There's lots of aging combustion equipment still in use in the United States, and end-users are planning some upgrading.

After conducting an April e-mail survey of its subscribers, Process Heating found that nearly 11 percent of the respondents using ovens, dryers and other combustion equipment are operating systems that are at least 26 years old, while 5 percent report equipment between 21 and 25 years old. In addition, another 12 percent say their combustion equipments' age lies between 16 and 20 years. Yet another 17.5 percent describe their units as being 11 to 15 years old.

With plenty of older equipment still in use, changing over to new systems or rebuilding old ones is on the rise. Approximately 42 percent of respondents report they plan to buy new combustions equipment and 40 percent plan to rebuild existing systems.

End-users say they are replacing or rebuilding for specific reasons, with 62.5 percent wanting to be more fuel-efficient. With the high cost of energy, companies may be looking for ways to cut costs, yet they also want to produce better quality products, and newer technology will allow them to do so. More than half the respondents said that improved products are one of the reasons for upgrading or rebuilding their combustion systems.

Combustion Equipment Is Aging
11.7% 0-3 Years
15.8% 4-6 Years
27.5% 7-10 Years
17.5% 11-15 Years
11.7% 16-20 Years
5% 21-25 Years
10.8% 26+ Years
Source: Process Heating, E-Mail Survey of Combustion Equipment End-Users, April 2005
br> Manufacturers using old combustion equipment could benefit from an upgrade or replacement to save on energy costs and improve the quality of their products.

Do End-Users Plan to Buy New Equipment?
42.4% Yes
32.4% No
25.2% Unsure
Source: Process Heating, E-Mail Survey of Combustion Equipment End-Users, April 2005

New equipment is one way to bring new combustion technology to plants using combustion systems.


Do End-Users Plan to Upgrade Existing Equipment?
39.8% Yes
35.3% No
24.8% Unsure
Source: Process Heating, E-Mail Survey of Combustion Equipment End-Users, April 2005

Almost 40 percent of combustion system end-users plan to rebuild all or part of their equipment.