typically increases with flow rate
Continuous acoustic monitoring enables:
- Detection of venting events based on sound signatures
- Identification of changes in venting behavior over time
- Monitoring of normally silent conditions
Typical interpretations include:
- A sudden acoustic event may indicate a venting occurrence
- Sustained acoustic activity may correlate with continuous gas release
- Variations in acoustic intensity may reflect changes in flow conditions
Acoustic data provides an indirect but sensitive indicator of vent stack activity.
SENSAiO Solution
SENSAiO deploys wireless acoustic sensors installed on or near vent stack piping.
Sensors continuously measure acoustic activity and transmit data via LoRaWAN to a centralized platform.
The system provides:
- Continuous acoustic monitoring of vent lines
- Detection of abnormal or unexpected acoustic events
- Alerts based on deviations from baseline (silent conditions)
It is important to clarify that:
- SENSAiO is a monitoring-only system
- It does not measure gas flow rate or volume
- It does not control venting operations
- It does not replace safety or pressure relief systems
The system supports operational awareness and investigation.
Results and ROI
ATEX Compliance and Safety
Vent stacks in LNG facilities are located in hazardous areas with flammable gases. SENSAiO sensors:
- Are available with ATEX / IECEx certification for Zone 1–2
- Are designed for cryogenic and gas handling environments
- Can be installed on vent piping and associated structures
All equipment is delivered with appropriate certification documentation.
SENSAiO systems are not safety systems and do not replace vent stack design, pressure relief systems, or regulatory requirements.
Integration and compatibility
| Protocols | LoRaWAN, MQTT, REST API |
| Gateways | Compatible with standard LoRaWAN gateways (Kerlink, Multitech, Cisco, etc.) |
| Systems | Integration with LNG monitoring and maintenance platforms |
| Deployment | Suitable for retrofit on existing vent stacks |
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.
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Trusted by a Worldwide Network
With partners in over 20 countries, SENSAiO delivers rugged sensor solutions to the toughest environments — everywhere.
