Since the uncontrolled interaction of hazardous substances, oxygen, heat or sparks poses an extremely high risk for life and assets, the storage and monitoring of dangerous substances in hazardous areas is one of the most important tasks of plant operators. Particular caution is required if hazardous substances are stored in containers. Container fires are notoriously difficult to fight, because there are usually large amounts stored and access is difficult. What is more, in many cases there is an increased risk of subsequent fires or multiple explosions. For such incidents, fire brigades not only have to work at full capacity, employing large numbers of staff on the callout, but they also need specific expertise in fighting chemical fires. Consequently, fire brigades across the world are highly sensitized to callouts to chemical environments - even if they involve a large number of false alarms.

To ensure a reliable detection of a hazard source when monitoring containers in hazardous areas and simultaneously prevent costly false alarms, R. STAHL's explosion-protected IP thermal imaging cameras now also feature separate detection of flame movement and temperature. This function means that the intelligent cameras can clearly distinguish whether there is "only" a flame movement or whether the temperature has also risen above the pre-defined limit. Since surveillance systems to date have not featured this functionality, fire brigades had to attend in every case to assess the seriousness of the situation on site.

Chemical or pharmaceutical plants have many secluded areas that are difficult to view from afar. For such cases, AFZ (autofocus/zoom) cameras are particularly suitable for indoor monitoring. To cover the entire premises including zones blocked from direct view, we recommend positioning several cameras so that they provide seamless coverage, with each camera taking on part of the view and the combination of all cameras providing a complete overall view of the locality. Like many of R. STAHL's cameras, the AFZ models have been designed for temperatures ranging from -55 °C to +65 °C for continuous, 24/7 surveillance even under extreme conditions. The cameras, certified for operation almost everywhere across the world, not only can resist considerable temperature fluctuations, but also salt spray and vibrations.

For monitoring tanks and reactors through sight glasses, the manufacturer offers specific sight-glass cameras that can be positioned exactly on top of the sight glass and provide clear, bright images of all processes inside due to their high degree of light sensitivity. If a process suddenly generates foaming, the direct image transfer to the control room allows for a much faster intervention by staff than would be possible with inspection rounds.

For wide-reaching, 360° control of hazardous outdoor areas and complete plant sections R. STAHL has developed the EC-750 Dome camera. Its dust-proof and submersible stainless-steel enclosure with degree of protection IP68 is suitable for operation in rough ambient conditions. Located under a transparent dome, the pan and tilt camera with 18x or 40x optical zoom can also provide close-ups and enlargements of conspicuous or dangerous locations. Also, unauthorized personnel or wrongly placed goods can immediately be spotted for prompt intervention. All information is pooled by a video management software such as CAYUGA, whose wide range of functions make it a key part of any highly professional surveillance solutions. The modular, upgradeable software solution can map all industry-specific complexities. Powerful alarm management concepts are part of the standard, as well as easy-to-use video players, configuration assistants and an analytics interface for integrating other analysis software. In addition, third-party systems for physical security information management, access control as well as break-in and fire alarms can also be integrated.

As one-stop supplier, R. STAHL accompanies the set-up of a CCTV system right from the start, carrying out personal site inspections where required for a customized CCTV system - to prevent fires and explosions, thus ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment and plants.