The first ATEX fixed-mount IR camera with web interface

Since the Equipment and Protective Systems intended for use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres (ATEX) Directive 94/9/EC came into force on 1 July 2003, any new equipment installed within explosive atmosphere must hold third-party ATEX certification. The ATEX (ATmosphere EXplosive) Directive is a legal requirement for European Union and European Free Trade Area (EFTA) countries, with the aim of increasing safety of plant personnel.

Hawk IR says the Ex|CAM AF-Series is the only ATEX-certified fixed-mount infrared camera system capable of measuring temperature and with remote web-based control that is available to industry today.

Key features

Ex|CAM AF series features include:

• ATEX certification, Zone 1 Gas/Dust IIB + H2 T4
• Maintenance-free design (no complex inert gas purging required)
• Web-based interface and control
• Stainless steel construction
• CLIRVU-Ex lens
• Pan/tilt ready
• 320 x 240 longwave focal plane array

Hawk IR's revolutionary Ex|CAM AF series is necessarily designed to be tough and is maintenance-free once installed. Constructed from stainless Steel and using the revolutionary CLIRVU-Ex optic material, the Ex|CAM AF series enables plant managers and process operators alike to thermally inspect equipment and plant areas within the explosive atmosphere in real time from anywhere in the world. Coupled with ATEX-certified pan/tilt modules, the Ex|CAM AF series is capable of scanning large areas remotely, delivering real-time, high-resolution thermal images that can be displayed via a web interface for fast and simple information dissemination.

Lower cost of ownership

Tony Holliday, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hawk IR International, comments: "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 previous available. Petrochemical and industrial manufacturing facilities owning such dangerous explosive atmosphere areas now have a tool that can identify trouble spots such that corrective actions can be taken to prevent explosions."

The patent-pending Ex|CAM AF series camera is sensitive to 0.1degC and boasts remote focal control with an Ethernet-based user interface. ATEX certified by SIRA Certification, the Ex|CAM AF series may be permanently installed in a Zone 1 Gas or Dust IIB + H2 T4 explosive atmosphere and is virtually maintenance-free once installed. Although designed primarily for the petrochemical and fossil fuel generation industries, the Ex|CAM AF series can be used in many different explosive atmosphere applications, from sugar and flour mills to fine chemical production.

Hawk IR's Ex|CAM AF series camera is expected to be in full production by the summer of 2007.