A model that describes the heat transfer processes within a rotary desorber is presented. This model has several advantages over previous models. The method for calculating the wall-to-bed heat transfer rate includes the effects of moisture in the feed solids and allows for evaporation from the bed before the bulk bed temperature reaches the saturation temperature of the moisture. The method for calculating radiative heat transfer in the desorber accounts for the real nature of the participating gas and the amounts of CO2 and H2O in the gas phase from both combustion and evaporation. Results from experiments performed using a pilot-scale desorber are discussed, and the model is validated by comparing the predicted bed temperature profiles and evaporation rates to those found experimentally. A preliminary attempt to account for the effects of a non-uniform bed on the evaporation rate from the bed is also presented along with several parametric studies.