Abstract: A burner for pulverized coal such as in a rotary kiln includes three concentric cylindrical ducts. The outer duct carries an air supply which is directed in a generally axial direction into the kiln. The next innermost duct carries the pulverized coal-carrier gas mixture and is also generally directed in an axial direction. The next innermost duct carries air which is directed in a divergent radial direction in the kiln and includes a rotational air component. By controlling the quantities of air in the ducts which flank the coal duct, the resulting flame form can be controlled in the kiln without restoring to variations in the velocity or direction of the coal carrier gas stream. By eliminating such variations in regard to the coal carrier gas stream, the abrasive action of the pulverized coal is kept to a minimum.