30 Aug 2013

Moxa, a provider of hardened networking, communication and computing solutions, announced recently it received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification of its VPort 36-1MP-IVA-T surveillance camera for Class 1, Div. 2 hazardous locations.

Receiving UL certification means the camera can be safely deployed in potentially hazardous locations where flammable gases or vapors either are or may be present in the atmosphere in sufficient concentration to produce an ignitable mixture. Certification brings the VPort's high-definition video and IP networking capabilities to petrochemical plants, onshore and offshore drilling, chemical processing facilities, dip tanks, spray paint areas and locations with the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum and natural gas.

"Oil and gas applications present unique challenges for video monitoring, ranging from harsh weather to the presence of ignitable gases, so it is critical to use the right equipment," said Joe Cook, Business Development Manager, Industrial Video Networking for Moxa. "Our VPort 36-1MP-IVA-T series PoE camera excels with its combination of HD video quality, wide -40 to 75°C operating temperature and purpose-engineered design that ensures safe and reliable operation for our Class 1, Div. 2 customers."

With intelligent video analytics and image optimisation technologies built in, the VPort 36-1MP-IVA-T delivers 720P HD H.264 multi-streaming with excellent video capture capability in challenging lighting conditions. It provides best-in-class image quality with three simultaneous H.264 and MJPEG video streams with up to 1280 x 800 HD resolution sent at 30 FPS. Built-in technologies include DNR (digital noise reduction), WDR (wide dynamic range), and BLC (back light compensation), which reduce noise and motion blur and overcome poor lighting conditions. These features, along with the built-in removable IR-cut filter and automatic colour mode switching, make the camera well suited for day-and-night use.

The VPort 36-1MP-IVA-T is also one of the world's first extreme weather IP cameras designed to work in temperatures ranging from -40 to 75°C without requiring a fan or heater in the outdoor housing. It delivers a high MTBF along with a warranty period of 5 years, minimising the overall system cost to industrial surveillance by requiring minimal maintenance in extreme environment outdoor applications, and providing long-term, reliable operation.

In addition to Class 1, Div. 2 certification, the camera is ONVIF compliant for seamless integration with third-party software platforms and NVR recording products. Advanced network security functions, such as 802.1x and SSL/SSH, are also provided to prevent unauthorised access or data hijacking, a critical feature for many industrial surveillance applications. Compliance to EN 50121, EN 55022, ATEX Zone 2, and NEMA TS2 standards makes it suitable for complex system integration and demanding applications.