Abstract: A mathematical model was established to describe complicated heat and mass transport processes in a 90 m-long alumina clinker rotary kiln. The effects of heat absorption and release induced by sintering on the temperature distribution in the rotary kiln were studied by using the chemical dynamics method. It is suggested that the reaction between alumina and sodium carbonate is an end mark of the clinker sintering reaction. Research results show that the clinker sintering reaction should complete at the place about 85 m away from the kiln head. The reaction rate increases with rising temperature, and increasing the pulverized coal has a greater impact on the pre-heating zone and the calcining zone than on other zones.