Keeping a keen eye on equipment and Ex-processes

Camera solutionWith their field-proven camera range, sophisticated software concepts and all the necessary accessories R. STAHL can provide system solutions for video surveillance of all kinds of plants and processes in hazardous areas. The hardware can easily withstand the rough conditions that prevail at typical locations, be it in chemical plants, on-shore or offshore or on board ships. Three mechanically robust cameras achieve IP68 throughout and provide reliable gas explosion protection.

Each model has its own particular features: The AF80EX auto-focus camera with automatic heater and 18-x optical zoom, for example, is suitable for ambient temperatures of between -30 °C and +75 °C. Its waterproof, nitrogen-filled stainless steel housing has a special coating that makes it absolutely stainless – resistant even to aggressive saline air and spray. The exceedingly compact EC-710-090 on the other hand, with its diameter of only 55 mm, fits into the smallest spaces and is also protected against dust explosions. The EC-750 Dome camera, which is covered by a transparent dome, has a free horizontal panning range of 360° and can follow programmable positions and paths. All cameras can provide analog CVS (composite video signal) in full PAL - some also in NTSC - resolution. It can be used as part of an analog surveillance system for the direct view of a full screen, for recording or for a split-screen display from various image sources. Via a video server, the signals can also be converted into digital video data an fed into an Ethernet to be used and evaluated in various ways with the aid of a computer. Alternatively, the Dome camera is available with an IP interface for digital networks.

A suitable software solution is available for every type of requirement, purpose or size of a surveillance system. R. STAHL’s proprietary SMART Display software has been optimized for smaller configurations and can produce images for real-time surveillance with a maximum delay of 150 milliseconds on an HMI display, where it can easily be operated via a touch screen. Complex surveillance systems can be implemented for any number of cameras with the ProBox 5/10/15 package or the ProBox Enterprise Edition. This solution has an inbuilt motion detector and can inform those in charge via e-mail, text message or the OPC or SNMP network protocols in case of an alarm. R. STAHL develops and supplies complete turnkey surveillance solutions. In addition to the cameras, video servers and the ready-to-run, preconfigured software these systems also include all necessary accessory components, such as cables, switches and terminal boxes, as well as joysticks and keyboards for the remote control of the cameras.