The rotary kiln for cement is the key equipment for calcination of cement clinker. The working environment inside is extremely harsh, as it has to withstand high temperatures (up to 1600°C), thermal shock, mechanical wear, and chemical erosion (such as cement melt, alkali salts, sulfur-chlorine volatiles, etc.). Therefore, the performance requirements for  refractories working as kiln lining are extremely high. They must possess the properties of high temperature resistance, resistance to thermal shock, resistance to erosion, wear resistance, and good kiln-coating performance.

Generally, different types refractories working at different zone in cement rotary kiln.

The burning zone typically has a working temperature from 1300℃ to 1600℃. Magnesia hercynite brick operates in this zone. It has outstanding thermal shock resistance and anti-spalling properties, can adapt to the temperature fluctuations in the rotary kiln, and can resist the erosion of clinker. They are suitable for modern chromium-free environmental protection requirements. The traditional direct bonded magnesia-chrome brick is gradually being replaced by it.

The working temperature of transition zone is usually between 1000℃ and 1300℃. Magnesia spinel brick usually works at this zone because it has excellent thermal shock resistance and is suitable for areas with frequent temperature changes. Silica mullite brick can also operate at this zone. It is also known as SiC mullite composite brick, or high-alumina SiC brick, or special high-alumina brick. It has excellent wear resistance and thermal shock resistance, and usually operates at  transition zone and decomposition zone.

Inlet zone and outlet zone typically use anti-spalling high-alumina brick, working temperature from 800℃ to 1100℃. Some manufacturers also have different product solutions. The alumina content of anti-spalling high-alumina brick is usually above 70%. They have the characteristics of resisting alkali erosion and wear resistance, and are suitable for areas such as inlet zone and outlet zone that are subject to mechanical impact and alkali erosion. Steel fiber reinforced refractory castable is also used at inlet and outlet zones with complex shapes. It can also effectively resist thermal shock and spalling.

The preheating zone, decomposition furnace and kiln hood, which are the low-temperature zone, are usually below 1000℃. High-strength alkali-resistant brick and alkali-resistance castable are usually working at these zones.

The insulation layer usually employs insulating bricks, calcium silicate boards and ceramic fiber products to reduce the heat loss of the kiln shell.