1. Thermal Imaging
  2. System Solutions
  3. Steel Production
  4. Torpedo Car, Converter and Ladle Hotspot Detection
Steel Produc­tion

Torpedo Car Hotspot Detection (THSD), Converter Hotspot Detection (CHSD) & Ladle Hotspot Detection (LHSD)

  • Customised system configuration

  • Full automatic observation of the plant during standard operation

  • Decentralised monitoring of measured values and system status

  • Easy to operate data presentation in the steel plant network

  • Remote access available

  • Installation of up to five infrared cameras

  • Display, evaluation and playback of recorded images as well as parameterisation, supervision and operation of the system

  • Detection of moving objects

  • Automated object recognition

Ladle Hot Spot Detection by InfraTec - Picture Credits: © iStock.com / kot63
Torpedo Hot Spot Detection THSD

Thermography for Safety in Steelworks

Thermographic system solutions from InfraTec offer a reliable and useful addition to safety measures in steelworks throughout the entire steel production process. As torpedo cars, converters and casting ladles are subject to constant stress, the lining can become worn over time, which in turn greatly increases the risk of breakthroughs. 

Infrared cameras from InfraTec play a decisive role in preventing such scenarios. They can be used to monitor the condition of the refractory lining and any imminent breakthroughs around the clock.

Torpedo Car Hotspot Detec­tion – THSD

The Torpedo Hot Spot Detection (THSD) system uses the latest infrared technology to monitor the temperature of the torpedo steel structure. Two infrared cameras observe the torpedo cars while they are moving past the inspection site.

The temperature measurements are completely automatic and require no manual interaction. THSD automatically raises the alarm if an adjustable temperature threshold is overrun. This reliably prevents dangerous and loss-making breakouts of liquid iron.

THSD automatically tracks the temperature development of all torpedos in circulation. This allows to maximize the torpedo refractory lifetime without cutback of security and helps to save remarkable costs. THSD comes with highly reliable components in a flexible structure and thus is easily adoptable to the different situations and operational modes in iron and steel plants.

Bene­fits of the THSD System

  • Complete automatic thermographic temperature screening of the outer shell of all torpedos in circulation

  • Early detection of hotspots let keep you the close control of the refractory lining of your entire torpedo fleet

  • Secure protection against torpedo breakouts saves life, investments and long term operating ability of your shop

  • Optimisation of your torpedo fleet deployment improves the quality and saves time and energy 

  • Prolongation of the torpedo refractory lifetime without cutback of security

  • Flexible structure for customised adoption to your operational modes

  • Return on investment within less than a year

Thermographic Automation Solution - Torpedo Hot Spot Detection

THSD Soft­ware

  • Full automatic operation without stopping the torpedo car

  • Reliable alarm release at defined pre and main alarm limits

  • Temperature trend recording and analysis for all torpedos

  • Customised system alignment and adjustment

  • Main window allows parameterisation, supervision, operation, display, evaluation and playback

  • Decentralised monitoring of system status and measured values

  • Recall of all recorded data for comparison and optimization

  • Easy to operate data presentation in the steel plant network

  • Remote access available

Converter Hot Spot Detection (CHSD)

In order to optimise the operating time of a converter between two feeds, it is necessary to permanently monitor its outer skin for increasing heating. This ensures that any breakthroughs are detected in the early stages. The thermography system records the temperatures of the converter surface over a large area and without contact, which are analysed using the associated special software. If the preset threshold values are exceeded, an automatic alarm is triggered. Repair or short-term ad hoc measures can then be initiated to ensure safety in the steelworks.

Converter Hot Spot Detection with Software from InfraTec

Up to three infrared cameras are used for monitoring, which are mounted in a circle below the converter. This enables monitoring from different perspectives. However, it is often not possible to monitor all critical points in a fixed converter position for environmental reasons. For this reason, the temperature must also be measured during repeated swivelling in a steel production cycle.

The measurement is fully automated, controlled by command telegrams from the connected PLC. The infrared cameras can also be controlled, started and stopped manually if required. This allows the operators to obtain a picture of the condition of certain areas of the converter at any time, independently of the automatic system, for example to investigate a suspicion based on other observations.

Ladle Hotspot Detec­tion – LHSD

The Ladle Hot Spot Detection (LHSD) system uses Infrared (IR) technology to monitor the temperature of the ladle steel structure. Five infrared cameras observe the ladles while they are moved with the crane to the casting. The temperature measurements are made fully automatically without the need of any manual interaction. Optionally the ladle number can be recognised from characters on their surface. LHSD automatically raises the alarm if an adjustable temperature threshold is overrun. This reliably prevents dangerous and loss-making breakouts of liquid steel.

LHSD automatically tracks the temperature development of all ladles in circulation. This allows to maximize the ladle refractory lifetime without cutback of security and helps to save remarkable costs. LHSD comes with highly reliable components in a flexible structure and thus is easily adoptable to the different situations and operational modes in steel plants.

Ladle hot spot detection with thermal imaging LHSD

Bene­fits of the LHSD System

  • Complete automatic thermographic temperature screening of the outer shell of all ladles in circulation

  • Early detection of hotspots let keep you the close control of the refractory lining of your entire ladle fleet

  • Secure protection against ladle breakouts saves life, investments and long term operating ability of your shop

  • Optimisation of your ladle fleet deployment improves the quality and saves time and energy

  • Prolongation of the ladle refractory lifetime without cutback of security

  • Flexible structure for customised adoption to your operational modes

  • Return on investment within less than a year

Ladle hot spot detection with thermal imaging LHSD

LHSD Soft­ware and System Features

  • Full automatic operation without stopping the crane

  • Reliable alarm release at defined pre and main alarm limits

  • Temperature trend recording and analysis for all ladles

  • Customised system alignment and adjustment

  • Main window allows parameterisation, supervision, operation, display, evaluation and playback

  • Decentralised monitoring of system status and measured values

  • Recall of all recorded data for comparison and optimization

  • Easy to operate data presentation in the steel plant network

  • Remote access available

Product Flyer

Get all the information you need at a glance in our product flyers

InfraTec Ladle Hot Spot Detection Flyer

Use of THSD, CHSD and LHSD for these Indus­tries & Applic­a­tions

Infrared Cameras for LHSD and THSD

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 900

Image Format(2,048 x 1,536) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
Compact Cameras

PIR uc 605

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

PIR uc LWIR 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled microbolometer focal-plane array

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HDx head 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 8300 hp

Image Format(1,280 x 1,024) IR-Pixel
Detector typeMCT or InSb

InfraTec Infrared camera
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 5300

Image Format(320 x 256) IR-Pixel
Detector typeMCT

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 800

Image Format(1,024 x 768) IR-Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec service

Full Service Package

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Thermography trainings

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Hous­ings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equip­ment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

InfraTec service

Full Service Package

For more than 30 years InfraTec has been providing comprehensive service in addition to high-end thermographic cameras. For example, you can have your camera recalibrated by us. On the basis of a project analysis, we assist you in the realization of thermographic measurements and tests. In the event of a malfunction, you will receive extensive support from our in-house service department via remote maintenance. Let’s find out, what we can do for you.

InfraTec Service - Technical Support

InfraTec Service – Technical Support

Our Company’s own service department accompanies you even with complex automation solutions far beyond the actual sale. In the event of malfunctions, your enquiry is forwarded directly to the employees via a hotline. By remote maintenance, you will receive an initial diagnosis. Together with you, we analyse the cause of the problem and quickly find a solution.

Thermography trainings

Training of your Employees

In our training centre in Dresden, you can attend practical thermography training courses. After the transfer of the turnkey system, upon request qualified employees of our service team will introduce you step by step to your automation solution and instruct future users on your premises.

Camera protective housing for infrared cameras by InfraTec

Wide Range of Protective Hous­ings

The InfraTec product range includes numerous protective housings. The all-weather and robust metal housings allow the use of the thermal cameras in harsh environments and protect against mechanical stress, dust and splash water. Depending on requirements, users can also choose ATEX-certified protective housings that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres.

InfraTec camera equipment

InfraTec Thermal Camera Equip­ment

InfraTec offers high-quality accessories for all infrared camera series. This allows users to flexibly adapt their camera to changing test and measurement environments and optimize it for daily indoor and outdoor use. The corresponding components are specially designed for the corresponding model and open up new possibilities – for current applications and new tasks.

Fairs and Trade Shows

Logo KarriereStart
Company, Sensor Division, Thermography

KarriereStart

2025-01-24 - 2025-01-26

Logo SPIE Photonics West
Thermography

SPIE. BiOS Expo

2025-01-25 - 2025-01-26
San Francisco, USA

Logo SPIE Photonics West
Sensor Division, Thermography

SPIE. Photonics West

2025-01-28 - 2025-01-30
San Francisco, USA

Logo KarriereStart
Company, Sensor Division, Thermography

KarriereStart

2025-01-24 - 2025-01-26

Logo SPIE Photonics West
Thermography

SPIE. BiOS Expo

2025-01-25 - 2025-01-26
San Francisco, USA

Logo SPIE Photonics West
Sensor Division, Thermography

SPIE. Photonics West

2025-01-28 - 2025-01-30
San Francisco, USA

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