Safe operation in hazardous environments

August 21, 2015 5:48 pm

Bosch launches new family of cameras for hazardous environments
 Bosch launched EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX, a new family of explosion-proof IP cameras developed for safe operation in hazardous environments.
“No matter whether it is exceptionally hot or cold, the lighting conditions are extremely poor, the monitored objects are far away or there is a high level of moisture or dust, the new EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX cameras deliver the highest quality of security relevant images,” Bosch said.
The new cameras are specifically designed and certified to operate in potentially volatile environments with the assurance that they will not cause an explosion. This makes them the camera of choice where gases, vapours, dust, or clouds escape during the production of flammable substances. EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX cameras are ideal for use in industries like oil and gas, chemical, petrochemical, fertiliser and pharmaceutical. 
Capturing relevant details in the extreme EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX cameras are ATEX and IECEX certified for safe operation in hazardous environments. They are tested according to the IEC standard EN50130-5 for continuous and safe operation in surroundings with temperature ranges from -50 to +60 C. Overall quality and safety are further assured by the cameras’ CSA and IEC 60950-1 certifications. For use in caustic environments, like offshore sites or chemical plants, the new camera family offers a stainless steel version. Both the stainless steel and aluminium housings are IP68 and NEMA 6P certified and resistant to corrosion and high levels of moisture and dust.
EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX products feature a 30x optical zoom with autofocus, which enables the operator to remotely configure the field of view to detect objects at distances from nine to 700 metres (2,296 ft). The cameras can be powered over Ethernet (HiPoE) or 24 V, ensuring continuous availability in the event that one of these power supplies should fail.  The EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX family consists of two models. In extreme low light situations, the EXTEGRA IP starlight 9000 FX camera excels by delivering HD video images and easily capturing fast moving objects at 720p HD resolution and up to 60 frames per second. It continues to provide video images where other cameras fail, even down to 0.0103 lux. Similarly, clear HD images are captured in full colour right down to 0.052 lux – when other cameras switch to monochrome.  Should the application demand maximum resolution for optimum identification of objects in high contrast scenes, the second model, EXTEGRA IP dynamic 9000 FX is the perfect choice providing full HD 1080p resolution. Since the EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX cameras are made for safe operation in hazardous environments, Bosch has specifically designed these two cameras to be heavy duty, yet easy to install and maintain. Configuration and firmware can be updated remotely to simplify initial set-up and minimize service visits. 
Onboard technologies add sense and structure The EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX family is equipped with key technologies from Bosch to deliver the highest image quality, network performance and reliability. Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction (IDNR) cuts storage costs and significantly lowers network strain by reducing bitrate by up to 50 per cent. Since excess noise is reduced at the source during image capture, the lower bitrate does not compromise video quality. Local storage inside the camera further enhances network performance by compensating for short network outages, ensuring that video data is continuously available in Video Recording Manager (VRM) systems. In addition, built-in Intelligent Video Analysis (IVA) offers a full suite of 16 IVA alarm algorithms helping the operator to focus on relevant situations by alerting only when needed. IVA also ensures quick retrieval of the correct data from hours of stored video by using metadata to add sense and structure to the video at the time of capture in the camera.
The EXTEGRA IP 9000 FX family supports Dynamic Transcoding technology from Bosch, enabling operators, in combination with the Video Security app, to use mobile devices to access camera controls, live video streams, recordings, and HD images from anywhere, regardless of available bandwidth. It ensures an extremely efficient transfer of HD images over low-bandwidth connections. 
Bosch IP high-definition cameras, encoders, and analytics work seamlessly with a wide range of security software and recording solutions from Bosch and many other leading vendors. This is backed by ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) conformance and the Integration Partner Program (IPP). This program gives developers immediate access to software development tools so they can easily integrate Bosch products with third-party systems.