HeatMon: Thermal Camera-Based System for Temperature Monitoring in Steel Plants

HeatMon is an AI-powered temperature monitoring system from Primetals Technologies that observes high-temperature zones of equipment in metallurgical plants. It analyzes collected data in real time, delivering deep process insights. Additionally, the system supports predictive maintenance.

Effective temperature control is critical in metallurgical plants. Poor control can lead to reduced operational efficiency, diminished product quality, breakdowns, equipment damage, and compromised worker safety. However, conventional monitoring methods, such as manual thermal inspections or fixed infrared sensors, offer limited process transparency. These methods require significant operational effort and are inadequate for continuous optimization. This leaves significant performance and safety risks unaddressed.
The HeatMon system consists of a high-resolution infrared camera integrated into a robust housing with a dedicated controller, and is complemented by client-tailored software. It allows for the continuous observation of critical zones and real-time analysis of thermal data. Early detection of anomalies, paired with reliable alarm triggering, helps identify safety issues and process instabilities. HeatMon is designed for seamless integration into existing automation systems from Primetals Technologies and offers extensive customization options to meet plant-specific requirements.

HeatMon Enables Temperature Monitoring Without Limitations

HeatMon provides comprehensive, wide-area, non-contact temperature monitoring without blind spots, ensuring full process transparency at all times. Free from human influence and wear-related limitations, HeatMon can utilize existing camera infrastructure for monitoring. By providing reliable, in-depth thermal data, HeatMon enables data-driven analysis and AI-based process optimization. This solution can be fully adapted to specific plant needs and is designed for harsh environments.

User-Friendly Interface for Smooth Steel Plant Operations

The HeatMon system features a user-friendly, intuitive software interface that ensures smooth, straightforward operation for experienced and inexperienced staff alike. The fully customizable solution provides maximum flexibility to meet individual requirements. Operators can switch seamlessly between thermal imaging and standard camera views, monitor real-time temperatures, and access historical data overviews. Points of interest can be easily defined and adjusted for precise, adaptable process monitoring.

Unlock New Potential By Optimizing Steel Plant Operations and Maintenance

HeatMon allows steel producers to use real-time temperature data to unlock sustainable cost savings by optimizing operations and maintenance. Although there is an initial expense for fixed hardware, the resulting benefits are cumulative and scalable over the system’s lifetime. HeatMon’s early anomaly detection and failure prevention help avoid significant costs related to materials, labor, and lost production time.

Possible Applications of the Temperature Monitoring Software HeatMon

HeatMon offers a wide range of applications that identify safety risks and equipment damage early on, enabling proactive maintenance strategies and ensuring comprehensive thermal monitoring of critical plant zones. Typical areas of application include: Arvedi ESP down-coiler area, roller sections, electric arc furnaces, cooling pipes, tundishes, ladles, and ladle slide gates.

Features of Temperature Monitoring with HeatMon

• Advanced temperature deviation detection
• Automated identification and response to irregularities in real time
• Reliable alarm triggering in hazardous situations
• iBA interface for seamless data collection, analysis, and visualization
• Comprehensive thermal data reports highlighting detected anomalies

Benefits of the HeatMon Thermal Camera-Based System for Temperature Monitoring in Steel Plants

• Improve process stability
• Enhance equipment lifetime
• Increase operational efficiency through comprehensive process transparency and performance evaluation
• Increase safety by proactively mitigating potential risks
• Enhance plant availability
• Optimize cost savings by preventing equipment damage and unplanned downtime