AuguryA safer way to look inside live pipes: Fiberscope’s explosion‑proof SOLO PRO+ ExZ1
This article was written by the Augury Times
A new ATEX-certified camera built for dangerous spaces
Fiberscope today introduced the SOLO PRO+ ExZ1, a pipe inspection camera made for work inside areas where flammable gases or vapors are present. The key point is safety: the unit is ATEX Zone 1 certified, meaning it’s designed to be used in places where explosive atmospheres are likely to occur during normal operations. For field teams that need to inspect live equipment without draining tanks or shutting lines, that matters both for speed and for reducing the cost and risk of outages.
What’s packed into the SOLO PRO+ ExZ1
The SOLO PRO+ ExZ1 looks and behaves like an advanced borescope, but it’s engineered for hazardous sites. Fiberscope describes a compact, corrosion‑resistant camera head attached to a reinforced push cable that comes in multiple lengths. The head houses bright, adjustable LEDs and optics tuned for low‑light interiors so inspectors can capture clear video and still images inside dark pipes, vessels and confined spaces.
Onboard processing delivers high‑quality video and stills that can be recorded to built‑in storage. The system supports live viewing on a ruggedized display or tablet, and it includes simple controls for focus, digital zoom and lighting so operators don’t need to fiddle with complex menus while working in the field. The cable and reel pack are designed to resist kinks and to be manageable in tight work areas.
Fiberscope also emphasises practical field features: a quick‑swap camera head for different inspection tasks, sealed connectors to keep contaminants out, and a power system designed to maintain performance over long shifts. The company highlights durability — the unit is built to withstand repeated use in rough environments — and workflow tools such as timestamped recordings and basic annotation to speed reporting after inspections.
Why ATEX Zone 1 certification matters
ATEX Zone 1 is a European safety classification that covers places where a potentially explosive atmosphere of gas, vapor or mist is likely to be present in normal operation. Equipment used there must be designed so it cannot ignite that atmosphere, whether by sparking, overheating or other failure modes.
For inspection tools that go inside pipes, vessels or around pumps and compressors, certification means the manufacturer has tested and built the product with protective measures — things like robust enclosures, non‑sparking materials, and power systems that won’t create dangerous sparks or heat. Fiberscope says the SOLO PRO+ ExZ1 meets those standards, which lets operators use the camera in areas they previously would have needed to isolate or purge before inspecting. That reduces operational disruption, but it also shifts responsibility: teams must still follow site procedures and use certified accessories and batteries that match the certification regime.
Where the SOLO PRO+ ExZ1 is likely to be used
The most obvious users are oil and gas facilities and petrochemical plants, where routine inspections of pipelines, heat exchangers and vessel internals are frequent and often must happen while systems remain live. Utilities and chemical makers will see similar value where downtime is expensive and safety rules restrict what tools can be brought inside process areas.
Mining operations, where explosive gases or dust can be present in shafts and conveyors, and marine applications that involve fuel tanks and engine rooms, are other realistic fits. In each case, inspectors gain the ability to document corrosion, blockages, weld defects or mechanical wear without long shutdowns. That can shorten turnaround times for repairs and allow operators to prioritize the worst problems first.
How Fiberscope’s product fits into the market
The SOLO PRO+ ExZ1 slots into a niche between consumer endoscopes and high‑end remote inspection systems. Its selling point is the certified safety envelope combined with field‑ready imaging and workflow features. Competitors include established industrial inspection vendors who offer explosion‑rated cameras and full inspection suites; Fiberscope appears to focus on a streamlined, portable package for frontline technicians rather than a heavy, integrated inspection rig.
Practical points for buyers and safety officers
Fiberscope says the camera will be offered through its distribution network, with options for different cable lengths and service plans. Prospective buyers should note lead times for certified accessories can be longer than for standard tools, and sites will want documented certification records, training on safe operation and a maintenance plan that preserves the ATEX rating. Even with certification, using the camera does not remove the need for established site safety procedures — the device reduces one set of risks while operators must still control others.
Photo: Rene Terp / Pexels
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