Introduction

Pressure monitoring supports the safe and efficient operation of pipelines, tanks, pumps and fluid systems. Wired systems can be difficult to extend across remote locations, while individual cellular connections may increase deployment costs. The Dragino PS-LB enables air, gas and water pressure data to be transmitted through a LoRaWAN® network.

What This Guide Covers

This guide explains sensor selection, installation, network setup and routine maintenance. It also covers practical steps for achieving stable and representative pressure readings. Correct pressure range, fittings and gateway coverage are essential for reliable monitoring.

Why Continuous Pressure Monitoring Matters

Pressure changes can indicate operating problems within pumps, pipelines, tanks and distribution systems. Continuous data provides better visibility than occasional manual gauge readings.

Common Pressure Monitoring Needs

• Monitoring water distribution and irrigation lines
• Identifying abnormal pipeline pressure changes
• Checking pumps and compressed-air systems
• Monitoring tanks and process equipment
• Supporting preventive maintenance activities

Pressure data can help operators investigate possible leaks, blockages, pump faults or unexpected system behaviour. Alerts should be combined with physical inspection before confirming the cause of an abnormal reading. Critical systems must also retain suitable mechanical and electrical safety protection.

Dragino PS-LB Features and Capabilities

The PS-LB is a battery-powered LoRaWAN® Class A pressure sensor designed for remote IoT monitoring. Different variants support air, gas, water pressure and liquid-level measurement across multiple pressure ranges.

Core Device Capabilities

• Threaded, immersion and food-safe variants
• Periodic pressure and battery uplinks
• BLE and LoRaWAN® remote configuration
• Wireless firmware update support
• Regional bands including IN865

The PS-LB model uses an 8500mAh Li-SOCl2 battery and is designed for long-term low-power operation. Actual battery life depends on uplink frequency, signal conditions, configuration and operating environment.

Choosing the Right Monitoring Point

Select locations where pressure data will support a clear operational decision. Typical points include pipeline inlets, pump outlets, storage tanks, compressors and distribution branches.

Check These Conditions Before Installation

• Select the correct measurement range
• Confirm the required thread or probe type
• Check media and material compatibility
• Verify LoRaWAN® gateway coverage
• Ensure safe maintenance access

Avoid selecting a pressure range that is too narrow for the maximum operating pressure. The installation must also account for vibration, temperature, corrosion and possible pressure surges.

Installing the PS-LB Pressure Sensor

Isolate and depressurize the system before installing or removing the pressure probe. Use fittings and sealing materials that match the selected sensor variant and process media.

Recommended Installation Steps

• Confirm that the system is fully isolated
• Apply a suitable thread-sealing method
• Tighten the fitting without excessive force
• Mount the device body securely
• Perform a controlled leak test

Keep the antenna upright and position the transmitter away from large metal obstructions where practical. Do not allow the cable or probe connection to support the weight of the transmitter. Compare the initial reading with a trusted gauge before completing commissioning.

Network Setup and Maintenance

Register the supplied LoRaWAN® credentials on the selected network server before activating the device. Confirm that the device uses the correct regional frequency plan and that uplinks are decoded correctly.

Commissioning Checks

• Register the device credentials
• Confirm successful network joining
• Compare readings with a reference gauge
• Configure a suitable reporting interval
• Verify battery and signal information

Maintenance Priorities

Inspect fittings regularly for leakage, corrosion or mechanical damage. Review battery voltage, missing uplinks and unusual pressure trends through the monitoring platform. Recheck measurement accuracy periodically where the application requires verified pressure data.

Applications and Operational Benefits

The Dragino PS-LB can support pressure monitoring across agriculture, utilities, buildings and industrial facilities. Cloud dashboards allow distributed pressure points to be reviewed from one location.

Typical Applications

• Irrigation pipeline and pump monitoring
• Water distribution pressure monitoring
• Compressed-air system monitoring
• Storage tank and process monitoring
• Hydrostatic liquid-level measurement

Automated data collection reduces dependence on frequent manual gauge inspections. Historical trends can support maintenance planning and investigation of recurring operating issues.

Best Practices for Reliable Pressure Monitoring

The quality of pressure data depends on correct sensor selection, installation and network configuration. A wireless connection cannot compensate for an incorrectly sized range, leaking fitting or unsuitable monitoring point.

Key Recommendations

• Match the pressure range to the application
• Use properly rated fittings and seals
• Validate readings during commissioning
• Inspect connections and battery status
• Configure meaningful alert thresholds

Treat pressure alerts as indicators that require operational review rather than automatic proof of a leak or failure. Use local safety devices for critical shutdown and overpressure protection. With proper installation and maintenance, the PS-LB supports scalable remote pressure monitoring across distributed assets.