Yes, they connect to any LoRaWAN or MQTT infrastructure (Kerlink, Cisco, Milesight, MultiTech, etc.) for flexible integration with existing SCADA systems.
Ventilation Fan Differential Pressure Monitoring
Airflow imbalance visibility
Differential Pressure (ΔP)
Quick Overview
| Problem | Ventilation performance in mining systems is not always continuously verified, especially across large or distributed air circuits. |
| Solution | Ventilation performance in mining systems is not always continuously verified, especially across large or distributed air circuits. |
| Value | Improved visibility on airflow conditions, supporting earlier detection of airflow degradation or system imbalance. |
| ATEX | Suitable for hazardous mining environments (gas and dust), compliant with ATEX / IECEx requirements where applicable. |
The Operational Challenge
Ventilation systems in mining and metals operations are critical for:
- Supplying fresh air
- Removing hazardous gases
- Controlling dust concentration
- Maintaining acceptable working conditions
Ventilation fans create airflow by generating a pressure differential between upstream and downstream air.
However, several issues can affect system performance:
- Duct obstructions or partial collapse
- Filter or mesh fouling
- Fan degradation or mechanical wear
- Leakage in air pathways
From a physical perspective:
- Airflow is directly related to pressure differential across the system
- A decrease in differential pressure may indicate reduced fan performance or leakage
- An increase in differential pressure may indicate obstruction or restriction
Detection challenges include:
- Large and complex ventilation networks
- Limited instrumentation in remote areas
- Difficulty correlating airflow changes with system conditions
- Reliance on periodic measurements rather than continuous monitoring
As a result, airflow degradation may not be immediately detected.
Why Differential Pressure Monitoring Matters
Differential pressure is a direct indicator of airflow behavior in ventilation systems.
By continuously monitoring differential pressure:
- Changes in airflow resistance can be observed
- Fan performance variations can be tracked
- System imbalances can be identified
Typical interpretations include:
- Increasing differential pressure may indicate obstruction or fouling
- Decreasing differential pressure may indicate leakage or fan degradation
- Fluctuating signals may correlate with unstable airflow conditions
Differential pressure monitoring provides insight into how effectively air is moving through the system.
SENSAiO Solution
SENSAiO deploys wireless differential pressure sensors installed across:
- Ventilation fans
- Duct sections
- Critical airflow points
Sensors measure the pressure difference between two points and transmit data via LoRaWAN to a centralized platform.
The system provides:
- Continuous differential pressure monitoring
- Trend analysis of airflow conditions
- Alerts on abnormal pressure deviations
It is important to clarify that:
- SENSAiO is a monitoring-only system
- It does not control fans or airflow
- It does not regulate ventilation systems
- It does not replace safety ventilation systems
The system supports operational awareness and maintenance planning.
Results and ROI
ATEX Compliance and Safety
Mining environments may include explosive gases or combustible dust. SENSAiO sensors:
- Are available with ATEX / IECEx certification where required
- Are suitable for underground and 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 primary ventilation controls, gas detection systems, 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 ventilation and monitoring platforms |
| Deployment | Suitable for retrofit across ventilation networks |
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.
