Atex infrared thermal imaging camera

Our Atex infrared cameras are designed to operate in systems with potentially explosive atmospheres, ensuring remote thermal monitoring. Compliant with Atex standards, these thermal cameras guarantee safety and reliability in all conditions; Thanks to their high-tech sensors, our infrared cameras capture clear, sharp images even in the absence of visible light, ensuring that every detail is monitored precisely.

Technical FAQ: Atex infrared thermal imaging camera
What is an ATEX infrared thermal camera?
It is a thermal camera (thermographic camera) certified ATEX/IECEx for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, capable of detecting and displaying the infrared radiation emitted by bodies, converting it into a thermal image that shows the temperature distribution in real time.
What is an ATEX infrared thermal camera used for?
It is used to continuously monitor critical assets in ATEX-classified zones, early identifying thermal hot spots (temperature anomalies) on electrical installations, piping, valves, tanks, motors, preventing failures, product losses and incipient fires. Further information: Lithium batteries and fire risk.
In which sectors is an ATEX infrared thermal camera used?
It is used in oil & gas (tank farms, refineries), petrochemical, chemical, solvent depots, LPG and technical gases, port terminals, offshore platforms, hydrocarbon treatment plants, distilleries, lithium battery depots in explosive environments and in all ATEXclassified areas where continuous thermal surveillance is needed.
What is the difference between an ATEX thermal camera and a standard ATEX camera?
The thermal camera detects heat rather than visible light, allowing vision in total darkness, smoke or fog, and identification of thermal anomalies invisible to the eye. A standard ATEX camera works in the visible spectrum and requires adequate lighting.
What are thermal hot spots and how are they detected?
Hot spots are localized points with temperature higher than normal, indicators of incipient failures: loose electrical contacts, deteriorated insulation, overloads, steam or gas leaks, motor bearing heating. The thermal camera identifies them as "red zones" on the thermal image, before they turn into critical failures or fires.
What thermal resolution do ATEX infrared thermal cameras offer?
The typical sensor resolution is 320×240 pixels or 640×512 pixels (premium models). Thermal sensitivity (NETD) is generally 30-50 mK, sufficient to identify temperature differences of a few tenths of a degree even at a distance. The measurement range goes from -40 °C to +500 °C in multiple selectable scales.
How are ATEX infrared thermal cameras integrated with existing video surveillance systems?
Modern ATEX thermal cameras are IP cameras that integrate with VMS (Video Management Software) via ONVIF protocol, recording on centralized NVRs, with temperature alarms programmed for predefined thresholds, automatically correlated with visible cameras for cause identification.
Can ATEX infrared thermal cameras automatically detect incipient fires?
Yes, ATEX thermal cameras dedicated to fire detection are certified according to EN 54-22 (for fire-fighting use) and configured to detect temperature increases indicative of incipient fire, generating alarms before a visible flame forms. They are particularly useful in lithium battery depots, tank farms and flammable raw material depots.
Which ATEX protection methods do they adopt?
Typically Ex d (flameproof with AISI 316L stainless steel housing), in some models Ex p (internal overpressure with clean air). The front glass is typically in germanium (transparent to infrared) or sapphire, also certified for ATEX use.
Can ATEX infrared thermal cameras also work at night and in smoke?
Yes, thermal vision does not depend on visible light: it detects the heat emitted by bodies, so it is perfectly operational in total darkness. It partially penetrates smoke, fog and haze, because LWIR infrared radiation (8-14 μm) crosses these conditions better than visible light.
Can ATEX infrared thermal cameras be used for predictive maintenance?
Yes, they constitute a fundamental tool for predictive maintenance (PdM): by continuously monitoring the temperature of critical assets, they identify anomalous trends, generate alarms before failure, reduce unplanned downtime, extend plant life and contribute to Industry 4.0 projects.
What are the typical costs of an ATEX infrared thermal camera?
ATEX thermal cameras have a significantly higher cost than standard ones, justified by the constructive complexity, ATEX certification and the value of critical asset protection. The ROI is generally rapid thanks to plant downtime prevention.