Critical RTO Spare Parts Prevent Major Downtime

Critical RTO Spare Parts Prevent Major Downtime
Summary:

An RTO failed during extreme cold, but critical spare parts kept onsite enabled fast repair and avoided costly production downtime. Learn how Kono Kogs helped.

Type of Work:
Aftermarket Services
Type of Equipment:
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)
Process:
Offset Printing

Problem

During a period of extreme winter temperatures, a large printing and packaging manufacturer in the Midwest had their oxidizer suddenly fail. The root cause traced back to the compressed air system supplying the unit’s pneumatic valves and actuators.

Low temperatures compromised the desiccant dryer’s ability to remove moisture from the air stream. As moisture entered the control lines and subsequently froze, critical components could not actuate properly, preventing the oxidizer from functioning properly.

With the oxidizer offline, the facility faced the risk of haltered production, emissions non-compliance, and extended downtime – especially if replacement parts were delayed or on backorder.

Photos: In Progess

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Solution

The customer contacted Kono Kogs for immediate field support. A KKI field service technician mobilized and arrived on site within two days.  

Because the facility maintained a stock of spare parts, including a desiccant dryer, the repair was straightforward. With the oxidizer being cooled prior to the tech arriving on site, the technician was able remove the failed dryer and install the spare unit within a few hours of arrival. System air quality and dew point levels were verified before restarting operations.  

Photos: After

No items found.

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Equipment & Services Provided

  • Critical spare parts (desiccant dryer)
  • Remote troubleshooting support (initial assessment)
  • Onsite field service & repair
  • System verification and restart
Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO)

Results

The oxidizer was able to return to service the same day, limiting total downtime to only one to two days.  

By having a critical spare available and leveraging rapid KKI field support, the customer:

  • Avoided extended outages caused by parts backorders
  • Maintained production schedules
  • Preserved emissions compliance
  • Restored reliable compressed air performance
  • Reduced overall downtime risk during winter conditions

Moisture control issues in compressed air systems are a common cause of winter‑related oxidizer failures. In this case, having a critical spare desiccant dryer available allowed for a fast, cost‑effective recovery—and reinforced the value of a proactive spare parts strategy.

Kono Kogs' rapid field service response helped the facility protect uptime, maintain compliance, and avoid costly extended downtime during the most demanding conditions of the year.