The BFI Automation

Innovations are created through teamwork!

BFI Automation GmbH offers solutions for industrial flame monitoring. Through close cooperation and continuous exchange with our customers, we are constantly developing new systems and pioneering technologies. Over the years, more than 20 patents have been registered and granted. As a result, BFI Automation GmbH has become a market leader in the field of flame monitoring with representatives in over 20 countries worldwide.

BFI Automation GmbH is the only provider of flame monitoring systems for heating technology, industrial firing systems and large power plants.

Reliable, safe and technologically at the highest level – this is what the BFI Automation brand stands for – worldwide!

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Company history

Experience is our business!

The family-run company, now in its second generation, was founded in Ratingen in 1973 and has set decisive milestones in optical flame monitoring in its 50-year history.

1973
BFI Automation Dipl.-Ing. K.-H. Mindermann KG is founded with a focus on industrial automation.
Focus on flame monitoring and flame evaluation systems. The company is transformed into a limited liability company GmbH & Co KG.

1977
1980
First completely electronic flame scanner without mechanical shutter for self-control
First complete semiconductor-based UV flame sensor – no UV tube.

1987
1989
Development of a plastic sorting system (green dot) based on industrial microwave systems.
Development of the very first compact flame detector for continuous operation.

1990
1991
Transfer of the company into a limited liability company.
Development of the first system for spectral analysis of combustion processes.

1994
1995
BFI Automation is certified according to ISO 9001.
Design of the first compact flame controller for use in multi-burner plants such as gas/oil/coal-fired power plants – software programmable.

2001
2003
Design of the first compact flame controller for heating technology on microcontroller basis with laptop communication.
CFC 3000 with communication for bus system technology.

2005
2008
Integration of a pulse output signal for the compact flame controller series for gas turbines for a fail-safe replacement technology on large gas turbines.
Implementation of a multi-output technology for the CFC gas turbine series for connection to different control systems – selectable via jumpers.

2010
2013
First network solution in flame monitoring based on the CFC series with TÜV-approved option for remote parameterization.
New generation of communication module with SD memory card for continuous data acquisition.

2014
2015
Measurements and proof of function of the BFI technology with 100% hydrogen combustion.
Start of construction for the new office, development and production facilities of BFI Automation Mindermann GmbH with expansion of EMC measurement technology and optical measurements up to 15 m.

2016
2017
In December move to the new office building.
Presentation of a new generation of compact flame detectors for industrial applications.

2019
2020
BFI is working on further sensors for hydrogen combustion – function with 100 % hydrogen was already successfully demonstrated in 2015
Expansion of the existing production and storage capacities. Rebranding of the complete product range to FLAMONITEC.

2021
2023
On 31.05.2023, BFI Automation Mindermann GmbH acquired all shares in BST Solutions GmbH with retroactive effect from 01.01.2023. Both companies merge to form BFI Automation Mindermann GmbH.
Authorization of our EMC laboratory to carry out measurements in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.

2023
2024
There has been a change in management at BFI Automation Mindermann GmbH. Mr. Thomas Bachmann and Mr. Michael Nocker have been appointed Managing Directors since 01.03.2024.

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Security

We set trends!

The growing demands on safety and the increasing importance of environmental protection are presenting industrial companies with new challenges. The Flamonitec product range offers the right flame monitoring system with all relevant safety certificates for every combustion process.

By maximizing quality and exceeding safety standards, Flamonitec products help to meet these challenges appropriately. A good example of this is that our Flamonitec System 3000 has been compliant with today’s SIL3 safety requirements for 25 years.

Development

We set trends!

Over the years, BFI Automation has set a number of innovative milestones in flame monitoring technology:

Networking of compact flame monitors
First compact flame detector for continuous operation
First fully electronic flame scanner
Two-point sensors for sulphur recovery systems
Compact flame scanner for heating technology with communication capability
Definition of the current flame monitoring generation with the CFC 2000
Artificial light detection

Over 20 patents in the field of flame monitoring show what the Mindermann Group means by innovation. This covers the entire spectrum of flame monitoring, from basic research to processes and electronic circuits.

We preserve values and create sustainable innovations!

Contact now

Personal and reliable

Do you have a question about our service portfolio, need planning support for a project or are you looking for a specialist in the field of flame monitoring? Then get in touch with us. We are here for you.

Thomas Bachmann & Michael Nocker

Managing Directors

Tel. +49 2056 98946-0

info@flamonitec-bfi.com

The BFI Automation

Company history

1973

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