Posted to News on 10th Oct 2007, 19:33
Intrinsically safe IR camera is a Plant Engineering finalist
Hawk IR International's infrared safety technology - the Ex|CAM AP Professional intrinsically safe ATEX-certified infrared camera - has been nominated as finalist for Plant Engineering, Product of the Year 2007.
Based on what Hawk IR describes as first-of-its-kind, patent-pending technology, the Ex|CAM AP Professional can detect potential failures within explosive atmospheres using real-time, fully radiometric infrared thermography techniques. It is particularly suitable for use in petrochemical facilities where the majority of equipment is located within explosive atmospheres. Images are stored onboard for post-inspection reporting.
The Ex|CAM AP-Professional is said to be the only ATEX-certified, fully radiometric infrared camera system available in the world today, hence Hawk IR claims it is 'the safest solution for explosive areas.'
Feature include:
- Intrinsically safe portable infrared thermal camera
- Protected communications and power systems
- Armoured LCD Display
- CLIRVU-Ex Lens
- Docking Station
- Ultra-sensitive Longwave Focal Plane Array
Hawk IR's Ex|CAM AP Professional is necessarily designed to be tough and is now available with a portable docking station that enables the cost of ownership to be spread across multiple facilities. Constructed from aluminium and using the CLIRVU-Ex optic material, the Ex|CAM AP Professional enables plant managers and process operators alike to thermally inspect equipment and plant areas within the explosive atmosphere and generate reports detailing the status of their plant.
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 safe area equipment previous available.
"Hawk IR International is very proud to be nominated for this award; Ex|CAM AP Professional represents a significant step forward in safe infrared camera design. Previous design concepts centred around delicate safe area instruments, which are generally intended to be lightweight. Unfortunately, this type of construction cannot withstand the technical requirements that are mandatory for explosive area equipment. Ex|CAM is the ultimate infrared camera for facilities that wish to comply with Government regulations whilst increasing their infrared coverage into the explosive area."
