REFINING THEIR SECURITY OPTIONS
Orlen refinery deploys FLIR Systems SR-100 thermal imaging cameras to protect the perimeter at one of central Europe’s largest petrochemical facilities
Polski Koncern Naftowy Orlen, better known as Pkn Orlen is a Polish company. It is one of central Europe’s largest refiners of crude oil. Orlen specialises in processing crude oil into world-class unleaded petrol, diesel, heating oil, and aviation fuel as well as plastics and other petroleum related products.
Employing more than 20,000 people, the company operates seven refineries, of which three are located in Poland: Plock, Trzebinia and Jedlicze. Another three are located in the Czech Republic and one in Lithuania. Orlen processes mainly Ural blend crude oil, shipped from Russia via the Friendship pipeline. gest petrochemical facilities
Security at Orlen’s main complex
The main refining and petrochemical complex is located in Plock, about two hours driving from Warsaw, Poland. The complex in Plock is ranked amongst the most advanced and modern facilities of its kind in Europe. Just like at every petrochemical plant, security is taken extremely seriously at the refinery.
Unauthorised access is a big concern which is not taken lightly. Not only at the gate, the entire perimeter of the plant is tightly secured. Reasons for these stringent security measures are obvious. Not only can intruders jeopardise production which goes on 24/7, but there are many chemical concerns as well at a plant of this size. Finally, theft is also a major concern. There are a lot of valuables on-site, including copper and other metals that people can steal and sell.
“It is not an easy task to secure the petrochemical plant here in Plock and to prevent unauthorised access,” explains Jacek Kotulski, security specialist and coordinator. “The site comprises nearly 70 production units which operate in an area of over 800 hectares. 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 works together at various places around the perimeter to keep intruders out.”
The thermal imaging advantage
“The refinery does not only need to be protected during the day against unwanted visitors. My task is to see to it that it is safe during the dark hours of the night as well,” he says. “I was familiar with thermal imaging technology and got in contact with a FLIR Systems distributor in Poland who demonstrated the systems to me. One of the reasons for choosing this type of camera was the excellent range performance. The SR-100 can detect a mansized target at a distance of no less than 1.6 kilometres away – in total darkness, in practically all weather conditions”
The FLIR Systems SR-100 thermal imaging cameras are mounted along the perimeter and at certain restricted areas. CCTV domes cameras are also installed along the perimeter so if an alarm goes off and weather conditions permit, security operators can have a closer look at the situation with the CCTV cameras. Otherwise a walking patrol is sent out to inspect the area.
“The FLIR Systems SR-100 thermal imaging cameras do not only help us to detect potential intruders during the dark,” says Kotulski. “Here in Plock, we have some quite foggy days. Although the range of 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.”
“At the refinery we also have a number of processes that create a lot of vapour and smoke. The FLIR Systems SR-100 cameras are excellent tools to see through this. Something that could not be achieved with a CCTV camera.”
Video analytics
Another reason for choosing fixed mounted thermal imaging cameras was to reduce to number of false alarms that you can often get with a PTZ camera and use them alongside video analytics software. “The FLIR Systems thermal imaging cameras work perfectly with our existing video analytics software. They always produce a high-contrast image – not only during the night – but in difficult light conditions where CCTV cameras produce hardly any contrast.
The images produced by the SR-100 are sent over fibre optics and then converted by an image processor before being transferred over the Ethernet where they can be viewed remotely. “Most of the time we do not even look at the thermal images. We run Object Video VEW 5.0 software with Object Video Forensics installed as an add-on to this software. Object Video utilises algorithms to detect objects, and immediately generates useful output such as real-time alerts or triggers for other applications.
One of the algorithms we are using is called ‘trip wires’. If someone or something crosses a pre-defined area, an alarm goes off. Another algorithm we use is called Areas of Interest (AOI). This allows me to define a zone in which no access is allowed. Again, if someone enters the zone, an alarm will go off. Filters are also in place to minimise the number of unwanted alarms.
Once an alarm is activated thermal images are immediately brought up on screen in the control room so the operator can then judge the next step that needs to taken.
 For more information please visit www.flir.com (opens a new window)
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