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Oncam Grandeye Releases Explosion-Proof Camera System for 360-Degree Surveillance

Nov 27 2012

Oncam Grandeye, the award-winning industry leader in 360-degree technology that enables cameras with total situational awareness, today announced its launch of the world’s first explosion-proof camera system for 360-degree surveillance.

The durable explosive housing is a first in the industry, and will save many lives. (Photo: Oncam Grandeye)

The Evolution ExD camera range has been designed specifically for operation in potentially explosive locations, as well as in harsh and hazardous environmental conditions, such as on an oil rig or gas production facility.

For example, traditional surveillance cameras have been used on oil rigs for years, but they have never had 360-degree cameras enabling total situational awareness in hazardous areas. The challenge in providing the very best 360-degree imaging has always been the design of the dome, and Oncam Grandeye has taken the extra steps to ensure that the dome matches the lens perfectly.

There are always risks associated with electrical devices because gases and sparks emitted on the rigs can trigger an initial explosion, which in turn may lead to further catastrophic explosions across the platform.

David Cawley, global product manager at Oncam Grandeye, said, “This solution is the next step in the evolution of surveillance in hazardous areas. Our 360-degree, explosion-proof designed camera system will change the way surveillance is managed in these areas by providing total situational awareness. It is the first camera of its kind on the market and can be deployed in areas such as pipe racks, valve and pump rooms and engine/battery rooms. But it’s not just oil rigs that this camera system has been designed for, it can be used in any hazardous environment and situation.”

Oncam Grandeye’s explosion-proof housing has been awarded the ExD-certified logo for electrical appliances used in the oil and gas industry.

ExD certification is well known within the oil & gas industry, and means that the external enclosure of flameproof equipment is designed to withstand internal or external explosions. Sparks emitted can cause major explosions if they come into contact with flammable gasses or liquids.

The casing is made of lightweight stainless steel that is well suited for use within offshore and onshore environments. The camera and housing come pre-configured, so no configuration is required to plug and play.

It is available to Oncam Grandeye’s global markets, in single mode and multi-mode convertors.

Oncam Grandeye

Oncam Grandeye was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Switzerland with regional offices in, the UK, US, Turkey, Iraq and the Middle East.

The cornerstone of the Oncam security solution is a unique process that enables video surveillance, acquisition, tracking and interrogation of 'suspicious' behavior enabling the verification of a potential threat.

This in-turn provides the necessary intelligence needed to make a measured response to any critical situation. The unique line of 360° IP cameras used in this process utilize award-winning, patented technology that is recognized as the global industry leader in Total Situation Awareness.

The ATEX Directive

As of July 2003, organizations in EU must follow the directives to protect employees from explosion risk in areas with an explosive atmosphere.

ATEX Areas classified into zones (0, 1, 2 for gas-vapor-mist and 20, 21, 22 for dust) must be protected from effective sources of ignition. Equipment and protective systems intended to be used in zoned areas must meet the requirements of the ATEX directive.

The regulations apply to all equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres, whether electrical or mechanical, including protective systems. The ATEX directive covers a large range of equipment, potentially including equipment used on fixed offshore platforms, in petrochemical plants, mines, flour mills and other areas where a potentially explosive atmosphere may be present.

In very broad terms, there are three preconditions for the directive to apply: the equipment a) must have its own effective source of ignition; b) be intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere (air mixtures); and c) be under normal atmospheric conditions.

Manufacturers/suppliers must ensure that their products meet essential health and safety requirements and undergo appropriate conformity procedures. This usually involves testing and certification by a ‘third-party’ certification body, known as a Notified Body. Once certified, the equipment is marked by the ‘CE’ (meaning it complies with ATEX and all other relevant directives) and ‘Ex’ symbol to identify it as approved under the ATEX directive.

Certification ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose and that adequate information is supplied with it to ensure that it can be used safely.

Evolution ExD camera can be used especially for: