CCTV systems have become a vital part of security systems in the oil and gas industry. The main components of CCTV systems are different when applied to a harsh or hazardous environment such as on board a FPSO vessel or in an oil refinery.
Over time, technological advancements have greatly improved the capabilities of CCTV systems such as facial recognition and thermal imaging.
The main components of a CCTV system include cameras, a central system which includes a video management server, ethernet switches and storage, monitoring or viewing stations and in some cases a washer might also be included.
Cameras
Explosion Proof Cameras – PELCO
One of the most important components is the explosion proof camera. This camera has many versions, including the PTZ or pan, tilt, zoom version. Pan is the ability to rotate horizontally, and tilt is the ability to rotate vertically. Zoom capabilities may depend on the brand. For example, PELCO cameras come with optical zoom where the lens can zoom up to 30 times. There is also the option of digital zoom where using image processing it is possible to zoom even more.
Other features include a sunshade, which protects against glaring, the window wiper activated from a keyboard, a washer tank with a nozzle and a heater for environments where the temperature fluctuates significantly. This is because a mist like fog can build inside the camera lens, which is removed using a heater or blower.
Thermal Camera – PELCO
Thermal cameras are also used (top). On one side is a normal camera which has a CCD (charged coupled device) detection device. On the other side is a thermal camera. The thermal camera uses a detection device called an uncooled microbolometer which detects infra-red rays. Some of the uses of thermal cameras include detecting an oil leak in water, detecting people in the dark and detecting overheated joints.
Dome Camera – PELCO
Dome cameras are also commonly used in CCTV systems in the oil and gas industry. This camera is mainly used indoor. This camera’s sensitivity is determined by lumens. If the level of light is under a certain amount, the camera automatically switches to black and white.
Viewing Stations – Monitors, Mouse, Joystick and Keyboard
This is usually a regular monitor with a software, also known as a video expert desktop workstation by PELCO. That computer is connected to a keyboard and joystick which controls the cameras and any additional features. Often included is an enhanced 3D mouse and keyboard, video wall. When choosing a monitor, you need to consider the type of interface required, VGA, DVI or BNC which will influence the type of cable used.
Video Management System (VMS) Server
Video Management Systems are one of the main components of a CCTV system and it is important to select the right one. Factors such as scalability, compatibility and reliability should be considered. When using the brand PELCO there are a number of options such as rack mount or tower type. There are also different RAID (redundant array of independent disks) types, which is how the backup is configured. A RAID controller is a device used to manage hard disk drives in a storage array. You must consider the hard disk space and RAID level when selecting a server.
Washer
A washer is an additional component that is used in areas where dust or oil can build up on the cameras. The washer sprays water from a nozzle onto the camera screen and a wiper clears the screen.
Expert Team
Vivo Asia Engineering & Trading are well versed in industry compliances and experienced in the use of PELCO products in systems.
Over the past 10 years, we have installed, designed, supplied and upgraded several CCTV systems for the oil and gas industry.
