21/10/02

KME's Hi-Bright LCD Monitors are Ideal for Hazardous Environments

Kent Modular Electronics Ltd has been selected by Electro-Flow Controls Ltd. (EFC) Scotland, as their preferred LCD monitor supplier for a new range of EExp rated CCTV and Data monitors.

The 800cd/m² (800 nits) light output 15.1" LCD chassis monitor is integrated by EFC into a slim (150mm front-to-back), stainless steel enclosure rated to IP65 minimum.  A two-part, EExp purge and pressurisation unit is mounted externally, making the EFC system suitable for operation in Zone 1 and Zone 2 Hazardous Areas, equivalent to ATEX Equipment Categories 2 and 3.

Front mounted controls include video select switches; pan & tilt joystick camera control and camera zoom and focus.  The enclosure is suitable for ceiling, shelf or console-mounting.

Monitors in EFC enclosures are viewed through toughened glass windows and in many installations are subject to bright sunshine, so a normal LCD of 200 cd/m2 light output becomes difficult to view. 

The 800cd/m2 light output of the KME monitor strikes a good balance between minimal additional power consumption and greatly improved sunlight viewability. Consideration was also given to the maintenance of good image colour stability, as the light output is reduced for normal ambient lighting environments.

The KME chassis was customised to meet EFC’s exacting electrical and mechanical requirements. It is a combined PAL/NTSC and XGA Data monitor that gives maximum flexibility to EFC for applications where crisp, clear Data displays need to be presented in addition to camera views.

The EFC unit is being used in Drilling Consoles for Offshore Systems and within a growing customer base in on-shore security and process control systems. KME’s 15.1" LCD monitor is one of its expanding range of industrial-grade displays that are designed and manufactured in the UK for high quality video and data applications. KME also has the ability to tailor LCD monitors to operate with Legacy systems, as replacements for CRT monitors, where data signals are at non-standard signal timings.