Integration of surveillance, public address and fire and intrusion systems

INTRODUCTION
Although oil and gas facilities are subject to the same threats to safety and security as any other industry, they present specific criteria that are more complex and therefore require special considerations. The oil and gas supply chain encompasses mobile and fixed drilling and production platforms, pumping stations, pipelines, storage facilities, road, rail and seagoing tankers, loading and unloading terminals, as well as refineries and processing plants. The more that safety and security systems can be integrated, the more efficient will be the overall precautions, especially in the light of increased threat of terrorism. This article gives an overview of Bosch Security Systems and its product portfolio from which efficient and effective solutions can be built that ideally suit safety and security requirements of the oil and gas industry.

THE COMPANY, THE MARKET AND ACQUISITIONS
Bosch Security Systems, established in 1921, is active worldwide in intrusion alarm, access control, CCTV surveillance including state of the art IP -solutions, fire alarm and evacuation systems, EVAC-compatible public address, as well as video management, building integration and congress systems.

The global security market is valued at about EUR 13 billion, growing at an annual rate of around five percent. These statistics are the main reason behind the many major mergers and acquisitions that have occurred in recent years amongst safety and security solution vendors. The market continues to evolve and acquisitions are playing an increasingly vital role in enabling the major players to grow more rapidly. By closing gaps in the product portfolio and quickly building up market access through specialized sales forces in regional markets, acquisitions support the rapid establishment of a strong market position. Bosch is one of the major players that has benefited from a number of strategic acquisitions in the last five years.

WHY INTEGRATION
An important reason behind these transactions is that customers are increasingly requesting integrated security solutions. They wish to obtain everything they need regarding security from a single vendor – the ‘one-stop-shop’ approach – a concept that applies to both products and services and one which Bosch fully practices.

Integration is especially relevant in the oil and gas industry due to the complexity and diversification of facilities. For example, a number of floating and fixed drilling and production platforms may need to be interconnected, while surveillance of overland pipelines – sometimes over thousands of kilometres – is an essential requirement. In fact, many countries have specific, stringent regulations regarding pipeline security in the interests of public safety, which may also apply to terminals, refineries and storage facilities.

In short, the oil and gas supply chain requires a total, integrated safety and security solution that could include third party process control systems such as emergency shutdown in the event of fire detection. And most relevant for offshore platforms, is the use of marine radar, in combination with CCTV, to detect and identify approaching vessels.

IP – THE WAY FORWARD
Offering major advantages in scalability, flexibility, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and virtually unlimited reach, Internet Protocol (IP) is the new future for CCTV surveillance. This is especially relevant for the oil and gas industry where surveillance of large areas and over long distances may be required. Bosch is a pioneer in the development of IP-based products and systems, including a wide range of cameras, encoders, decoders and other networking devices. IP is also applicable in other security areas than CCTV, mainly for communications.

Another key advantage of using IP as a transmission medium is that the cabling often already exists. If not, installing Ethernet cabling is generally less expensive than coax analog cabling. Furthermore, using computer networks allows users to employ standard PC servers for video management and storage. Such standard off-the-shelf equipment is generally inexpensive and easy to service and maintain. IP-based systems are also easy to power thanks to the IT standard Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), which is rapidly gaining ground in the security industry. PoE enables power and data to be combined in a single network cable. This eliminates the need for local power at the camera level and enables a cost-effective network and power supply to be created. The key advantage is that installers do not need to install power outlets at each camera location. This not only reduces installation costs, but also allows the cameras to be easily repositioned or configured when necessary, further enhancing the inherent flexibility of an IP-based surveillance system.

EXTREME CCTV – LATEST CCTV ACQUISITION BY BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS
Extreme CCTV is a technologically leading manufacturer and supplier of active infrared illuminators for high performance imaging in dark conditions and when visibility is poor, as well as video surveillance products for use in all kinds of extreme environmental conditions including heat, cold, and darkness. Furthermore, its product range includes systems for license-plate capture. In acquiring Extreme CCTV Bosch has extended their leading position in the fast growing video-surveillance market and the company’s innovative technologies will expand the product portfolio to serve new and current verticals in a better way. The oil and gas industry can benefit from a large range of explosion proof cameras and other explosion protected products. The Bosch / Extreme’s Explosion-Proof solutions are providing precision-engineered video imaging capabilities to hazardous environments. With stringent Class I, Division 1 certifications available, the Explosion-Proof series enables safe, effective surveillance for chemical sites, oil and gas facilities, food processing plants and numerous other hazardous environments.

PUBLIC ADDRESS & EMERGENCY SOUND SYSTEMS
Bosch is a leading supplier of fully integrated EVAC-compatible public address and emergency voice alarm systems for both digital and analog installations. These systems comprise a wide choice of network controllers, power amplifiers, call stations and loudspeakers, as well as provision for ambient music.

FIRE AND INTRUSION ALARM SYSTEMS
Also a world leader in fire and intrusion systems, Bosch offers its Local Security Network (LSN) bus system that provides maximum flexibility and reliability. Latest features include a high level of loop current, expanded loop length, optimally efficient programming and maintenance, as well as affordable downward compatibility and security. LSN also includes a choice of more than 70 fire, intrusion and malfunction detectors, operator units and arming and access devices from different manufacturers. A recent addition to the portfolio is the Wireless Local Security Network (wLSN), a revolutionary two-way wireless communications technology that gives greater security, reliability and convenience than other wireless technologies.

SUMMARY
Having said that the global security market is growing at an annual rate of around five percent, it is important to note that growth in Russia is considerably faster, with an average of 12-15 percent predicted for the next few years. Bosch is a major player in Russia in many application areas with world-class products, systems and services. Along with partner suppliers and highly qualified and experienced installers, the company is in a strong position to build and maintain significant business in Russia in integrated safety and security solutions for the oil and gas and other industries.