Refurbished Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

For most facilities, a new thermal oxidizer is the smarter long-term investment. While a refurbished unit may seem like a cost savings upfront, hidden damage, obsolete controls, and retrofit expenses can quickly erase that advantage — leaving you with equipment that may not even meet your current air permit requirements. A new oxidizer is built to your exact process, comes fully warranted, and is compliant with today's codes from day one.

• Lower total cost of ownership: No surprise retrofit, re-insulation, or controls upgrade costs eating into your "savings"

• Built for your application — New equipment is engineered to match your specific process, flow rates, and compounds, eliminating compatibility risks

• Full warranty & compliance — Backed by a manufacturer's performance guarantee and meets current NFPA 86 and FM Global standards out of the box

Benefits of Refurbished or Used Oxidizers

• Cost Savings: The most common perceived benefit of buying pre-owned equipment is the up front, equipment cost savings compared to purchasing a new RTO.
• Shorter Lead Time: While new equipment requires fabrication time, refurbished, used, or pre-owned oxidizers may be available with shorter lead time depending on their current condition.

Challenges & Risks with Refurbished or Used Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO)

• Hidden Interior Damage: RTOs and Thermal oxidizers operate at extreme temperatures (1,400°F to 1,800°F ).  The ceramic insulation can have internal cracks or corrosion that aren't visible from the outside.
• Obsolete Controls: Industrial electronics age faster than the steel shells.  You many find that the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or burner management system uses parts that are no longer manufactured or supported.  Depending on how long the oxidizer was idle and not operating, reused electronic components such as actuators, controllers, transmitters, motors, VFDs can experience an increased failure rate.  It is important to understand control cabinets were stored, were they outside subject to the extreme temperatures or moisture due to a lack of AC or heating. 
• Code Compliance: Older oxidizers may not be NFPA 86 or FM Global compliant. 
• Process Compatibility Issues: A oxidizer designed to destroy paint fumes might not handle silicone vapors or chlorinated compounds correctly.  If the previous application does not match yours, the metallurgy or design could present reliability or performance issues. 
• Thermal Efficiency:  Older oxidizers may be designed with older less fuel efficient burners, gas trains, or heat exchangers, potentially leading to increased operating costs or higher emissions. 
• Hidden Retrofit Costs:  By the time you pay for a professional dismantling, shipping, re-insulation, and integrating it into your facility's ductwork, the "bargain price" can climb significantly.
• Warranty Gaps: Most used equipment is sold "as-is" or with very limited, short duration warranties.  Unlike with a new oxidizer, the Buyer may not have a manufacturer's performance guarantee if the oxidizer does not meet its emissions destruction guarantees, or testing requirements.  Mechanical failures are also likely to not be warranted. 

It is essential to be diligent when purchasing pre-owned regenerative thermal oxidizers to ensure quality, reliability, and compatibility with operational requirements.  A reliable, properly functioning oxidizer is necessary for many companies to operate  their processing equipment in compliance with their air permit.   Choosing the right oxidizer is a critical decision.