Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer-implemented method for performing distributed communication operations includes receiving a request, by a first computing system, to perform a distributed communication operation and obtaining, by the first computing system, a tree structure for performing the distributed communication operation, wherein the first computing system is a root node of the tree structure. The method also includes creating, by the first computing system, a message having header information and a payload for the distributed communication operation and transmitting, by the first computing system, a portion of the message to each child node of the first computing system, wherein the portion transmitted to each child node is unique.

Abstract: A regenerative shaft kiln having at least two vertical shafts and a plurality of lances for introducing fuel into the kiln, with one or more sensor provided proximate a plurality of the lances, each of the sensors producing a first output signal having a magnitude and corresponding to a physical parameter of the kiln adjacent the sensor. Observation of the operating conditions of individual lances enables adjustments to the fuel feed via individual lances to avoid equipment damage and to improve kiln performance.