This paper summarizes more than a decade of systematic studies of the flow field in an iron ore pelletizing rotary kiln using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on simplified models of a real kiln. Physical, laser-based experiments have been performed to validate part of the numerical results. The objective is a better understanding of the kiln aerodynamics and, by extension, its effect on the combustion process. Despite all of the simplifications regarding the models studied in this project, the results show the importance of correctly predicting the flow field in order to optimize the combustion process. Combustion simulations revealed that the heat release from the flame does not affect or change the flow field in any significant way; the flow field, however, governs the flame propagation and affects the combustion process by controlling the mixing rates of fuel and air. Using down-scaled isothermal water models for investigating kiln aerodynamics in general and mixing properties in particular is therefore justified. Although the heat release from the flame cannot be accounted for in isothermal models, valuable implications regarding the real process can still be gained. To better model the actual process numerically, more advanced submodels for both the combustion and especially the flow field are needed. The complex flow field in this type of rotary kiln requires a careful choice of turbulence model to obtain accurate simulation results.