Abstract: A rotating tube heat treatment installation, for example a rotating tubular kiln for the thermal splitting of MgSO.sub.3, or a slag cooler for the separation of salts and aluminum, comprises as the main replaceable component, a rotating tube (1) which is surrounded by a tubular jacket (2) and separated therefrom by a gap. The tubular jacket (2) is linked to the rotating tube (1) by means of a carrier system, and has drive (8) and possible bearing races and bandings (9) mounted externally. The connections (3, 4) for the heat exchange fluid are disposed at its ends, and thermal insulation, in particular light insulation (7), is fitted internally. In this way the rotating tube, which is exposed to corrosion and thermal stresses, is simplified structurally and can be readily replaced.