Page 28 - Security Today, March/April 2023

their Class and Division regulations.
Regulations that pertain to hazardous areas include Class 1,
Division 1, and Class 1, Division 2. Video cameras, including housings, that are Class 1 and Division 1 and 2 are certified to operate in areas where gases, vapors or liquids may exist that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable such as in petroleum refineries, gasoline storage areas, dry cleaning plants, spray finishing areas and fuel servicing areas.
LEVERAGE VIDEO TECHNOLOGY IN HAZARDOUS AREAS TO IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
It has been exciting to watch critical infrastructure and hazardous environments make use of the invaluable data that today’s video surveillance cameras have been delivering in a variety of industries already. In addition to providing better, further and brighter video for security, explosion-protected cameras can include analytics solutions that transform video, audio, and other data into valuable insights that can receive instant action.
AI can open the door to a stronger and faster conversion of data into triggered events that let users respond appropriately to security and safety breaches as they occur. AI is also be used to provide statistics and events that allow users to respond to what´s happening in operations and maximize performance and value. With video surveillance cameras that incorporate analytics and process data on the edge, this is accomplished without overtaxing network resources and valuable bandwidth.
The sensors and analytics used in today’s explosion-protected cameras can play an integral role in processes and operations. For example, when a control room receives a report that the pressure in a hazardous area is too high, instead of sending a person in and exposing them to a potentially hazardous area, they can now have an explosion-protected camera in the room. The camera user can zoom into the gauges to read pressure, and control can
make adjustments from a far, avoiding the potential for danger. Sensors can be set to evaluate flares at refineries to check to see if they are of the right size, color, or any other indicator that might warn of problems before they arise. This information will ensure they are operating in compliance with guidelines from
regulatory agencies, such as EPA.
In addition to receiving more and better data collection,
deep learning-enabled analytics directly in the cameras can help operators predict maintenance needs. Users can monitor piping and equipment overheating, and temperature changes. This can enable the optimization of operational performance and contribute to maximum uptime of critical equipment and processes.
CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO IMPLEMENT?
As with most technology, wider adoption means pricing will come down, which has also been the case for explosion-protected cameras. Cameras that can operate in hazardous environments used to be $30,000. Prices per camera have dramatically decreased to just over $10,000 while functionality and performance have increased.
The same camera that monitors plant welfare and productivity patterns can also support safety and security protocols already in place. These multitasking capabilities could mean more flexibility and the deployment of fewer cameras, ensuring a more cost- effective investment. The addition of analytics and the ability to improve operational efficiency and prevent catastrophic accidents, which results in fewer potentially costly facility shutdowns, clean-ups or even lawsuits. This
makes modern explosion-protected cameras a sound investment.
Joe Morgan is the segment development manager, Critical Infrastructure, Americas, at AXIS Communications
WHAT ARE THE RULES WHEN IT COMES TO POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENTS?
The National Electrical Code (NEC), the Na- tional Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have classified hazardous areas into classes, di- visions and zones. An Explosion protected device must follow NEC and certified by UL, and agencies like FM Global or MET Labs.
These organizations use the fire/com- bustion triangle (oxygen, heat, fuel) to clas- sify hazardous locations in the explosion- proof industry. A source of fuel (explosive gases, liquids or vapors), source of ignition (fire, spark or explosion), and oxygen must be present in the appropriate consistencies for an explosion to occur. Explosion-protect- ed enclosures are designed to prevent these
materials from mixing and generating an explosion.
Class I locations consist of areas where gases, vapors, or liquids may exist that have the potential to become flammable or ignitable. There are two divisions in Class I: Division 1 and Division 2. Class I location examples include petroleum refineries, gasoline storage areas, and dry cleaning plants, spray finishing areas, fuel servicing areas, etc.
CLASS 1 DIVISION 1
Division 1 is a subset of Class I and classi- fied as an area where the explosive or flam- mable gases, vapors or liquids mentioned
above can exist under normal, everyday op- erating conditions.
CLASS 1 DIVISION 2
Division 2 is also a subset of Class I and clas- sified as an area where the explosive or flammable gases, vapors, or liquids men- tioned above are not likely to exist during regular operation.
When exploring security solutions, it is essential to understand the demands of your environment, your responsibilities and accordingly, among other things, to conduct thorough due diligence which includes vet- ting manufacturers, their products and look- ing for proper certifications.
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CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE