Intrinsically Safe solutions enhance safe plant operation

The MTL RugiCAM IP camera monitors and provides enhanced visual safety to control automation systems installed on site, and provides additional security and visibility to specific hazardous locations within plants, so that safe operation can be maintained. Its lightweight design and simple mounting is said to make installation easy wherever monitoring is required. It can be connected directly to compatible IS Ethernet systems up to 100m via a Cat5e cable or Wi-Fi. 

 

“Alternative IP cameras are housed in explosion-proof enclosures, which can be large, heavy and expensive to install, however the MTL RugiCAM IP camera is lightweight, compact and the IS approval allows safe, live network maintenance without the requirement for a gas clearance certificate,” explained Roger Highton, Eaton’s MTL product line manager. “This makes installation and maintenance much quicker, simpler and more cost-effective.”

 

The rugged camera is available in anodised aluminium or powder coated steel, while a 6mm toughened glass window provides optimal protection in harsh environments. It is also available with an optional Infra-Red (IR) or white LED light unit that enhances the camera’s low-light capabilities.

 

The camera is suited to use in applications including process monitoring, drilling operations, remote safety inspections and hazardous zone security in chemicals, pharmaceuticals and oil and gas industries. Additionally, for coal mining applications the MTL RugiCAM IP is suitable for monitoring long wall shearer operation, face roof supports and conveyor transfer points. 

 

The second new product is the 949x-PS-PLUS range of MTL IS power supplies, which are suited to the provision of IS power to the MTL RugiCAM and other IS instrumentation in hazardous process areas.   A variety of different IS output voltages are available ranging from 4.8V – 17.7V and are also capable of powering Zone 1 equipment.

 

The power supply units are suitable for connections in Gas Group IIB or Gas Group IIC hazardous areas, and provide a temperature range of -40°C to +70°C. As such, users have the flexibility of a wide range of options to choose from to best fit their application.