LATINA Construction and Drilling needs to maximise staff safety and site security on the La Santa Maria oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
To achieve this, they have implemented a Hikvision solution featuring explosion-proof cameras equipped with deep learning algorithms for perimeter protection and fire detection. This system provides real-time alerts to the security team for swift incident response.
- Challenge: Maximising security and safety
High value of hydrocarbon products makes perimeter security crucial for safeguarding staff and assets
Oil and gas sites face unique security and health and safety challenges. The extraction, refining, and transport of hydrocarbons present significant fire and explosion risks that require all equipment and installations to operate at safe working temperatures. Additionally, the high value of hydrocarbon products makes perimeter security crucial for safeguarding staff and assets.
These are some of the well-known challenges facing Constructora y Perforadora LATINA (LATINA Construction and Drilling), a major geothermal drilling company in Latin America with more than 60 years of experience.
‘La Santa Maria’ drilling platform
The organisation is responsible for operating the ‘La Santa Maria’ drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico, while also ensuring protection of the local maritime environment and wildlife based on responsible operations.
The platform, built in 2013, is relatively close to land, making it more vulnerable to security breaches and property damage from trespassers. To address these risks, and to ensure that environmental risks are mitigated, the platform needed a new, improved, security solution.
24x7 perimeter security
This needed to provide 24x7 perimeter security, excellent fire prevention capabilities, and the ability to minimise health and safety risks for employees. In addition, the system needed to be highly corrosion-resistant to withstand the harsh maritime environment, where the platform is located.
- Solution: Hikvision explosion-proof thermal imaging cameras with on-board deep learning for fire detection and perimeter security
To overcome these challenges, LATINA Construction and Drilling, in collaboration with the renowned System Integrator - STC Global System, has deployed a Hikvision solution, which incorporates Thermal & Optical Bi-spectrum Network Bullet Cameras (DS-2TD2637-35/P) and Explosion-Proof Thermographic Network Bullet Cameras (DS-2TD2466T-25X).
Hikvision explosion-proof thermal imaging cameras
The explosion-proof cameras are housed in 316L stainless-steel casings
The explosion-proof cameras are housed in 316L stainless-steel casings, preventing sparks or heat from coming into contact with potentially flammable fumes. The casings meet the NEMA-4X anti-corrosion standard, ensuring durability in the salty sea environment.
The cameras’ thermal imaging capabilities, along with the sensitive fire-detection algorithm, ensure that any overheating equipment is reported immediately, even in low-visibility conditions such as fog and rain.
Cameras feature powerful analytics functions
Both Hikvision camera models use an on-board deep learning algorithm to provide powerful analytics functions. This means the cameras can generate alerts immediately for certain types of incidents, including perimeter invasions (line crossing) and entry of unauthorised people.
The algorithm also distinguishes false alarms caused by moving objects like seabirds, high waves or storms from genuine threats, such as people invading the platform perimeter. This helps to minimise false alarms. The cameras also feature light and strobe alarms to alert intruders, deterring them from further actions.
- Benefits: Increased staff health and safety, optimised operational efficiency, and durable performance
Enclosed in heavy-duty casings, the Hikvision explosion-proof cameras help to maximise staff health and safety by ensuring that the risk of camera-related sparks and resulting fires and explosions is minimised.
Additionally, the cameras' thermal imaging helps the platform respond quickly to temperature increases or fires, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets, while adhering to environmental regulations.
False alarm reduction deep learning algorithm
The company can mitigate security risks associated with the platform’s location close to land
The false alarm reduction deep learning algorithm ensures that members of the security team can focus 100% of their effort on genuine security threats, speeding up responses, saving time, and increasing operating efficiency and performance.
With automated alerts for security incidents, such as ‘line crossing’, the company can mitigate security risks associated with the platform’s location close to land and ensure the safety of everyone working on the platform.
Corrosion-resistant cameras offer chemical resistance
Finally, but equally importantly, the corrosion-resistant cameras offer exceptional chemical resistance and durability, making them well-suited to withstand the harsh maritime conditions of the Gulf of Mexico.
This reliability ensures that LATINA Construction and Drilling continues to benefit from the system for years, despite constant exposure to saltwater. Additionally, the reduced need for repairs and maintenance results in significant cost savings.
