Vertical Shaft Kiln
A compact, vertical-shaft kiln engineered for low-investment cement and lime clinker production. With power from 22 to 55 kW and capacities of 60 to 400 tonnes per hour, the shaft kiln offers simple operation, low capital cost, and reliable performance for small to medium cement plants.
Product Overview
The shaft kiln, also known as a vertical shaft kiln (VSK), is a stationary, vertical furnace in which raw material and fuel are charged from the top and descend counter-current to rising combustion gases. Unlike the rotating rotary kiln, the shaft kiln relies on gravity to move material downward through successive thermal zones — preheating, calcination/sintering, and cooling — all within a single vertical cylinder.
Shaft kilns are widely used in small to medium cement plants, lime production, and industrial mineral calcination where the high capital cost and complexity of a full rotary kiln line are not justified. LIMING Machinery manufactures mechanical and computer-controlled shaft kilns with optimized air distribution, uniform discharge, and improved fuel efficiency — making them a cost-effective choice for emerging markets and specialized calcination applications.
With a compact footprint, lower power consumption (22–55 kW), and simplified maintenance, the shaft kiln remains a viable and economical clinker-production solution — particularly where local market demand does not require the massive output of a rotary kiln.
Classification
Shaft kilns are classified by their charging and discharge mechanism, and by the movement of material through the kiln.
A mechanized VSK with a rotating discharge grate and screw feeder. Provides more uniform material distribution and combustion than older hand-fed kilns, with higher output and better clinker quality.
An upgraded mechanical VSK with automated batch charging, volumetric feed control, and PLC-based combustion management. Delivers stable quality, lower energy consumption, and reduced labor requirements.
A vertical shaft kiln specifically designed for calcining limestone into quicklime. Features parallel-flow or regenerative designs for high-purity lime with low fuel consumption — used in steel, chemical, and environmental industries.
A two-shaft regenerative kiln where combustion gases alternate between chambers, preheating the stone charge. Achieves the highest thermal efficiency of any lime kiln design, with low CO₂ and minimal fuel use.
Key Benefits
Engineered for economical, straightforward, and reliable clinker and lime production at smaller scales.
Far lower capital cost than a rotary kiln line of equivalent output. Compact civil works, no large support structure, and minimal auxiliary equipment make it the most economical entry-level clinker production solution.
Fewer moving parts, straightforward charging and discharge mechanisms, and intuitive manual or PLC control. Easy to start, stop, and adjust — ideal for plants with limited technical staffing.
Gravity-driven material flow eliminates the large drive motors of a rotary kiln. Total installed power of just 22–55 kW keeps operating costs low, even for continuous duty.
The vertical design occupies a small ground area, fitting easily on constrained sites. A complete shaft-kiln cement line can be built on a fraction of the land required for a rotary kiln plant.
Technical Data
Select a model based on your required hourly output and material type. LIMING can also customize kiln dimensions for specific applications.
| Model | Effective Diameter (m) | Effective Height (m) | Capacity (t/h) | Power (kW) | Discharge Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSK-φ2.0 | 2.0 | 8 | 60-90 | 22 | Mechanical grate |
| VSK-φ2.2 | 2.2 | 8.5 | 90-120 | 30 | Mechanical grate |
| VSK-φ2.5 | 2.5 | 10 | 120-180 | 37 | Mechanical grate |
| VSK-φ2.8 | 2.8 | 10 | 180-240 | 45 | Screw conveyor |
| VSK-φ3.0 | 3.0 | 10 | 240-300 | 45 | Screw conveyor |
| VSK-φ3.2 | 3.2 | 11 | 300-360 | 55 | Screw conveyor |
| VSK-φ3.4 | 3.4 | 11 | 360-400 | 55 | Screw conveyor |
* Specifications are for reference only. Actual capacity depends on material properties, fuel, and operating conditions. Contact LIMING for model selection.
How It Works
The shaft kiln operates on the principle of counter-current vertical heat exchange. Raw material descends through the vertical cylinder while combustion gases rise upward, transferring heat to the charge. The process unfolds across three distinct vertical zones:
Frequently Asked Questions