Sensor designed to operate at sites handling hazardous materials
Southwest Microwave recently unveiled the Model 310B-33456 Explosionproof Outdoor Microwave Intrusion Link to offer a reliable intrusion detection solution in the presence of flammable, combustible and easily ignitable materials. The sensor, which features a 328 foot (100 meter) detection range, is designed to operate at oil refineries, chemical and petrochemical plants, petroleum or chemical storage facilities and other sites where hazardous materials are handled, processed or stored.
Explosionproof_Microwave_Intrusion_Link.gif: The Model 310B-33456 Explosionproof Microwave Intrusion Link is designed to operate at sites where hazardous materials are handled, processed or stored.
"During the past year we have seen a significant increase in perimeter intrusion detection interest for applications in and around explosive environments," explains Southwest Microwave Sales Manager, Tom Wallace. "Because microwave performance is unaffected by vibration, wind, fog, rain, snow, dust or temperature extremes, this sensor becomes an extremely effective option."
Transmitter and receiver componentry are housed in weatherproof, explosionproof enclosures which meet ratings required for hazardous areas. LED indicators and convenient front accessibility to controls and test points simplify sensor set-up and servicing .
The Model 310B-33456 will alarm on a 77 lb (35 kg) target walking, running, jumping, rolling or crawling through the detection pattern. Field-changeable antenna elements allow pattern adjustment for larger or smaller targets, depending on individual site requirements.
Southwest Microwave Introduces Explosionproof Intrusion Link-page 2
Operating at K-Band (24.125 Ghz) frequency, the Model 310B-33456 achieves performance not possible with X-Band (10.5 Ghz) microwave links.
"K-Band frequency allows this sensor to operate at very long ranges and within very narrow corridors, which gives it tremendous flexibility," says Wallace.
Since K-Band frequency is 2.5 times higher than X-Band, the multipath signal generated by an intruder is also 2.5 times higher, vastly improving detection of slow and fast-moving targets. K-Band sensors are also less susceptible to interference from airport landing systems and air or sea craft radar.
"Many refineries and petrochemical plants are located along waterways or in coastal areas. K-band provides immunity to marine and seaport RF interference, which makes it highly reliable," says Wallace.
Four field-selectable modulation channels with narrow band PLL filters allow for multiple Model 310B-33456 links to be used in close proximity without mutual interference. Automatic Gain Control (AGC) allows the receiver to compensate for varying site conditions.
For more than 35 years, Southwest Microwave has been an industry-leading provider of outdoor intrusion detection systems for government, military, industrial and correctional customers worldwide. For more information, please visit www.southwestmicrowave.com or call 480-783-0201.
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