How do you protect refractory channels and surfaces?

With graphited coatings such as GRAFOTERM and GRAFICOAT that reduce slag/metal sticking, provide dry lubrication, and limit oxidation on rotary kiln tracks and refractory channels.

Why is track lubrication critical?

Because the whole weight of the kiln is transmitted through a few rolling contacts. Wear on those surfaces is not fixed in a short stop, so maintaining the lubricating film has a direct effect on plant availability.

Is it applied with the kiln running?

That is the usual practice, with the equipment and safety procedures the zone requires. Rotation distributes the product over the whole rolling surface.

Does it solve wear caused by misalignment?

No. If the kiln is misaligned, load concentrates and wear continues even with lubrication. Alignment should be verified before blaming the lubricant.

Graphite lubrication on a rotary kiln riding ring / roller track

Lubrication applications

Rotary kiln track lubrication

Direct contact or drip lubrication to minimize friction and wear on rotating rails and tracks.

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High-temperature rolling contact lubrication

Also known as: Graphite lubricant for rotary kiln tracks · Tyre and roller lubrication for kilns · Riding ring lubricant · Graphite for cement rotary kilns

[ Technical summary ]

A rotary kiln carries its whole weight on a few rolling contacts between the riding ring and the support rollers, surfaces that run hot from the proximity of the kiln. There the load is very high and oil carbonizes or is squeezed out of the contact. A graphite lubricant leaves a solid film that stays under that load and at that temperature, reducing wear on surfaces whose repair means a prolonged plant shutdown.

[ Problem it solves ]

Sustain a lubricating film in a heavily loaded, hot rolling contact, where oil carbonizes or is squeezed out and wear forces prolonged shutdowns.

Processes

Rotary furnaces
Track lubrication

Operating conditions

High temperature

When it is suitable

Track and rollers run hot and heavily loaded
The current lubricant carbonizes or is squeezed out of the contact
Wear or marking is seen on the rolling surface
Application can be done with the kiln running

When it may not be suitable

Wear comes from kiln misalignment rather than lubrication
Application cannot be performed with the safety the zone requires
The surface tolerates no black residue and there will be no cleaning stage

Process challenges

Oil carbonization
Track wear
Stoppages from friction

Advantages

Thermal stability
Dry lubrication
Reduces seizing

Limitations

Not a hydrodynamic oil lubricant
May stain light-colored surfaces
Performance depends on surface preparation and reapplication

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Load and its distributionDecisive
Operating temperatureDecisive
Application methodDecisive
Reapplication frequencyRelevant
Alignment and mounting stiffnessRelevant
Rotational speedRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Lubricating film formation
Friction coefficient
Thermal stability
Self-lubrication

Secondary properties

Compressive strength
Wear resistance

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

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