Drehrohröfen

Rotary kilns

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Temperatures around the Rotary Kiln

Rotary Kilns

Reliable furnace monitoring with high-temperature-resistant camera systems – for greater safety, efficiency, and process control.

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KilnMonitor

Measurement of the outer shell temperature on a rotary kiln

Detection and visualisation of hot spots and scorch rings on a rotary kiln

Maximum Safety for Your Rotary Kilns: The IRT KilnMonitor System

High-Precision Infrared Monitoring for the Cement and Process Industry

In the world of high-temperature processes, downtime is not an option. The KilnMonitor System is the leading solution for the thermal monitoring of rotary kiln shells. By using state-of-the-art infrared 2D cameras, we protect your equipment from unpredictable damage, optimize maintenance cycles, and increase production efficiency.

Why Thermal Monitoring is Critical

Hot spots on the kiln shell are often the first signs of critical refractory lining defects. At the same time, low-temperature zones provide information about undesirable coating or ring formations inside the kiln. Our system makes these hazards visible before they lead to costly failures.

Your Advantages at a Glance:
  • Uncompromising Precision: High-performance infrared cameras "Made in Germany" deliver detailed thermal images without mechanically moving parts.
  • Intelligent Analysis: The software automatically calculates the remaining refractory thickness and the thickness of material rings.
  • Early Warning System: An integrated Hot Spot Finder immediately marks critical areas with exact coordinates and enables targeted control of external cooling fans.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: All data is continuously stored in a database, including historical references and "worst-case" images.
  • Industrial Robustness: Our cameras are housed in special protective enclosures with air purging and cooling to operate reliably even under the harshest conditions (up to 150 °C / 302 °F ambient temperature).
The Technology Behind It

The system is based on state-of-the-art microbolometer arrays with a resolution of up to 640x480 pixels.

  • Measurement Range: 0 °C to 650 °C (32 °F to 1,202 °F).
  • Interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet or fiber optics for transmission lengths up to 2,000 m.
  • Flexibility: Adjustable opening angles (up to 90° x 74°) for any kiln geometry.
  • Integration: Full connectivity to your control system via OPC UA or Profibus.
Everything from a Single Source

We accompany you from the initial consultation and feasibility studies to installation, training, and after-sales service. With the KilnMonitor System, you receive a turnkey solution for process diagnostics and automation.

Would you like to take your plant safety to the next level? Contact us for an individual system analysis or a non-binding quote.

CMV Systems – Infrared customized engineering.

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the IRT KilnMonitor System

1. Why is a 2D camera better than a conventional scanner? 

Unlike mechanical scanners, the system uses high-resolution 2D microbolometer arrays without moving parts. This makes the system extremely low-maintenance and durable. Furthermore, 2D technology enables shadow-free monitoring without the need for additional pyrometers.

2. How does the system detect damage to the refractory lining? 

The system uses current kiln shell temperatures and compares them with historical data from the integrated database (Brick Management). Based on this data, the software calculates the remaining thickness of the refractory lining and the thickness of ring formations.

3. What happens when a hot spot is detected? 

The integrated Hot Spot Finder marks the exact coordinates on the kiln shell and displays a detailed zoom image. The system can then trigger alarms (acoustic, visual, or via OPC) and even control external fan turbines with coordinate precision to provide targeted cooling to the affected area.

4. Can the system be used in extreme weather conditions? 

Yes. The cameras are housed in robust stainless steel protective enclosures (IP65). These feature a heater for cold environments as well as air purging and optional water cooling, allowing operation at ambient temperatures from -20 °C to +150 °C (-4 °F to +302 °F).

5. How is the system integrated into my existing control room? 

The system is fully network-compatible via Ethernet. Modern interfaces such as OPC UA or Profibus are available for connection to higher-level control systems. Data can be transmitted over distances of up to 2,000 m via fiber optic cables.

6. How many kilns can be monitored simultaneously? 

The software is designed for multi-kiln monitoring. Up to 3 kilns can be processed and visualized simultaneously per evaluation unit.

Downloads

Drehrohrofen_Prospekt2026.pdf

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Zink Recycling

Infrared cameras in zinc recycling rotary kilns (Waelz process)

Water-cooled furnace cameras, featuring integrated IR cameras and specialised furnace lenses, enable continuous optical monitoring of processes within furnaces to the highest standard.

Online Monitoring of the Waelz Process in Zinc Recycling

Optimize your recycling process in rotary kilns with state-of-the-art infrared measurement technology. Where conventional CCTV cameras fail due to extreme dust loads, our system provides a clear view of the material and precise temperature monitoring in real time.

Why Infrared Monitoring for the Waelz Process?

The Waelz process takes place at extreme temperatures of approx. 1,200 °C (2,192 °F). Without visual control, operators risk expensive downtime and efficiency losses:

  • Prevention of Clinker/Lump Formation: Excessively high temperatures lead to material sticking (agglomeration), which drastically reduces zinc recovery rates.
  • Protection Against Kiln Stoppages: Early detection of slagging at the kiln discharge prevents flow blockages and costly, time-consuming cleaning work.
  • Optimal Process Control: By monitoring material temperature, parameters can be transferred directly to the Distributed Control System (DCS).
Our Turnkey Complete System

We supply not just a camera, but a complete industrial solution specifically developed for the harsh environment of zinc recovery:

  • High-Resolution Infrared Furnace Camera: The PYROINC 640LF offers excellent image quality with 640×480 pixels – even through dense dust.
  • Maximum System Safety: Equipped with an automatic retraction device that immediately removes the probe from the danger zone in the event of cooling or power failure.
  • Integrated Control Cabinet: Central control and supply unit for continuous monitoring of all media (purge air, cooling water, power).
  • High-Performance Evaluation Unit: Includes specialized software for visualization, alarming, and data transfer (4-20mA, Ethernet, or fiber optics).

All-Round Service from a Single Source

To ensure your plant performs at its peak from day one, we accompany you through the entire process:

  1. Installation: Professional assembly and integration into your existing infrastructure.
  2. Commissioning: Precise calibration and adjustment of parameters to your specific kiln conditions.
  3. Training: Comprehensive instruction for your personnel to ensure safe operation and efficient data analysis.

Would you like to increase the efficiency of your zinc recycling? Contact us for a consultation or a detailed system demonstration.

Downloads

CMV_Waelz-Process_2026.pdf

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Arrange a personal consultation

Would you like to learn more about CMV Systems products or find out which device is best suited for your application? Please feel free to contact us!

+49 (2165) 87915-0   info@cmv-systems.de