A rotary kiln is a large, cylindrical thermal processing equipment used in various industries to heat materials at high temperatures (typically between 800°C and 2000°C) in a continuous or batch process. It consists of a rotating steel shell lined with refractory materials, tilted slightly to allow material to move from the feed end to the discharge end.

Key Components of a Rotary Kiln
1. Rotating Shell: A long, cylindrical steel tube that rotates slowly (0.5–5 RPM) on supporting rollers.
2. Vuurvaste Voering: Protects the shell from extreme heat and chemical reactions.
3. Ry stelsel: Includes motor, ratkas, and girth gear for rotation.
4. Support Rollers & Thrust Rollers: Bear the kiln’s weight and maintain alignment.
5. Burner & Fuel System: Provides heat (gas, olie, steenkool, or alternative fuels).
6. Sealing System: Prevents air leakage at inlet/outlet ends.
7. Exhaust System: Removes gases and dust.

Types of Rotary Kilns
- Direct-Fired Kiln: Heat is applied directly to the material (bv., sement, lime).
- Indirect-Fired Kiln: Material is heated through an external jacket (bv., calcination of chemicals).
- Co-Current vs. Counter-Current Flow: Depending on gas-material flow direction.

Aansoeke
1. Sement produksie (Clinker formation)
2. Lime Calcination (CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂)
3. Metallurgy (Iron ore pelletizing, alumina calcination)
4. Waste Treatment (Hazardous waste incineration)
5. Chemical Processing (TiO₂ production, phosphate calcination)
6. Mineraalverwerking (Kaolin, gips)

Voordele
- High thermal efficiency
- Continuous operation
- Ability to handle abrasive/high-temperature materials
- Versatile fuel options

Uitdagings
- High capital & onderhoudskoste
- Refractory wear over time
- Emissions control requirements

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