Uniform heat treatment of particulate material of a nonuniform gradation in a vertical kiln or retort is effected by regulating either the flow of particulate material from the outlet of the kiln or the heat input to the kiln in response to differential pressure changes between fluid, such as combustion-supporting fluid and process gas flowing into and from the burning or calcining zone, to result in a balance between particulate mass flow and heat input, and a substantially uniformly heat-treated product.
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