Method of Monitoring the Profile of a Blast Furnace and the Results of its Use

A new method is proposed for monitoring the internal profile of blast furnaces. The method is based on the use of a compact measurement unit comprised of a laser rangefinder and a digital goniometer. Results are reported from the use of the method to evaluate the actual profile of the shaft of a blast furnace while it was banked. The technology is shown to have promise when used in combination with thermographic monitoring of the technical condition of the top of the shaft and monitoring of heat losses in the cooling system.