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Kiln Formula

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
5 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~55 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Kiln Formula — solve for solids retention time — Kiln Formula

rotary kiln formula used to compute solids retention time Given kiln length (L) = 38.5000 m; rotational speed (N) = 1.6000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 4.0000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0430, determine the solids retention time (t) in min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=38.5000mkiln length (L) = 38.5000 m
  • rotationalspeed(N)=1.6000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 1.6000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=4.0000mkiln diameter (D) = 4.0000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0430kiln slope (S) = 0.0430

Find

solids retention time (t), in min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19L}{NDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 38.5000 m, rotational speed (N) = 1.6000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 4.0000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0430.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=0.1938.5000ND0.0430t = \dfrac{0.1938.5000}{ND0.0430}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=26.5807 mint = 26.5807\ \text{min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 26.5807 min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=26.5807 mint = 26.5807\ \text{min}

Why the other options are there

  • 53.1613 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 13.2903 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 29.2387 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 2
Kiln Formula — solve for kiln length — Kiln Formula (2)

kiln formula applied to a hazardous waste rotary kiln incinerator Given rotational speed (N) = 2.8000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 3.8000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0530; solids retention time (t) = 109.8 min, determine the kiln length (L) in m.

Given

  • rotationalspeed(N)=2.8000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 2.8000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=3.8000mkiln diameter (D) = 3.8000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0530kiln slope (S) = 0.0530
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=109.8min⁡solids retention time (t) = 109.8 \min

Find

kiln length (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=tNDS0.19L = \dfrac{tNDS}{0.19}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: rotational speed (N) = 2.8000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 3.8000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0530, solids retention time (t) = 109.8 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=tND0.05300.19L = \dfrac{tND0.0530}{0.19}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=325.9 mL = 325.9\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 325.9 m to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=325.9 mL = 325.9\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 651.8 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 162.9 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 358.5 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 3
Kiln Formula — solve for rotational speed — Kiln Formula (3)

kiln retention time formula for cement kiln design Given kiln length (L) = 59.0000 m; kiln diameter (D) = 3.7000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0350; solids retention time (t) = 113.0 min, determine the rotational speed (N) in rev/min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=59.0000mkiln length (L) = 59.0000 m
  • kilndiameter(D)=3.7000mkiln diameter (D) = 3.7000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0350kiln slope (S) = 0.0350
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=113.0min⁡solids retention time (t) = 113.0 \min

Find

rotational speed (N), in rev/min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except N is given, so isolate N symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for N:

    N=0.19LtDSN = \dfrac{0.19L}{tDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 59.0000 m, kiln diameter (D) = 3.7000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0350, solids retention time (t) = 113.0 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    N=0.1959.0000tD0.0350N = \dfrac{0.1959.0000}{tD0.0350}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    N=0.7661 rev/minN = 0.7661\ \text{rev/min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning N = 0.7661 rev/min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
N=0.7661 rev/minN = 0.7661\ \text{rev/min}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.5321 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.3830 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.8427 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 4
Kiln Formula — solve for solids retention time (case 2) — Kiln Formula (4)

rotary kiln formula used to compute solids retention time Given kiln length (L) = 54.0000 m; rotational speed (N) = 1.7000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0330, determine the solids retention time (t) in min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=54.0000mkiln length (L) = 54.0000 m
  • rotationalspeed(N)=1.7000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 1.7000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=1.5000mkiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0330kiln slope (S) = 0.0330

Find

solids retention time (t), in min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19L}{NDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 54.0000 m, rotational speed (N) = 1.7000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0330.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=0.1954.0000ND0.0330t = \dfrac{0.1954.0000}{ND0.0330}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=121.9 mint = 121.9\ \text{min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 121.9 min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=121.9 mint = 121.9\ \text{min}

Why the other options are there

  • 243.9 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 60.9626 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 134.1 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 5
Kiln Formula — solve for kiln length (case 2) — Kiln Formula (5)

kiln formula applied to a hazardous waste rotary kiln incinerator Given rotational speed (N) = 1.0000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 1.8000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0210; solids retention time (t) = 105.6 min, determine the kiln length (L) in m.

Given

  • rotationalspeed(N)=1.0000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 1.0000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=1.8000mkiln diameter (D) = 1.8000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0210kiln slope (S) = 0.0210
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=105.6min⁡solids retention time (t) = 105.6 \min

Find

kiln length (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=tNDS0.19L = \dfrac{tNDS}{0.19}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: rotational speed (N) = 1.0000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 1.8000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0210, solids retention time (t) = 105.6 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=tND0.02100.19L = \dfrac{tND0.0210}{0.19}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=21.0088 mL = 21.0088\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 21.0088 m to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=21.0088 mL = 21.0088\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 42.0177 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 10.5044 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 23.1097 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 6
Kiln Formula — solve for rotational speed (case 2) — Kiln Formula (6)

kiln retention time formula for cement kiln design Given kiln length (L) = 50.0000 m; kiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0310; solids retention time (t) = 18.6000 min, determine the rotational speed (N) in rev/min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=50.0000mkiln length (L) = 50.0000 m
  • kilndiameter(D)=1.5000mkiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0310kiln slope (S) = 0.0310
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=18.6000min⁡solids retention time (t) = 18.6000 \min

Find

rotational speed (N), in rev/min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except N is given, so isolate N symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for N:

    N=0.19LtDSN = \dfrac{0.19L}{tDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 50.0000 m, kiln diameter (D) = 1.5000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0310, solids retention time (t) = 18.6000 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    N=0.1950.0000tD0.0310N = \dfrac{0.1950.0000}{tD0.0310}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    N=10.9839 rev/minN = 10.9839\ \text{rev/min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning N = 10.9839 rev/min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
N=10.9839 rev/minN = 10.9839\ \text{rev/min}

Why the other options are there

  • 21.9679 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 5.4920 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 12.0823 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 7
Kiln Formula — solve for solids retention time (case 3) — Kiln Formula (7)

rotary kiln formula used to compute solids retention time Given kiln length (L) = 49.5000 m; rotational speed (N) = 1.8000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 2.4000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0310, determine the solids retention time (t) in min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=49.5000mkiln length (L) = 49.5000 m
  • rotationalspeed(N)=1.8000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 1.8000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=2.4000mkiln diameter (D) = 2.4000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0310kiln slope (S) = 0.0310

Find

solids retention time (t), in min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19L}{NDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 49.5000 m, rotational speed (N) = 1.8000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 2.4000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0310.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=0.1949.5000ND0.0310t = \dfrac{0.1949.5000}{ND0.0310}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=70.2285 mint = 70.2285\ \text{min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 70.2285 min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=70.2285 mint = 70.2285\ \text{min}

Why the other options are there

  • 140.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 35.1142 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 77.2513 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 8
Kiln Formula — solve for kiln length (case 3) — Kiln Formula (8)

kiln formula applied to a hazardous waste rotary kiln incinerator Given rotational speed (N) = 2.6000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 2.1000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0420; solids retention time (t) = 119.4 min, determine the kiln length (L) in m.

Given

  • rotationalspeed(N)=2.6000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 2.6000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=2.1000mkiln diameter (D) = 2.1000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0420kiln slope (S) = 0.0420
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=119.4min⁡solids retention time (t) = 119.4 \min

Find

kiln length (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=tNDS0.19L = \dfrac{tNDS}{0.19}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: rotational speed (N) = 2.6000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 2.1000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0420, solids retention time (t) = 119.4 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=tND0.04200.19L = \dfrac{tND0.0420}{0.19}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=144.1 mL = 144.1\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 144.1 m to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=144.1 mL = 144.1\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 288.2 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 72.0548 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 158.5 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 9
Kiln Formula — solve for rotational speed (case 3) — Kiln Formula (9)

kiln retention time formula for cement kiln design Given kiln length (L) = 52.0000 m; kiln diameter (D) = 1.6000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0540; solids retention time (t) = 87.3000 min, determine the rotational speed (N) in rev/min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=52.0000mkiln length (L) = 52.0000 m
  • kilndiameter(D)=1.6000mkiln diameter (D) = 1.6000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0540kiln slope (S) = 0.0540
  • solidsretentiontime(t)=87.3000min⁡solids retention time (t) = 87.3000 \min

Find

rotational speed (N), in rev/min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except N is given, so isolate N symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for N:

    N=0.19LtDSN = \dfrac{0.19L}{tDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 52.0000 m, kiln diameter (D) = 1.6000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0540, solids retention time (t) = 87.3000 min.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    N=0.1952.0000tD0.0540N = \dfrac{0.1952.0000}{tD0.0540}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    N=1.3099 rev/minN = 1.3099\ \text{rev/min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning N = 1.3099 rev/min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
N=1.3099 rev/minN = 1.3099\ \text{rev/min}

Why the other options are there

  • 2.6197 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.6549 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.4409 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

Example 10
Kiln Formula — solve for solids retention time (case 4) — Kiln Formula (10)

rotary kiln formula used to compute solids retention time Given kiln length (L) = 17.0000 m; rotational speed (N) = 2.7000 rev/min; kiln diameter (D) = 2.7000 m; kiln slope (S) = 0.0210, determine the solids retention time (t) in min.

Given

  • kilnlength(L)=17.0000mkiln length (L) = 17.0000 m
  • rotationalspeed(N)=2.7000rev/min⁡rotational speed (N) = 2.7000 rev/\min
  • kilndiameter(D)=2.7000mkiln diameter (D) = 2.7000 m
  • kilnslope(S)=0.0210kiln slope (S) = 0.0210

Find

solids retention time (t), in min

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Kiln Formula.
  • Everything except t is given, so isolate t symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The rotary kiln formula relates solids retention time in a kiln to kiln length, diameter, speed, and slope.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for t:

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19L}{NDS}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: kiln length (L) = 17.0000 m, rotational speed (N) = 2.7000 rev/min, kiln diameter (D) = 2.7000 m, kiln slope (S) = 0.0210.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    t=0.1917.0000ND0.0210t = \dfrac{0.1917.0000}{ND0.0210}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    t=21.0987 mint = 21.0987\ \text{min}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning t = 21.0987 min to

    t=0.19LNDSt = \dfrac{0.19 L}{N D S}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
t=21.0987 mint = 21.0987\ \text{min}

Why the other options are there

  • 42.1974 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 10.5494 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 23.2086 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Kiln Formula (retention time)

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