Remote monitoring simplified

A large public utility company operated a significant number of underground transformers, installed in vaults beneath manhole covers, located in residential neighborhoods. The problem was: many of these transformers were more than 40 years old, and over time, their age had begun to present serious safety concerns.

In several instances, debris buildup caused transformers to overheat, leading to dangerous pressure increases and, in some cases, manhole covers being blown off entirely. With these issues becoming a serious risk to the public, the utility needed a reliable way to monitor transformer health to detect temperature fluctuations and potential failures before they became hazardous.

Building on our proven above-ground temperature monitoring technology, we developed a compact, underground-ready solution. The system pairs a high-resolution temperature sensor with a small transmitter via a short cable. For subterranean use, the unit was modified with a sealed enclosure in place of the solar panel and equipped with a long-life battery pack designed for extended operation in enclosed environments.

With an efficient software and data management system, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for more than 10 years on a single small battery. Temperature data is transmitted periodically to our secure server and forwarded to the utility’s monitoring system. Automated alarms notify operators when temperatures rise above normal thresholds, prompting immediate dispatch if a critical limit is reached.

With recent enhancements to the system, an innovative power-harvesting feature, a small current transformer (CT) is clamped around the power cables inside the vault. This allows for continuous energy generation and uninterrupted operation with no need for battery replacement. Our efficient circuitry and low-power software design enable near real-time data transmission, even when powered by the minimal energy available from the CT, roughly the equivalent of what could power a small household toaster.
 

A large Permian Basin operator operates numerous hydraulically and pneumatically actuated dump valves in its onshore field operations with a valve position monitoring system. These valves open and close frequently to unload vessels and redirect flow to other parts of the process.

While the pneumatic controls operated the valves reliably, engineers lacked detailed visibility into how often the valves were cycling and whether they were functioning properly. In some cases, valves would remain partially open, maintaining a small flow position that can accelerate wear and reduce valve life.

Our solution was a custom-designed monitoring system with a stationary horizontal sensing bar and a movable half-moon “puck” mounted to the valve stem. Within is a small embedded magnet, while the sensing bar houses a high-resolution, three-axis magnetometer. As the valve stem moves up and down, the magnet’s field changes, allowing precise detection of valve position.

In our lab, we calibrated the system by cycling a representative valve through its full range of motion, creating a detailed curve of magnetic field strength versus valve position. The electronics are highly accurate, providing position measurements within 1% of full scale.

The system captures data at high frequency (every five seconds instead of the usual one-minute interval) and transmits summarized data to the server every 15 minutes.

This solution gives the operator a new level of insight into valve performance and operating patterns. It provides early detection of abnormal behavior, reduces maintenance costs, and provides data that was previously unavailable through conventional instrumentation.
 

A new solution in the Sensorfield product lineup: an exceptionally sensitive and versatile acoustic sensor with built-in intelligence.

The sensor is the small attachment indicated by the arrow.

The sensor simply screws onto the connector of either a Beast or Nano transmitter and features a circuit with a high-sensitivity solid-state MEMS microphone and an advanced low-power audio processor chip.

This solution continuously monitors ambient sound in its environment. When it detects an unusual noise pattern matching a programmed signature, the onboard processor immediately begins recording high-resolution acoustic data and stores it locally. It then alerts the connected transmitter, which retrieves the data, performs additional analysis, and determines the source and nature of the sound. Alarms and acoustic signature data are sent to the cloud immediately.

The sensor can be configured to recognize specific sound profiles. That can include a field compressor starting or shutting down, or a pressure relief valve activating.

Because the unit is compact, magnetically mounted, and solar powered, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. It can serve wide areas without multiple sensors.

This innovative, low-cost solution adds valuable diagnostic capability to any system, whether standalone or fully integrated with advanced SCADA infrastructure.
 

Our universal 4–20 mA adapter cable and our plug-and-play RS-485 cable are two of our most unique solutions. They are both extremely adaptable tools that allow users to integrate their own devices, not just Sensorfield devices. Plus, no monthly charge.

Here is our 4–20 mA “loop power” adapter cable, providing 15 VDC power to a connected sensor and measuring the current flowing through it.

The system offers exceptional precision and a resolution of 1 microamp across the full 4–20 mA range.

The RS-485 cable provides 2-way communication with any Modbus device that has a cable up to 250 ft long. Simply attach either one to a Nano or Beast transmitter, tighten the connector, and the system is immediately online. No configuration required.

These products enable a pathway to a fast, SCADA-like solution on a minimal budget, offering real-time visibility, universal compatibility, and seamless integration with existing equipment.
 

A large public utility company operated a significant number of underground transformers, installed in vaults beneath manhole covers, located in residential neighborhoods. The problem was: many of these transformers were more than 40 years old, and over time, their age had begun to present serious safety concerns.

In several instances, debris buildup caused transformers to overheat, leading to dangerous pressure increases and, in some cases, manhole covers being blown off entirely. With these issues becoming a serious risk to the public, the utility needed a reliable way to monitor transformer health to detect temperature fluctuations and potential failures before they became hazardous.

Building on our proven above-ground temperature monitoring technology, we developed a compact, underground-ready solution. The system pairs a high-resolution temperature sensor with a small transmitter via a short cable. For subterranean use, the unit was modified with a sealed enclosure in place of the solar panel and equipped with a long-life battery pack designed for extended operation in enclosed environments.

With an efficient software and data management system, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for more than 10 years on a single small battery. Temperature data is transmitted periodically to our secure server and forwarded to the utility’s monitoring system. Automated alarms notify operators when temperatures rise above normal thresholds, prompting immediate dispatch if a critical limit is reached.

With recent enhancements to the system, an innovative power-harvesting feature, a small current transformer (CT) is clamped around the power cables inside the vault. This allows for continuous energy generation and uninterrupted operation with no need for battery replacement. Our efficient circuitry and low-power software design enable near real-time data transmission, even when powered by the minimal energy available from the CT, roughly the equivalent of what could power a small household toaster.
 

A large Permian Basin operator operates numerous hydraulically and pneumatically actuated dump valves in its onshore field operations with a valve position monitoring system. These valves open and close frequently to unload vessels and redirect flow to other parts of the process.

While the pneumatic controls operated the valves reliably, engineers lacked detailed visibility into how often the valves were cycling and whether they were functioning properly. In some cases, valves would remain partially open, maintaining a small flow position that can accelerate wear and reduce valve life.

Our solution was a custom-designed monitoring system with a stationary horizontal sensing bar and a movable half-moon “puck” mounted to the valve stem. Within is a small embedded magnet, while the sensing bar houses a high-resolution, three-axis magnetometer. As the valve stem moves up and down, the magnet’s field changes, allowing precise detection of valve position.

In our lab, we calibrated the system by cycling a representative valve through its full range of motion, creating a detailed curve of magnetic field strength versus valve position. The electronics are highly accurate, providing position measurements within 1% of full scale.

The system captures data at high frequency (every five seconds instead of the usual one-minute interval) and transmits summarized data to the server every 15 minutes.

This solution gives the operator a new level of insight into valve performance and operating patterns. It provides early detection of abnormal behavior, reduces maintenance costs, and provides data that was previously unavailable through conventional instrumentation.
 

A new solution in the Sensorfield product lineup: an exceptionally sensitive and versatile acoustic sensor with built-in intelligence.

The sensor is the small attachment indicated by the arrow.

The sensor simply screws onto the connector of either a Beast or Nano transmitter and features a circuit with a high-sensitivity solid-state MEMS microphone and an advanced low-power audio processor chip.

This solution continuously monitors ambient sound in its environment. When it detects an unusual noise pattern matching a programmed signature, the onboard processor immediately begins recording high-resolution acoustic data and stores it locally. It then alerts the connected transmitter, which retrieves the data, performs additional analysis, and determines the source and nature of the sound. Alarms and acoustic signature data are sent to the cloud immediately.

The sensor can be configured to recognize specific sound profiles. That can include a field compressor starting or shutting down, or a pressure relief valve activating.

Because the unit is compact, magnetically mounted, and solar powered, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. It can serve wide areas without multiple sensors.

This innovative, low-cost solution adds valuable diagnostic capability to any system, whether standalone or fully integrated with advanced SCADA infrastructure.
 

Our universal 4–20 mA adapter cable and our plug-and-play RS-485 cable are two of our most unique solutions. They are both extremely adaptable tools that allow users to integrate their own devices, not just Sensorfield devices. Plus, no monthly charge.

Here is our 4–20 mA “loop power” adapter cable, providing 15 VDC power to a connected sensor and measuring the current flowing through it.

The system offers exceptional precision and a resolution of 1 microamp across the full 4–20 mA range.

The RS-485 cable provides 2-way communication with any Modbus device that has a cable up to 250 ft long. Simply attach either one to a Nano or Beast transmitter, tighten the connector, and the system is immediately online. No configuration required.

These products enable a pathway to a fast, SCADA-like solution on a minimal budget, offering real-time visibility, universal compatibility, and seamless integration with existing equipment.
 

A large public utility company operated a significant number of underground transformers, installed in vaults beneath manhole covers, located in residential neighborhoods. The problem was: many of these transformers were more than 40 years old, and over time, their age had begun to present serious safety concerns.

In several instances, debris buildup caused transformers to overheat, leading to dangerous pressure increases and, in some cases, manhole covers being blown off entirely. With these issues becoming a serious risk to the public, the utility needed a reliable way to monitor transformer health to detect temperature fluctuations and potential failures before they became hazardous.

Building on our proven above-ground temperature monitoring technology, we developed a compact, underground-ready solution. The system pairs a high-resolution temperature sensor with a small transmitter via a short cable. For subterranean use, the unit was modified with a sealed enclosure in place of the solar panel and equipped with a long-life battery pack designed for extended operation in enclosed environments.

With an efficient software and data management system, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for more than 10 years on a single small battery. Temperature data is transmitted periodically to our secure server and forwarded to the utility’s monitoring system. Automated alarms notify operators when temperatures rise above normal thresholds, prompting immediate dispatch if a critical limit is reached.

With recent enhancements to the system, an innovative power-harvesting feature, a small current transformer (CT) is clamped around the power cables inside the vault. This allows for continuous energy generation and uninterrupted operation with no need for battery replacement. Our efficient circuitry and low-power software design enable near real-time data transmission, even when powered by the minimal energy available from the CT, roughly the equivalent of what could power a small household toaster.
 

A large Permian Basin operator operates numerous hydraulically and pneumatically actuated dump valves in its onshore field operations with a valve position monitoring system. These valves open and close frequently to unload vessels and redirect flow to other parts of the process.

While the pneumatic controls operated the valves reliably, engineers lacked detailed visibility into how often the valves were cycling and whether they were functioning properly. In some cases, valves would remain partially open, maintaining a small flow position that can accelerate wear and reduce valve life.

Our solution was a custom-designed monitoring system with a stationary horizontal sensing bar and a movable half-moon “puck” mounted to the valve stem. Within is a small embedded magnet, while the sensing bar houses a high-resolution, three-axis magnetometer. As the valve stem moves up and down, the magnet’s field changes, allowing precise detection of valve position.

In our lab, we calibrated the system by cycling a representative valve through its full range of motion, creating a detailed curve of magnetic field strength versus valve position. The electronics are highly accurate, providing position measurements within 1% of full scale.

The system captures data at high frequency (every five seconds instead of the usual one-minute interval) and transmits summarized data to the server every 15 minutes.

This solution gives the operator a new level of insight into valve performance and operating patterns. It provides early detection of abnormal behavior, reduces maintenance costs, and provides data that was previously unavailable through conventional instrumentation.
 

A new solution in the Sensorfield product lineup: an exceptionally sensitive and versatile acoustic sensor with built-in intelligence.

The sensor is the small attachment indicated by the arrow.

The sensor simply screws onto the connector of either a Beast or Nano transmitter and features a circuit with a high-sensitivity solid-state MEMS microphone and an advanced low-power audio processor chip.

This solution continuously monitors ambient sound in its environment. When it detects an unusual noise pattern matching a programmed signature, the onboard processor immediately begins recording high-resolution acoustic data and stores it locally. It then alerts the connected transmitter, which retrieves the data, performs additional analysis, and determines the source and nature of the sound. Alarms and acoustic signature data are sent to the cloud immediately.

The sensor can be configured to recognize specific sound profiles. That can include a field compressor starting or shutting down, or a pressure relief valve activating.

Because the unit is compact, magnetically mounted, and solar powered, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. It can serve wide areas without multiple sensors.

This innovative, low-cost solution adds valuable diagnostic capability to any system, whether standalone or fully integrated with advanced SCADA infrastructure.
 

Our universal 4–20 mA adapter cable and our plug-and-play RS-485 cable are two of our most unique solutions. They are both extremely adaptable tools that allow users to integrate their own devices, not just Sensorfield devices. Plus, no monthly charge.

Here is our 4–20 mA “loop power” adapter cable, providing 15 VDC power to a connected sensor and measuring the current flowing through it.

The system offers exceptional precision and a resolution of 1 microamp across the full 4–20 mA range.

The RS-485 cable provides 2-way communication with any Modbus device that has a cable up to 250 ft long. Simply attach either one to a Nano or Beast transmitter, tighten the connector, and the system is immediately online. No configuration required.

These products enable a pathway to a fast, SCADA-like solution on a minimal budget, offering real-time visibility, universal compatibility, and seamless integration with existing equipment.
 

A large public utility company operated a significant number of underground transformers, installed in vaults beneath manhole covers, located in residential neighborhoods. The problem was: many of these transformers were more than 40 years old, and over time, their age had begun to present serious safety concerns.

In several instances, debris buildup caused transformers to overheat, leading to dangerous pressure increases and, in some cases, manhole covers being blown off entirely. With these issues becoming a serious risk to the public, the utility needed a reliable way to monitor transformer health to detect temperature fluctuations and potential failures before they became hazardous.

Building on our proven above-ground temperature monitoring technology, we developed a compact, underground-ready solution. The system pairs a high-resolution temperature sensor with a small transmitter via a short cable. For subterranean use, the unit was modified with a sealed enclosure in place of the solar panel and equipped with a long-life battery pack designed for extended operation in enclosed environments.

With an efficient software and data management system, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for more than 10 years on a single small battery. Temperature data is transmitted periodically to our secure server and forwarded to the utility’s monitoring system. Automated alarms notify operators when temperatures rise above normal thresholds, prompting immediate dispatch if a critical limit is reached.

With recent enhancements to the system, an innovative power-harvesting feature, a small current transformer (CT) is clamped around the power cables inside the vault. This allows for continuous energy generation and uninterrupted operation with no need for battery replacement. Our efficient circuitry and low-power software design enable near real-time data transmission, even when powered by the minimal energy available from the CT, roughly the equivalent of what could power a small household toaster.
 

A large Permian Basin operator operates numerous hydraulically and pneumatically actuated dump valves in its onshore field operations with a valve position monitoring system. These valves open and close frequently to unload vessels and redirect flow to other parts of the process.

While the pneumatic controls operated the valves reliably, engineers lacked detailed visibility into how often the valves were cycling and whether they were functioning properly. In some cases, valves would remain partially open, maintaining a small flow position that can accelerate wear and reduce valve life.

Our solution was a custom-designed monitoring system with a stationary horizontal sensing bar and a movable half-moon “puck” mounted to the valve stem. Within is a small embedded magnet, while the sensing bar houses a high-resolution, three-axis magnetometer. As the valve stem moves up and down, the magnet’s field changes, allowing precise detection of valve position.

In our lab, we calibrated the system by cycling a representative valve through its full range of motion, creating a detailed curve of magnetic field strength versus valve position. The electronics are highly accurate, providing position measurements within 1% of full scale.

The system captures data at high frequency (every five seconds instead of the usual one-minute interval) and transmits summarized data to the server every 15 minutes.

This solution gives the operator a new level of insight into valve performance and operating patterns. It provides early detection of abnormal behavior, reduces maintenance costs, and provides data that was previously unavailable through conventional instrumentation.
 

A new solution in the Sensorfield product lineup: an exceptionally sensitive and versatile acoustic sensor with built-in intelligence.

The sensor is the small attachment indicated by the arrow.

The sensor simply screws onto the connector of either a Beast or Nano transmitter and features a circuit with a high-sensitivity solid-state MEMS microphone and an advanced low-power audio processor chip.

This solution continuously monitors ambient sound in its environment. When it detects an unusual noise pattern matching a programmed signature, the onboard processor immediately begins recording high-resolution acoustic data and stores it locally. It then alerts the connected transmitter, which retrieves the data, performs additional analysis, and determines the source and nature of the sound. Alarms and acoustic signature data are sent to the cloud immediately.

The sensor can be configured to recognize specific sound profiles. That can include a field compressor starting or shutting down, or a pressure relief valve activating.

Because the unit is compact, magnetically mounted, and solar powered, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. It can serve wide areas without multiple sensors.

This innovative, low-cost solution adds valuable diagnostic capability to any system, whether standalone or fully integrated with advanced SCADA infrastructure.
 

Our universal 4–20 mA adapter cable and our plug-and-play RS-485 cable are two of our most unique solutions. They are both extremely adaptable tools that allow users to integrate their own devices, not just Sensorfield devices. Plus, no monthly charge.

Here is our 4–20 mA “loop power” adapter cable, providing 15 VDC power to a connected sensor and measuring the current flowing through it.

The system offers exceptional precision and a resolution of 1 microamp across the full 4–20 mA range.

The RS-485 cable provides 2-way communication with any Modbus device that has a cable up to 250 ft long. Simply attach either one to a Nano or Beast transmitter, tighten the connector, and the system is immediately online. No configuration required.

These products enable a pathway to a fast, SCADA-like solution on a minimal budget, offering real-time visibility, universal compatibility, and seamless integration with existing equipment.
 

A large public utility company operated a significant number of underground transformers, installed in vaults beneath manhole covers, located in residential neighborhoods. The problem was: many of these transformers were more than 40 years old, and over time, their age had begun to present serious safety concerns.

In several instances, debris buildup caused transformers to overheat, leading to dangerous pressure increases and, in some cases, manhole covers being blown off entirely. With these issues becoming a serious risk to the public, the utility needed a reliable way to monitor transformer health to detect temperature fluctuations and potential failures before they became hazardous.

Building on our proven above-ground temperature monitoring technology, we developed a compact, underground-ready solution. The system pairs a high-resolution temperature sensor with a small transmitter via a short cable. For subterranean use, the unit was modified with a sealed enclosure in place of the solar panel and equipped with a long-life battery pack designed for extended operation in enclosed environments.

With an efficient software and data management system, each monitoring unit can operate continuously for more than 10 years on a single small battery. Temperature data is transmitted periodically to our secure server and forwarded to the utility’s monitoring system. Automated alarms notify operators when temperatures rise above normal thresholds, prompting immediate dispatch if a critical limit is reached.

With recent enhancements to the system, an innovative power-harvesting feature, a small current transformer (CT) is clamped around the power cables inside the vault. This allows for continuous energy generation and uninterrupted operation with no need for battery replacement. Our efficient circuitry and low-power software design enable near real-time data transmission, even when powered by the minimal energy available from the CT, roughly the equivalent of what could power a small household toaster.
 

A large Permian Basin operator operates numerous hydraulically and pneumatically actuated dump valves in its onshore field operations with a valve position monitoring system. These valves open and close frequently to unload vessels and redirect flow to other parts of the process.

While the pneumatic controls operated the valves reliably, engineers lacked detailed visibility into how often the valves were cycling and whether they were functioning properly. In some cases, valves would remain partially open, maintaining a small flow position that can accelerate wear and reduce valve life.

Our solution was a custom-designed monitoring system with a stationary horizontal sensing bar and a movable half-moon “puck” mounted to the valve stem. Within is a small embedded magnet, while the sensing bar houses a high-resolution, three-axis magnetometer. As the valve stem moves up and down, the magnet’s field changes, allowing precise detection of valve position.

In our lab, we calibrated the system by cycling a representative valve through its full range of motion, creating a detailed curve of magnetic field strength versus valve position. The electronics are highly accurate, providing position measurements within 1% of full scale.

The system captures data at high frequency (every five seconds instead of the usual one-minute interval) and transmits summarized data to the server every 15 minutes.

This solution gives the operator a new level of insight into valve performance and operating patterns. It provides early detection of abnormal behavior, reduces maintenance costs, and provides data that was previously unavailable through conventional instrumentation.
 

A new solution in the Sensorfield product lineup: an exceptionally sensitive and versatile acoustic sensor with built-in intelligence.

The sensor is the small attachment indicated by the arrow.

The sensor simply screws onto the connector of either a Beast or Nano transmitter and features a circuit with a high-sensitivity solid-state MEMS microphone and an advanced low-power audio processor chip.

This solution continuously monitors ambient sound in its environment. When it detects an unusual noise pattern matching a programmed signature, the onboard processor immediately begins recording high-resolution acoustic data and stores it locally. It then alerts the connected transmitter, which retrieves the data, performs additional analysis, and determines the source and nature of the sound. Alarms and acoustic signature data are sent to the cloud immediately.

The sensor can be configured to recognize specific sound profiles. That can include a field compressor starting or shutting down, or a pressure relief valve activating.

Because the unit is compact, magnetically mounted, and solar powered, it can be deployed virtually anywhere. It can serve wide areas without multiple sensors.

This innovative, low-cost solution adds valuable diagnostic capability to any system, whether standalone or fully integrated with advanced SCADA infrastructure.
 

Our universal 4–20 mA adapter cable and our plug-and-play RS-485 cable are two of our most unique solutions. They are both extremely adaptable tools that allow users to integrate their own devices, not just Sensorfield devices. Plus, no monthly charge.

Here is our 4–20 mA “loop power” adapter cable, providing 15 VDC power to a connected sensor and measuring the current flowing through it.

The system offers exceptional precision and a resolution of 1 microamp across the full 4–20 mA range.

The RS-485 cable provides 2-way communication with any Modbus device that has a cable up to 250 ft long. Simply attach either one to a Nano or Beast transmitter, tighten the connector, and the system is immediately online. No configuration required.

These products enable a pathway to a fast, SCADA-like solution on a minimal budget, offering real-time visibility, universal compatibility, and seamless integration with existing equipment.