ABB Expands Non-Invasive Temperature Monitoring for Oil, Gas

A new generation of pipe-mounted sensors aims to provide temperature data without requiring shutdowns, welding or modifications to existing infrastructure.

(P&GJ) — ABB has expanded its NINVA non-invasive temperature measurement portfolio with three new products designed for oil and gas, chemical, marine and power applications.

The company introduced NINVA Integrated, NINVA Remote and NINVA Compact, each designed for specific operating environments while providing temperature measurements without requiring operators to cut into pipelines or install traditional thermowells.

The sensors clamp directly to the outside of a pipe and use surface temperature data to determine process temperatures. ABB said the technology allows operators to install temperature monitoring systems without welding, shutdowns or process interruptions.

NINVA Integrated is intended for oil and gas and chemical applications, while NINVA Remote is designed for high-temperature environments such as power generation facilities. NINVA Compact targets marine and space-constrained industrial installations.

Jacques Mulbert, president of ABB's Measurement & Analytics division, said industrial operators are increasingly looking for ways to add monitoring capabilities without disrupting operations.

"Operators see value in obtaining process data without stopping production or modifying existing piping systems," Mulbert said.

ABB noted that NINVA became the first SIL2-certified non-invasive temperature transmitter in 2024. The company said the technology can reduce installation complexity and lower costs compared with conventional invasive temperature measurement systems.