In this post we are going to tell you about explosion resistant cameras for industrial locations, essential to guarantee safety in workspaces with explosion risks.
But first, let’s make a brief introduction to the different types of outdoor security cameras.
- Thermal cameras: they are cameras that form the image from the emitted infrared radiation. We can recognize people and animals that enter a perimeter. The main advantage of thermal cameras is that they do not need an external light source and have a long range. On the other hand, they are very useful to rule out false alarms. The main drawback is found in the poor definition of the image, which greatly complicates the recognition of the subject under surveillance.
- Conventional cameras: Conventional cameras capture an image through a photographic lens. They have a great definition capacity, especially the modern cameras with HD resolution. The drawback is that they are not accurate over long distances and that they need night lighting to function properly.
- PTZ dome cameras: They are very versatile cameras, which have the ability to rotate 360 degrees in the horizontal plane, 180 degrees in the vertical plane and zoom in on the image, covering a wider surveillance radius. They can also be equipped with sensors for night vision or presence detection, which makes them more versatile. Against them, because they have moving parts, they need more maintenance because they break down more easily.
Safety in industrial environments with risks of explosions – Atex Zones
Industrial security systems are a great technical challenge for any security company. When we talk about industrial spaces that we have to protect, we are referring to factories, petrochemical plants, electrical transformation plants, telecommunications stations and explosives warehouses.
In some of these industries, there are also areas with a high risk of explosion. Called these areas as ATEX areas. And security elements such as cameras have to continue operating in the extreme conditions that exist in these work centers.
With explosion-resistant cameras or ATEX cameras we can monitor spaces exposed to explosive atmospheres and other dangerous sections of the installation. This way we avoid moving workers to these danger zones.
Explosion resistant cameras are protected by a special steel or aluminum housing against external elements such as dust, rain, corrosion or ice. They continue to operate in extreme conditions, making them vital for monitoring risk areas. With remote monitoring, we avoid endangering workers, who do not have to move to that risky environment.
Explosion resistant cameras can be fixed in the space to be protected, anchored to the ceiling or to the wall, but they can also be used as portable equipment that is carried by operators who access these risky spaces.
Monitoring of meters and sensors in spaces with explosive risks
Fuel and gas tanks use analog gauges to detect toxic gas concentration, temperature, pressure and water levels. With the installation of ATEX cameras, we can control these sensors without having to move an operator to the area. We avoid the risk to people and the use of expensive protective equipment.
Surveillance of explosive environments
Thanks to these specially protected cameras we can remotely monitor the security of these industrial facilities, minimizing the risk to people. The correct operation of the industrial installation can be controlled and evaluated. Accidents that occur can also be quickly detected, allowing a rapid response by security and emergency teams.
Safety in confined spaces
In confined spaces, work is very complex and dangerous. In order to avoid as much as possible the presence of people in these spaces, where risks of explosion due to gas accumulation may occur, it is advisable to have this type of camera. In this way we can remotely monitor what happens in that space and detect possible security alerts without exposing personnel to this type of risk.
Explosion resistant camera types
These cameras can be of two types: fixed or PTZ domes. Fixed cameras are covered by a housing protects the camera from the outside. It is anchored to walls and ceilings, fixed to a specific part of the installation and with a reduced viewing angle. To cover more surface we need to install a series of fixed cameras so that they cover the entire space and do not leave blind spots.
Opposite these are PTZ cameras, which are cylindrical in shape and having a viewing angle of 360 degrees, and rotatable about its axis horizontal and its vertical axis. With these cameras we cover a larger area. PTZ cameras are more delicate because they have moving parts that are subject to greater wear.
Leading manufacturers of explosion-resistant cameras
In the market, we have several manufacturers with extensive experience and a proven experience in the design and manufacture of this type of camera. The most important are:
- Hikvision
- Flir
- Axis
- Dahua
- Pelco
All these manufacturers have a wide catalog of cameras that adapt to the different situations of spaces with risks of explosions that we can find. There are compact, lightweight cameras that are easily installed by one person. These cameras are usually installed using a single Ethernet (PoE) cable, which is used to connect it to the network and supply it with the energy it needs for its operation. The absence of electrical cables is essential to avoid the risk of a possible explosion. The chambers are protected with special glass and aluminum or steel that avoid the risk of ignition due to a possible spark.
Industrial safety in this type of space with explosive risks must be left to companies with a proven experience. The equipment must be carefully selected according to the type of space we have to monitor. It requires a very specialized engineering and installation work that is not within the reach of any security company.
