Rotary drum shells form the basis of applications ranging from dryers, kilns, and coolers, to agglomerators, coating drums, and more. As one of the primary and most costly components of the equipment, maintaining the integrity of the shell through regular monitoring and repair is critical …
Rotary drums, used in applications ranging from drying and granulation to thermal processing, are subject to significant mechanical stresses over time. One of the most critical components of a rotary drum maintenance program involves maintaining proper drum alignment and structural integrity of the tire, or …
In rotary kiln engineering, dams are often an overlooked yet critical component in controlling material retention and thermal efficiency. These strategically placed internal structures help engineers fine-tune process performance, making them an essential part of kiln design—particularly when processing solids that require extended retention times …
As industries pursue cleaner operations and greater efficiency, many producers are asking whether their rotary kilns (and in some cases, dryers) should be powered by electricity instead of traditional fuels such as natural gas, oil, or diesel. While electrification offers compelling advantages, it also presents …
Rotary drums are central to countless industrial processes, and whether drying, heating, cooling, or granulating, their performance depends on precise alignment and structural integrity. One often-overlooked, yet critical, rotary drum maintenance task for ensuring both is tire reshimming. A small adjustment with a big impact, …
Rotary kilns are used in a variety of thermal processing applications, and depending on the material being processed and the process objectives, internal components are often employed to improve efficiency. One such component is the bed disturber, widely employed in indirect kilns. While not always …
Rotary kilns are widely used across industries that require precise, high-temperature heating of materials, such as mineral processing, chemical production, and waste management. Understanding the differences between direct and indirect-fired designs is critical for engineers seeking the right equipment for specific thermal processing requirements; while …
Recent advancements have made rotary kiln alignment methods faster and more effective than ever. Misalignment is one of the most common (and most treatable) causes of rotary kiln damage. Alignment touches all components of a rotary kiln, with misalignment promoting wear on all parts. In …
Refractory is specific to direct-fired rotary kilns, insulating and protecting the shell of the drum from high internal temperatures; they also function to maintain heat retention. Many types of refractory exist, with the most common options being brick or castable. Brick is typically used for …
A mass and energy balance, also known as a heat and mass balance (HMB), is a critical step in the rotary kiln design process. Unbeknownst to many, however, it can provide significant value beyond the design process as well, helping buyers to estimate operating costs, …