Ovality measurement
Ovality is a measurement of how well a kiln shell is able to support refractory. Rotary kiln refractory brick linings depend on the principal of the continuous arch to stay in place. Naturally any forces acting on that arch, such as flexing kiln shell, will act to deteriorate the mechanical stability of the arch. It is not uncommon, therefore, for refractory to literally fall out in short time after installation if excessive flexing of the kiln shell exists. Ovality measurement is a method to measure how much a kiln shell flexes.
Note:
Standard practice for ovality measurements is to take three sets of readings at each tire, three around the circumference located at 120o downhill of the tire and similarly three on the uphill side. The curves both sides should be similar in shape.