The Explosion-Proof Revolution in Everyday 'Plant' Life

Bartec has further expanded its product portfolio with the recent acquisition of Pixavi. Andreas Parr Bjørnsund, Project Manager of Bartec Pixavi, gives an overview of the strengths of the Norwegian communication specialists.

Mr. Bjørnsund, what explosion protection solutions does your company offer apart from video conferencing systems?

BJØRNSUND: Pixavi has over a decade of experience in the field of explosion-proof-certified electronics and wireless infrastructures and offers a wide range of communication devices for use in hazardous areas. Apart from video conferencing systems, we have an Atex Zone 1-certified digital video camera in our range, the Xcorder EX4000. Our range also includes explosion-proof Wi-Fi Access Points and explosion-proof Wi-Fi antennae and the associated accessories. Customised solutions round off our range.

What are the features of the camera in the Xcaster EX5000 video conferencing system?

BJØRNSUND: It is the only wireless camera with a video conferencing function available for Atex Zone 1. It streams live video and audio recordings in HD via Wi-Fi to any video conferencing system. The device supports Wi-Fi standards, like SIP and H.323 video conferencing standards. It weighs only 800 g, can be used at a temperature range of –20 °C to 40 °C and has a memory of up to 32 GB. The camera was developed in close cooperation with our customers.

What technical requirements does a camera with a video conferencing system has to meet to be certified for Atex Zone 1?

BJØRNSUND: We had to pay attention to electromagnetic compatibility, electrostatic discharge (ESD) and robustness of design, to name but a few, with our communication devices. The list of technical requirements is quite extensive and, in our case, it has proved ideal to develop products for use in Atex Zone 1 from scratch in-house to guarantee the required performance and durability. Atex directives are strict and it's a long process to develop a product that is both user-friendly, compact and also certified for Atex Zone 1.

Mobile communication systems often minimise travel times and costs especially on oil platforms. Are there similar positive effects in other processing industries?

BJØRNSUND: Mobile communication devices are universally applicable. Video conferen-cing systems can save significant time and money wherever production sites lie far apart, due to their decentralised organisation, and technicians or experts have to travel there. In urgent cases, they can often be the quickest way to call in the right expert. What is more, several people can be involved, without having to arrive from different locations. Increased productivity and safety are additional factors alongside savings in terms of travel time and cost.