WhatsApp：+86 155 1698 1316
WeChat：+86 155 1698 1316
Email：sales@rotarykilnchina.com
Henan Hongke Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd. recently commissioned a Φ3.2×60m zinc oxide (ZnO) rotary kiln production line at a customer site in Tianjin, China. The system is now running. Here's the story.
The Job: Recovering Zinc from Waste
China's steel industry generates millions of tons of zinc-bearing dust every year. Our customer in Tianjin saw an opportunity: recover that zinc and turn it into high-purity zinc oxide—a valuable material used in rubber, paints, ceramics, and electronics.
They needed a reliable, high-capacity kiln system that could handle the Waelz process—the standard method for zinc recovery—and deliver consistent product quality.
What We Supplied
A complete zinc oxide production line built around a Φ3.2×60m rotary kiln.
| Key Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.2 m |
| Length | 60 m |
| Operating temp | Up to 1,100–1,200°C |
| Rotation speed | 0.6–3.48 rpm (variable) |
| Feed | Zinc-bearing waste + carbon reductant |
| Product | Zinc oxide (ZnO) fume |
The system includes:
Feed preparation (crushing, mixing, pelletizing)
Φ3.2×60m rotary kiln with specialized refractory
Oxidation settling chamber
Surface cooling system
Pulse-jet bag filter for ZnO collection
Slag quenching system
PLC controls with zone temperature monitoring
How the Waelz Process Works
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Feed prep | Zinc waste mixed with carbon (coke/anthracite), formed into pellets |
| Reduction | In the kiln at 1,100–1,200°C, carbon turns to CO, which reduces zinc oxide to zinc vapor |
| Oxidation | Zinc vapor re-oxidizes to form fine ZnO particles (white fume) |
| Collection | Fume is cooled, then collected in bag filters |
| Slag | Remaining material is quenched and sold for cement or further processing |
What the Customer Gets
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| High-purity ZnO | Suitable for rubber, paints, ceramics, electronics |
| >95% zinc recovery | Maximizes value from waste |
| 24/7 operation | Continuous production |
| Waste utilization | Turns industrial waste into profit |
| Clean operation | Multi-stage dust collection |
| Lower fuel cost | Optimized design |
Who We Are
Henan Hongke Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd. has been building rotary kilns, rotary dryers, ball mills, and crushers since 2006. We design and build specialized equipment for metal recovery and mineral processing worldwide.
Bottom Line
This Φ3.2×60m kiln is now turning zinc-bearing waste into high-value zinc oxide—with >95% recovery, continuous operation, and clean emissions.
Got zinc recovery or waste-to-value project? Talk to us.
Contact Henan Hongke Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd. – we deliver equipment that works.
Henan Hongke Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd.
Rotary Kilns | Rotary Dryers | Ball Mills | Crushers – Built for Real Work
