High-Temperature Furnace Camera Systems

The function of a continuous galvanizing and galvannealing line is to coat steel with a thin layer of zinc which enhances the corrosion resistance of the final product. A typical process starts with steel coil being fed over rollers into a continuous multi-story vertical annealing furnace passing through multiple heat zones, typically 1650°F (899°C) where an annealing process takes place.

The temperature of the strip is then reduced and passes into a hot-dip zinc coating bath and then is pulled upwards through an air knife arrangement to remove excess zinc.

The strip is then cooled (galvanized) or heated again (galvanneal) and re-coiled to complete the process.

The Lenox Furnace Camera HD (see A) allows the operator to remotely observe the tracking of the coil edge and its position on the top rollers as the coil passes through the annealing furnace at speeds up to 300 fpm and to quickly identify potential problems like strip oscillation and run-out which can cause the strip to tear or break resulting in damage to the furnace and production downtime.

The water-cooled, stainless steel, Furnace Camera HD allows manufacturers to remove existing site windows, which get dirty, and insert the camera housing through a 3.5 inch (89 mm) opening and then attach with the camera’s sealed flange. This installation method eliminates current portholing problems and reduces maintenance. Wide field of view optics provides optimal viewing of multiple production rollers. An integrated, low consumption (3 CFM) nitrogen purge keeps the camera lens clean and doesn’t upset the furnace’s controlled atmosphere.

The 1 and only FURNACE CAMERA SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR THE STEEL INDUSTRY with extreme durability, higher resolution, a time-tested cooling system, a longer warranty, and a much lower average cost to operate.

Model 6935SC Series

Lenox FireSight furnace camera systems consist of a high- resolution (540 line), color CCD camera and sophisticated light volume control, a Lenox exclusive that allows an operator to remotely adjust the amount of light transmitted to the camera eliminating the flaring / blooming common with other systems. Quartz optics, another Lenox exclusive, are used and can withstand temperatures up to 1200°F (649°C) higher than the glass lens used in other systems. In addition, a water-cooled lens jacket and CCTV camera housing provides cooling and protection for the furnace camera and air-purging of the lens system to prevent fouling by deposition. Designed to be mounted directly through the furnace wall these furnace cameras can be used in applications up to 3500°F (1927°C). Available with either a 24” (61cm) or 36” (92cm) lens in either direct (60° or 90°) or right-angle (55°) view configurations. Special lengths up to 126 inches (329cm) are available.