CCTV package solution for hazardous areas

Declan Lordan of Douglas C&S (IRL) tells us that STAHL has compiled a scaleable package of cameras and recording system for camera surveillance in hazardous areas on gas and oil rigs.

In addition to making operations safer, it enables users to carry out a thorough study of causes and fix any problems in the case of incidents. The system supports both live monitoring at HMI stations as well as complete documentation of events: The standard package includes four cameras whose video signals can be recorded manipulation-proof for up to ten days.

This network-compliant solution which also permits authorised remote access to images via the internet can, if necessary, be easily expanded to include twice or four times as many cameras. The recording capacity, which as a standard is covered by a 500 GB hard disk, can be easily expanded to meet a specific application's requirements. Resolutions of up to 4 CIF as well as a full PAL format with 704 x 576 pixels can be selected for the H.264 compressed digital video files. A PTZ control module is available for the remote control of the pan/tilt/zoom functions of the cameras.

The standard package includes four spherical cameras type EC-710 for zones 1 and 2, which can also withstand the extremely rough ambient conditions on offshore platforms in extreme climates. Their steel housing can withstand aggressive chemical substances and protects the cameras from substantial mechanical stress. It can be installed in ambient temperatures ranging from -30 °C to +75 °C. A heater is used to prevent condensation or frost forming on the surface.

With a diameter of only 55 mm and a mere 435 grams, the cameras can be fitted even into the smallest of spaces. The fixed viewing angle of the hardened lens is +/- 90° horizontally and 68° vertically. In addition to the EC-710 and other camera types, video server and recording technology, different HMI stations for local surveillance and suitable software solutions, R. STAHL can also provide any peripherals as part of the system solution. A broad range of cables, switches, explosion-proof terminal boxes as well as additional input devices such as keyboard or joystick for remotely controllable camera models are available