Rotary Kiln Refractory & Lining: Protecting the Drum From the Heat
Rotary Kiln Refractory
The refractory lining is the unsung hero of a rotary kiln. It is the layer of heat-resistant brick or castable material bonded to the inside of the steel drum, and it does two jobs at once: it insulates the shell from process temperatures that would otherwise weaken the steel, and it holds the heat in where the material needs it. A kiln’s lining is as important to its performance as its burner.
What the Lining Does
Without the refractory, the kiln’s process heat would attack the steel shell directly, causing deformation, oxidation and premature failure. The lining keeps the shell cool enough to hold its shape while keeping the high temperature on the process side, cutting fuel use and protecting the rotating drum. It also shields the shell from physical wear as material tumbles through.
Choosing and Maintaining the Lining
The right refractory depends on the process temperature, atmosphere and the material’s abrasiveness. A pyrolysis kiln running an inert atmosphere and a lime kiln running flat-out call for different materials. Because the lining expands and contracts with temperature and can crack or spall, it is inspected and repaired as part of routine maintenance, since a failing lining is the fastest route to a damaged shell and an unplanned shutdown.
Learn More:
Line It Right, Run It Long
Klean Industries supplies rotary-kiln systems with refractory engineered to the process, protecting the drum and holding efficiency.
You can return to the main Market News page, or press the Back button on your browser.
