Abstract: A system for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the operation of a kraft chemical recovery furnace which includes a mechanism for determining carryover particle counts, bed profile information, and temperature information of a smelt the bed over a major portion of the bed. The location and temperatures of high and low temperature spots on the bed can be determined. This information may be displayed in a convenient manner, such as on a common screen, for use by the furnace operator in controlling the furnace. Trending and history of bed performance in relationship to these characteristics may be tracked for use in diagnosing furnace operating problems and in adjusting parameters of the furnace to enhance furnace performance.