Infra-red cameras are an underground success
A
Flir Systems product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Aug 18, 2005
When it came to replace its obsolete infra-red cameras, UK Coal sought the best available technology for the most reasonable cost within the framework of its own stringent safety requirements.
When the time came to replace its ageing stock of obsolete infra-red cameras, UK Coal sought the best available technology for the most reasonable cost within the framework of its own stringent safety requirements.
In choosing the Flir Systems ThermaCAM E25 supplied by thermal imaging specialist, Proviso Systems of Doncaster, all these criteria were met.
Working in conjunction with Proviso the E25 camera has been subjected to stringent tests by several departments within UK Coal.
The company's experts in the fields of environmental health, safety, mechanical and electrical engineering have all assessed its performance.
As a result, the E-Series has now been passed fit for use in areas at risk from fire and spontaneous combustion under UK Coal's Manager's Acceptance Scheme.
Following an assessment by health and safety consultant HSEC, some minor modifications were requested to ensure that the infra-red cameras supplied met their stringent safety requirements.
These included Flir engineering a lens locking mechanism to prevent its removal and Proviso developing a customised boot for the handle to protect the camera's battery compartment.
By following the "manager's guidelines" and when used in conjunction with a portable gas detector, the E25 camera has been approved for use underground.
Although the purchase of the cameras is not a move into thermal imaging for UK Coal, it does represent a major step forward in image quality and portability.
The acquisition of the E25s is part of the company continuous improvement policy to equip its staff with the best equipment to ensure personnel and plant safety.
Fitting into the palm of the hand, the ultralight ThermaCAM E25 provides colliery staff with fast and easy infra-red inspection.
Very much like a heat sensitive video camera, the E25 allows the operator to detect the subtle temperature variations generated during the early stages of a problem.
From this information corrective action can be taken at the earliest opportunity.
Extensive trials of several cameras at UK Coal resulted in a shortlist of just two.
Despite being at a similar price to its competitor, the Flir ThermaCAM E25 won through on its superior image and build quality.
In its class, the ThermaCAM E25 is the world's lightest, portable infra-red camera.
Unlike others, the ThermaCAM E25 is IP54 rated and highly robust.
It comes with a choice of lens - 9, 17 or 36mm - not just one, so it can be equipped to suit the application.
Composite video output is a standard feature.
Capturing thermal images at a speed of 50Hz the E25 is suitable for scanning moving targets.
The focal plane array is 160 x 120 pixel, larger than its competitors, resulting in higher quality thermal images being displayed on the camera's large, 63.5mm LCD.
Each camera has an ability to store up to 100 radiometric images before requiring downloading to a computer.
13 ThermaCAM E25 cameras have now been delivered to UK Coal and most are now out in the field.
Proviso Director, Mike Deakin concludes: "The ThermaCAM is already proving an invaluable tool for improving both safety and reliability across UK Coal sites".
"The camera has a great potential and wide application for both environmental and maintenance issues throughout mining and quarrying related industries".
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