Pillard

Pillard refers to a specific type of industrial furnace used for high-temperature processing, particularly in the cement industry. It is characterized by its large, cylindrical rotating shell, which is lined with refractory materials. The shell is slightly inclined, and the material to be processed, such as raw meal for cement clinker production, is fed into the higher end. As the shell rotates, the material tumbles and moves slowly down towards the lower, hotter end. Heat is introduced at the lower end and travels counter-current to the material flow.

The term "pillard" is often associated with the company F.L. Smidth, a Danish engineering company that has been a major supplier of these kilns for decades. These kilns are crucial for the calcination and clinkering processes in cement manufacturing, requiring precise control of temperature, residence time, and atmosphere to achieve the desired chemical reactions and material properties. The rotation of the kiln ensures good mixing and heat transfer, leading to efficient processing. Various designs and configurations of pillard kilns exist, adapted to different production capacities and specific process requirements.