Abstract: The feed end dam of a rotary kiln is cooled by air directed into an annulus between the feed end dam and a seal mechanism.

Abstract: A slide valve for use in a high temperature gas line is described. The valve is constructed to allow field assembly and disassembly for ease of service, and has insulating means and gas purge means for maintaining the exterior of the valve housing at a low temperature. The valve includes a slide plate which can be provided with a flow opening in either a first location such that the slide plate is in tension when the valve is closed while hot or in a second location such that the slide plate is in tension when the valve is opened while hot.

Abstract: Combustion gas such as air, oxygen-enriched air or oxygen is introduced at an intermediate level in a vertical shaft kiln for the calcining of petroleum coke using a plurality of radially disposed combustion gas injectors. The injectors include means for circulating coolant around the periphery of the injector so that common metals may be used in the high temperature (above 2000.degree. F.) environment of the shaft kiln.

Abstract: Combustion gas such as air, oxygen-enriched air or oxygen is introduced to a calcining zone at an intermediate level in a vertical shaft kiln for the calcining of petroleum coke utilizing a plurality of radially disposed combustion gas injectors and at least one vertically disposed injector located within the shaft kiln and extending into the calcining zone. The injector includes means for circulating coolant around the periphery of the injector so that common metals may be used in the high temperature (above 2000.degree. F.) environment of the shaft kiln. The vertical combustion gas injector may extend from the top of the calcining chamber to the calcining zone or from the bottom of the calcining chamber to the calcining zone. When the vertical combustion gas injector extends vertically upwardly from the bottom of the calcining chamber, means for introducing recycle gas to the calcining chamber may be incorporated into the vertical combustion gas injector.

Abstract: A vertically disposed gas distributor for injection of combustion air into a shaft kiln. The air distributor extends from the upper portion of the shaft kiln to an intermediate combustion zone, and includes at least one cooling water inlet line and at least one cooling water return line. The cooling water inlet and return lines extend along and adjacent to the outer surface of a central gas conduit. The distributor includes an insulation layer covering the central gas conduit and the cooling water inlet and return lines, and includes a baffle member which directs cooling water from the cooling water inlet line around the outlet end of the gas conduit and to the cooling water return line.