ATEX

SeSys ATEX housed IP Cameras provides high resolution monitoring in potentially hazardous or explosive areas. The 3 Mega-pixel day (colour) sensor and 1 Mega-pixel night sensor (mono) provide clear images enabling users to manage their assets. The cameras can be used to define any problems, manage a process and eliminate unnecessary site visits to dangerous or difficult to reach areas.

By reducing the need to visit ATEX zoned locations the SeSys ATEX cameras dramatically reduce dangers posed to employees. Enabling the camera to be accessed remotely employees and sites can be monitored for health and safety as well as management purposes. 

To compliment the ATEX cameras SeSys also offer integrated LED lights and input triggers. The lights can be switched on to inspect an unlit or underground area. Long lasting and only requiring a little power, LEDs achieve maximum intensity very quickly and illuminate an area in front of the camera. The lights are switched on and off using the camera's web interface. For safety, the lights will automatically switch off. 

A trigger input into the camera can be used to record an event. This trigger could be a process control instrument which activates the camera to record and send an image to an email address or FTP server. If lights are fitted these will come on automatically too therefore providing a clear image of the area of interest.

ATEX Directive

There are two EU Directives - ATEX 95 (94/9/EC) and ATEX 137 (1999/92/EC) concerning, respectively, the supply and use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. The term "ATEX" is derived from the French "Atmospheres Explosive".

The user directive, ATEX 137, is implemented by HSE under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations, 2002 (DSEAR). ATEX 137 concerns worker health and safety and safety in those workplaces where potentially explosive atmosheres may be present.

The ATEX Directive required operators to classify Hazardous areas in plant in a more scientific manner. The chart below indicates approximate Zone equivalents in Canada and the USA as Class 1 Div 1 may be considered as Zone 0 equivalent.

Approximate Zone Comparisons

.Area classifications in accordance with the ATEX Directive are designated as:

Zone 0 (Most Hazardous)
Area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation in excess of 1000 hours/year.

Zone 1
Area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally (e.g. 10-1000 hours/year).

Zone 2 (Least Hazardous)
Area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it does occur, is likely to do so only infrequently and will exist for a short period only (e.g. less than 10 hours/year). Category I, II and III can be used in Zone 2.

To meet these specifications, SeSys have a range of cameras that are certified for use in Zone 1, Zone 21 and 22 areas.