VOC Abatement Retrofit & Refurbish Services

DEC.RFT™ | DEC.RFB™

DEC • Dynamic Environmental Corporation helps industrial operators modernize existing Air Pollution Control (APC) assets without automatically replacing equipment that still has strategic value. DEC.RFT™ | Retrofit adds new technology, functions or performance capabilities to existing VOC abatement equipment, while DEC.RFB™ | Refurbish restores equipment and critical components to dependable operating condition.

DEC applies these services to existing DEC.SRU™ Solvent Recovery Units, DEC.XTO™ Thermal Oxidizers and compatible VOC emission control systems, including installations originally supplied by DEC or by another vendor. The objective is practical and business-focused: improve asset performance, reliability, safety, energy efficiency and regulatory readiness while making the most of an existing plant footprint.

Engineering first. Performance driven. Built for the next operating cycle. DEC combines process engineering, mechanical expertise, automation, service capability and APC know-how to turn ageing VOC control equipment into a stronger industrial asset.

Read the DEC APC Retrofit & Revamping Engineering Guide →

DEC.RFT™ Retrofit vs DEC.RFB™ Refurbish

Retrofit and refurbish address different engineering objectives. A site assessment may identify one service as the best option, or combine both in a staged revamping program.

DEC.RFT™ | Retrofit: modernize and upgrade

Retrofit introduces new technology, components, controls or functions that were not part of the original installation. The purpose is to improve the capability of the existing system and align it with changed production conditions, efficiency targets, safety requirements or environmental expectations.

Upgrade automation, instrumentation and control architecture.
Improve energy performance with higher-efficiency components and energy recovery solutions where technically applicable.
Adapt equipment to changed process streams, operating conditions or production requirements.
Implement compliance-oriented upgrades where the existing architecture can be technically and economically adapted.
Integrate new DEC technologies into legacy VOC abatement installations following an engineering assessment.

DEC.RFB™ | Refurbish: restore and renew

Refurbish focuses on restoring existing equipment and components to reliable operating condition. The scope can include worn, damaged or life-expired components while retaining the core process architecture when that remains technically sound.

Restore or replace critical mechanical and process components.
Renew RTO media and internal components where required.
Inspect and restore SRU adsorber and regeneration-system components.
Repair fans, valves, heat exchangers, ductwork and other selected equipment as identified by the assessment.
Support recommissioning of dormant or underperforming VOC abatement equipment.

When Does a VOC Abatement System Need Revamping?

Industrial APC equipment can remain valuable long after its original commissioning when its process architecture and mechanical condition are still suitable. A retrofit or refurbish assessment is particularly relevant when the plant is experiencing one or more of the following conditions:

Increasing energy or utility consumption.
Declining VOC removal, solvent recovery or thermal performance.
Frequent failures, unplanned shutdowns or difficult-to-source components.
Obsolete automation, instrumentation or control systems.
Changed production capacity, solvent loading or process conditions.
New or more demanding environmental performance requirements.
Need for improved operator safety, diagnostics or maintainability.
Need to extend the useful operating life of a major APC asset without replacing the entire installation.

DEC Retrofit & Refurbish Engineering Scope

VOC abatement system assessment

DEC begins with the existing installation. The engineering review can consider process data, operating history, equipment condition, controls, emissions performance, energy consumption, maintenance records and future production requirements. The resulting assessment supports a technically grounded decision between refurbish, retrofit, revamp or replacement.

Solvent Recovery Unit retrofit and refurbishment

For DEC.SRU™ and compatible solvent recovery systems, the scope may include adsorber and activated-carbon bed work, regeneration circuit improvements, fans, valves, heat exchangers, instrumentation, automation, safety functions and process optimization. Where appropriate, DEC can also evaluate upgrades toward more efficient regeneration and recovery configurations.

Related DEC solvent recovery technologies include DEC.SRU_RSG™, DEC.SRU_RSV™, DEC.SRU_RTV™ and DEC.SRU_RSC™.

Thermal Oxidizer retrofit and refurbishment

For DEC.XTO™ and compatible thermal oxidizers, revamping can focus on combustion performance, heat recovery, refractory and internal condition, burners, dampers, valves, instrumentation, controls and other critical equipment. Depending on the configuration, the scope can support direct thermal, regenerative or catalytic oxidation technologies.

Automation and control modernization

Legacy automation can become a performance and support constraint even when the core process equipment remains serviceable. DEC can coordinate automation and control upgrades as part of a broader retrofit strategy, helping improve diagnostics, operating visibility, control stability and maintainability.

Energy and performance improvement

Where the existing equipment is suitable, retrofit engineering can target energy consumption and operating performance through upgraded components, control strategies and energy recovery measures. DEC also provides DEC.ERS™ Energy Recovery Solutions as part of its wider technology portfolio.

Retrofit, Refurbish or Replace?

The right answer depends on the condition and strategic value of the existing asset. DEC does not treat retrofit as a default alternative to replacement. The engineering decision should balance technical feasibility, process requirements, asset condition, expected operating life, investment, downtime and future production plans.

Retrofit or refurbish is often attractive when

The main equipment structure remains sound.
The process capacity remains appropriate or can be upgraded.
Critical components can be restored or replaced.
Modern controls or efficiency improvements can materially improve performance.
The plant benefits from retaining the existing footprint and infrastructure.

Replacement may be preferable when

Major structural degradation makes restoration impractical.
The existing process architecture cannot meet future flow, loading or performance requirements.
Obsolete technology cannot be economically upgraded.
Required changes would approach the cost or complexity of a new system.
The production strategy requires a fundamentally different APC configuration.

Why Choose DEC for APC Retrofit & Revamping?

DEC brings its own technology portfolio, engineering discipline and service organization to the revamping challenge. The result is not simply component replacement. It is a structured approach to recovering performance from existing industrial assets and preparing them for the next phase of operation.

100+ Years of Industrial Technology Heritage

DEC's technology heritage traces back to the early development of activated-carbon solvent recovery systems in the 1920s, while DEC itself is rooted in Milan, Italy, in 1946. That technology lineage gives today's engineering teams a long industrial perspective: understand the original design intent, identify what has changed, and engineer the most effective path forward.

DEC takes pride in carrying that heritage into today's APC market through proprietary technologies, engineering know-how and a determined focus on measurable industrial performance. Explore DEC's technology heritage and milestones →

One DEC Group, connected engineering and service capabilities

Retrofit projects often cross mechanical, process, electrical, automation and maintenance disciplines. DEC can coordinate these capabilities through its Group structure, with DEC SERVICE focused on after-sales support, maintenance, diagnostics, optimization, upgrades and retrofitting, and DEC ENGINEERING providing EPC and EPCI engineering and project execution capabilities.

Support across the equipment lifecycle

DEC's wider TSS™ Technical Support Services portfolio connects retrofit with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, training and lifecycle support.

From Assessment to Revamped Operation

Assess • review the existing APC equipment, operating data, process conditions and performance requirements.
Define • identify the retrofit, refurbish, optimization or replacement strategy.
Engineer • develop the technical scope, equipment modifications, controls and implementation plan.
Execute • coordinate workshop work, site activities, installation, commissioning and start-up as required.
Support • continue with maintenance, diagnostics, spare parts and lifecycle technical support.

Start with the DEC APC Retrofit & Revamping Engineering Guide

For a structured technical introduction to the subject, consult the DEC APC Retrofit & Revamping Engineering Guide. It provides a dedicated reference point for evaluating the engineering logic behind extending, upgrading and revamping existing APC assets.

Frequently Asked Questions • VOC Abatement Retrofit & Refurbish

What is DEC.RFT™?

DEC.RFT™ is DEC's Retrofit service for existing VOC abatement equipment. It adds new technology, components, controls or functions to improve the capability, efficiency, reliability or compliance performance of an existing installation.

What is DEC.RFB™?

DEC.RFB™ is DEC's Refurbish service. It focuses on restoring an existing VOC abatement system or selected components to dependable operating condition while retaining the core process architecture when technically appropriate.

Can DEC retrofit a VOC abatement system supplied by another vendor?

Yes. DEC.RFT™ and DEC.RFB™ can be applied to existing VOC abatement installations regardless of whether the original equipment was supplied by DEC or another vendor, subject to technical assessment and feasibility.

Which VOC abatement systems can DEC retrofit or refurbish?

DEC's retrofit and refurbish services can address Solvent Recovery Units, Thermal Oxidizers and related VOC emission control equipment. The scope is defined after reviewing the existing system, process conditions, equipment condition and required performance.

When should a plant consider a retrofit instead of replacement?

Retrofit can be attractive when the existing equipment is structurally sound and its architecture can be upgraded to meet current or future process, efficiency, safety or environmental requirements. A DEC engineering assessment helps determine whether retrofit is technically and economically appropriate.

Can refurbishment and retrofit be combined?

Yes. A project can combine restoration of worn components with selected technology upgrades. This staged approach can be appropriate when the plant needs both asset renewal and improved performance.

Can DEC upgrade obsolete automation and controls?

Automation and control modernization can be included in a retrofit strategy where technically appropriate. The objective is to improve control, diagnostics, operating visibility and maintainability while integrating the upgraded controls with the existing APC process.

Can DEC retrofit a Solvent Recovery Unit?

Yes. DEC can assess SRU process and mechanical equipment, adsorber and regeneration components, heat recovery, instrumentation and automation, with the retrofit scope defined according to the existing installation and target performance.

Can DEC refurbish a Thermal Oxidizer?

Yes. Refurbishment can address selected thermal oxidizer components and operating systems, subject to condition assessment. Depending on the configuration, the scope may include media, refractory or internal components, burners, valves, dampers, heat recovery and controls.

Does DEC provide retrofit engineering and site services?

DEC can coordinate engineering and technical service activities for retrofit and refurbishment projects. DEC SERVICE is the Group business unit dedicated to lifecycle technical support, maintenance, diagnostics, upgrades and retrofitting.

How does DEC determine whether to retrofit, refurbish or replace?

DEC evaluates the condition and configuration of the existing asset together with process requirements, capacity, performance, energy use, safety, compliance needs, expected operating life, implementation constraints and investment considerations. The outcome is an engineering recommendation rather than a one-size-fits-all decision.

Where can I find DEC's engineering guidance on APC retrofit and revamping?

The dedicated DEC APC Retrofit & Revamping Engineering Guide provides a focused technical reference for the subject.

Contact DEC

Ready to evaluate an ageing VOC abatement asset? Contact DEC to discuss the equipment, process conditions and performance objectives. DEC can help define whether the right path is DEC.RFT™ Retrofit, DEC.RFB™ Refurbish, optimization, maintenance or a new APC system.

Contact DEC Technical Sales & Applications Engineering → Find DEC global locations →

DEC.RFT™ | DEC.RFB™ • retrofit, refurbish and revamping services for industrial VOC emission control assets.