Predator™ Steel Furnace Cameras
(SF12N-SP, SF12L)

Engineered specifically for the steel industry. Unmatched thermal dynamic range for reheat applications, monitoring environments from 100°F to 3500°F with a single camera.

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Syn-Fab Predator SF12N-SP and SF12L steel furnace camera housing

Operating Range

100°F to 3500°F (37°C to 1927°C)

Cooling Method

Air-Cooled (Instrument Quality Air)

Housing

PHASE III STEELON™ (Stainless over high-temp synthetic)

Primary Application

Steel Furnaces & Reheat Applications

Owning the Darkness in Steel Furnace Environments

The Predator™ Series is the newest addition to the SYN-FAB® family of high-performance thermal imaging solutions. Built specifically to operate as robust steel furnace cameras, the Predator is designed to thrive in extreme reheat applications where product temperatures vary dramatically between entry and exit points.

Unlike conventional high-temperature camera systems that wash out or lose contrast, the Predator features a massive dynamic range. As demonstrated in our thermal imaging feeds, the system can clearly image relatively cool mandrels (below 250°F) entering the furnace, while simultaneously monitoring discharge zones operating at temperatures up to 3500°F.

Continuous Monitoring & Zero Downtime

Equipped with a solid-state infrared sensor and housed in our proprietary IP66/NEMA 4X PIII STEELON™ enclosure, the Predator minimizes downtime by enabling operators to quickly detect process issues. Real-time infrared monitoring ensures complete and uniform heating of upturns, bells, and other critical components.

Thermal imaging data of a high-temperature furnace captured by the Syn-Fab Predator camera system.

Precision Thermal Mapping

The Predator provides quantifiable thermal data across its massive 100°F to 3500°F operating range, allowing operators to instantly identify temperature gradients and optimize furnace efficiency.

Furnace Entry Zone

Tracking cool material (< 250°F)

Furnace Discharge Zone

Imaging heated material (up to 3500°F)

Syn-Fab Predator Series steel furnace cameras (SF12N-SP PIII, SF12L-SP PIII) on a black diamond plate background

Ready to spec a Predator™ system for your plant?

Contact our engineering team to review your furnace layout and configure the exact lens length and spectral range required for your application.

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Predator™ System Specifications

Model:

SF12N-SP PIII

General Optics

Sensor Type:

Solid State Infrared

Spectral Range:

Near IR

Resolution:

570TVL (Center) Analog or High-Resolution HD digital

Video/Output Options:

NTSC (Optional PAL or Ethernet)

Angles of View / Lens Options:

Straight Ahead (Standard), 45° Obtuse, 90° Right-Angle (Lengths: 12in up to 65in)

Temperature Ratings

Operating Scene Temperature:

100°F to 3500°F (37°C to 1927°C)

Ambient Temp / Enclosure Rating:

Ambient up to 550°F (289°C) with accessories

Infrastructure and Utilities

Power Requirements:

12 VDC with 100-240 VAC adapter (50/60 Hz)

Housing Material:

PHASE III STEELON™ (Stainless steel over high temp synthetic)

Lens Air Purge Requirements:

15-25 psig @ 20-40 scfm (Instrument quality air only, T<100°F)

Enclosure Air Purge Requirements:

3-10 psig @ 3-10 scfm

Compatible Accessories

Slide trac mount (tripod base for portable system), radiometrically calibrated options for PV-HD software.

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Download Data Sheet

Model:

SF12L PIII

General Optics

Sensor Type:

Solid State Infrared

Spectral Range:

Long Wave

Resolution:

570TVL (Center) Analog or High-Resolution HD digital

Video/Output Options:

NTSC (Optional PAL or Ethernet)

Angles of View / Lens Options:

Straight Ahead, 45° Obtuse, 90° Right-Angle (Lengths: 12” to 65”)

Temperature Ratings

Operating Scene Temperature:

100°F to 3500°F (37°C to 1927°C)

Ambient Temp / Enclosure Rating:

Ambient up to 550°F (289°C) with accessories

Infrastructure and Utilities

Power Requirements:

12 VDC with 100-240 VAC adapter (50/60 Hz)

Housing Material:

PHASE III STEELON™ (Stainless steel over high temp synthetic)

Lens Air Purge Requirements:

15-25 psig @ 20-40 scfm (Instrument quality air only, T<100°F)

Enclosure Air Purge Requirements:

3-10 psig @ 3-10 scfm

Compatible Accessories

Slide trac mount, Tripod base, PV-HD software radiometric calibration

High-Temperature Monitoring Applications

The Predator™ Series is specifically configured for environments where dynamic range is critical. Explore the specific high-variance combustion zones, entry/discharge points, and continuous reheat processes where our cameras provide unmatched thermal clarity.

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Furnace Cameras

Rugged high-temperature furnace camera systems for steel, glass, and petro-chemical applications. Get real-time visual monitoring up to 3500°F.

Proven in Extreme Manufacturing Environments

The Predator™ Series isn't just a camera; it is a critical process monitoring tool engineered to survive the most hostile industrial atmospheres. From tracking cool mandrels to monitoring 3500°F combustion zones, see how our thermal imaging systems prevent downtime across heavy industry.

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Trusted by the World's Most Demanding Plants

Proven in the Toughest Environments

I want to highlight the exceptional work of Mike, Keith, and Monty. They have been instrumental in the successful upgrade of the camera system for all three of our furnaces. Their expertise and support ensured a smooth transition for this critical project.

Todd P.

US Steel

Predator™ SF12N-SP & SF12L FAQs

Review common technical questions regarding temperature ratings, air requirements, and system protection for the Predator camera series. For additional documentation, visit our Resources page.

The Predator camera system is designed to monitor a wide process temperature range from 100°F up to 3,500°F. The appropriate cooling method, lens configuration, and specific model (such as our "L" Long-wave or "N" Near-IR options) are selected based on your specific operating environment.

In most applications, water cooling is not required. The Predator system is typically protected using a continuous air purge that cools both the furnace lens and camera housing while keeping the viewing window clean. For extremely demanding environments, water-cooled systems are available.

The Predator typically requires clean, dry compressed air at approximately 15–20 PSI and 15–20 SCFM to provide adequate cooling and purge the viewing window. Actual air requirements will vary depending on the furnace lens length and the specific installation environment.

If the system is equipped with an auto-retract, the Predator will automatically retract and withdraw the furnace lens upon loss of purge air or electrical power. This feature provides a critical level of protection to prevent severe damage to the camera core and lens assembly.

In many applications, yes. Mill air can often be used provided it is properly filtered, dry, and oil-free before reaching the camera system. Contaminated air can reduce cooling efficiency, shorten component life, and degrade system performance.

Yes. Syn-Fab camera systems can be integrated with most existing plant control systems and DCS platforms. We offer both Ethernet/IP and analog camera systems, allowing the video and data to be incorporated into most modern control architectures.

Yes. Syn-Fab’s furnace cameras can be ordered in a portable configuration that allows real-time inspections during normal operations or shut-downs. This includes a smaller air assembly and a local monitor with recording capabilities.

Predator™ Steel Furnace Cameras(SF12N-SP, SF12L)

Owning the Darkness in Steel Furnace Environments

Continuous Monitoring & Zero Downtime

Precision Thermal Mapping

Furnace Entry Zone

Furnace Discharge Zone

Ready to spec a Predator™ system for your plant?

Predator™ System Specifications

High-Temperature Monitoring Applications

Furnace Cameras

Proven in Extreme Manufacturing Environments

Power Generation

Cement

Steel & Metal

Chemical Petroleum

Glass Manufacturing

Trusted by the World's Most Demanding Plants

Predator™ SF12N-SP & SF12L FAQs

What process temperatures can the Predator monitor?

Does the Predator require water cooling?

How much compressed air does the system require?

What happens if purge air to the camera fails?

Can mill air be used instead of instrument-quality air?

Can the camera be integrated into our existing plant control system?

Does Syn-Fab offer a portable camera configuration for temporary inspections?

Predator™ Steel Furnace Cameras
(SF12N-SP, SF12L)