The SR-100 cameras from Flir Systems are protecting the PKN Orlen complex in Plock, near Warsaw, Poland.
The Polski Koncern Naftowy complex is one of the most advanced and modern facilities of its kind and preventing unauthorized access that might jeopardise the 24-hour production is a major concern.
There are also chemical concerns and the potential targeting of valuable copper and other metals stored on the 800 hectare site.
Security specialist and coordinator, Jacek Kotulski, said: “Just like at any perimeter where security is tight, we have a lot of different security measures and installations in place to make sure that no one enters the facility without us knowing about it.
“CCTV cameras, video analytics, fences, it is all installed, and working together, at various places around the perimeter to keep intruders out.”
He said a concern was protecting the facility at night and one of the reasons for choosing the thermal imaging cameras was their “excellent range performance.
“The SR-100 can detect a man-sized target at a distance of no less than 1.6 kilometers away. In total darkness, in practically all weather conditions”
The cameras are installed along the perimeter and at certain highly restricted areas. They are fixed mounted and, in the direct vicinity, there is also a CCTV dome installed.
“If an alarm goes off, and weather conditions permit, we can have a closer look at the situation with the CCTV cameras. Otherwise we send out a walking patrol to check out the situation,” said Kotulski.
As well as the refinery processes creating vapour and smoke, the area has many foggy days, he said.
“Although the range performance of the thermal imaging cameras is also affected by the fog, they still allow us to see and detect quite a bit more than with a CCTV camera.
“One reason for choosing for fixed mounted thermal imaging cameras is that they are working together with video analytics. By installing fixed mounted instead of pan/tilt cameras, we are reducing the number of unwanted alarms.”
“One of the advantages of thermal imaging cameras is that they are always producing a high-contrast image. Not only during the night. Also in difficult light conditions where CCTV cameras are giving hardly any contrast. This makes thermal imaging perfect to work together with video analytics.”
“The video analytics we are using at Orlen and that are working perfectly together with the SR-100 cameras, is Object Video,” said Kotulski.
One of the algorithms used is “trip wires”. If someone or something crosses a defined line, an alarm goes off.
Another algorithm is “areas of interest”. If someone enters the defined area, an alarm is triggered and filters are in place to minimize unwanted alarms.
