Posted to News on 29th Apr 2008, 14:40
Static infrared camera is certified explosion-proof
Hawk IR International is announcing its latest in infrared safety technology, the Ex|CAM AF Series FM Approved explosion-proof (XP) infrared camera. Based on a robust infrared camera design, the Ex|CAM AF Series can detect potential equipment failures that could result in plant downtime or even catastrophic explosions.
Tony Holliday, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hawk IR International, explains: "Unlike standard infrared cameras aimed at the automation market, the Ex|CAM AF Series is designed specifically for explosive areas. In order for equipment to be acceptable for this kind of installation and application, rigorous third-party testing and certification must be completed. In Europe, explosive areas are classified by Zones and covered by the ATEX Directive. In North America, explosive areas can be Zones or alternatively Classes and Divisions, dictated by the relevant National Electric Code standard. Thanks to this latest FM Approval, Ex|CAM AF Series now holds certification for installations into ATEX Zone 1 and NEC Class I Division 1/Class II Division 1 areas."
Ex|CAM AF Series features include:
- FM-approved Class I Division 1 (B,C, D) T4
- FM-approved Class II Division 1 (E, F, G) T4
- ATEX-Certified Zone 1 Gas/Dust IIB + H2 T4
- Maintenance-free 'explosion-proof' design
- Rapid CCTV system integration
- 316 stainless steel construction
- CLIRVU-Ex lens
- Pan/tilt modules
- Long-wave focal plane array
Hawk IR's Ex|CAM AF Series is necessarily designed tough and is 'maintenance-free' once installed. Constructed from stainless steel and using the innovative CLIRVU-Ex optic material, the Ex|CAM AF Series enables plant managers and process operators alike to inspect equipment and plant areas thermally within the explosive atmosphere in real time. Coupled with factory-fitted and certified pan/tilt modules, Ex|CAM AF Series is capable of scanning large areas remotely. The Ex|CAM AF Series delivers real-time, high-resolution thermal images that can be displayed via existing CCTV interface for fast and simple information dissemination.
Holliday concludes: "Every explosive atmosphere has an inherent cost of ownership. Infrared thermography can be used to reduce that cost and increase safety by reducing downtime and complying with legal requirements quickly and efficiently. Until now, infrared camera systems have been rarely used within explosive atmospheres due to the inherent dangers associated with the delicate safe area equipment previously available which could actually cause an explosion rather than prevent one."
Hawk IR's Ex|CAM AF Series infrared camera is now in full production, with systems available for shipment from its UK manufacturing plant to almost anywhere in the world.
