Abstract: A heat resistent seal having a plurality of finger-like members (14) which press against the outer peripheral surface (23) of a rotating cylinder (16). The seal includes several seal sections (10), each comprising a thin spring steel plate (22) having a length in the range of about 30 cm to about 92 cm. Each section has a plurality of finger-like members (14) formed by making cuts (13) of about 5 cm in length along one edge (11) of the section (10). The seal sections are attached to a windbox (17) with the finger-like members (14) pressed against the rotating cylinder (16) of the rotary kiln. The finger-like members (14) of the seal are arranged to press against the outer peripheral surface (23) of the rotating cylinder (16) and apply a substantially even and constant force around the outer peripheral surface (23) of the rotating cylinder (16).