Steam

Process steam temperature in the network is measured by sensors clamped onto the outside of the pipe, which is then re-insulated. At CURRENTA, they sit at critical network nodes and end points, with 10 to 15 per network. The battery-powered sensors transmit via LoRaWAN, so no cabling is needed. For the first time, the temperature profile from the power plant to the consumers can be tracked continuously and automatically.

An industrial steam network can be monitored wirelessly via a LoRaWAN radio network that covers extensive sites with just a few antennas. Currenta Conneqtive has built such a network, which covers the entire CHEMPARK with a few outdoor antennas. Battery-powered sensors record temperatures at network nodes and the condition of the steam traps. The system runs without any intervention in the existing control system and without connecting to the customer's network.

A faulty steam trap can be detected with ultrasonic and temperature measurement. Conneqtive's sensors distinguish whether a trap is blowing through and losing steam or blocked and backing up condensate. If an anomaly occurs, a notification appears in the dashboard immediately. In the past, these components were checked manually at fixed intervals, so defects went unnoticed for months. Condensate backlog can also cause dangerous water hammer in the pipeline.

In energy monitoring, steam is recorded as an energy source in its own right, alongside electricity, water and compressed air. In podcast episode #185, the Kohrener Landmolkerei dairy explains how it brings this energy data together and visualises it with the autinityE3 software from Schaeffler Digital Solutions. The starting point was a lack of transparency and nothing but invoice figures. At CURRENTA, steam losses are automatically converted into kg/h and euros, making them available for energy controlling.