For many capital projects, the immediate reflex is to commission a new build. This approach, however, often ignores the significant financial and scheduling advantages available in the secondary market. A primary hurdle is that project teams often hesitate, influenced by outdated or misunderstood assumptions about pre-owned industrial assets.

To help decision-makers evaluate all options, we examine the four most common misconceptions surrounding the acquisition of used process equipment.

Myth 1: Used equipment is at the end of its useful life and will fail prematurely

The greatest anxiety is that an asset labeled "used" is synonymous with "worn out." In high-specification industries, this is rarely true.

The Reality: Proven Quality and Low Operational Hours

Industrial equipment manufactured by top Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), such as reactors, high-spec heat exchangers, and pressure vessels; are engineered for extreme longevity, often designed for 20+ years of service.

When these assets enter the secondary market, it is typically due to corporate realignment, site closures, or project cancellations, not technical failure. Consequently, much of the available equipment may have low run hours or werenever even installed. When sourced correctly, these assets represent proven technology with significant remaining service life.

Myth 2: Buying used equipment will ultimately cost more than new due to hidden lifetime expenses

This common belief suggests that any initial CAPEX savings will be wiped out by future maintenance and repair costs.

The Reality: Immediate CAPEX Reduction Drastically Reduces Total Cost of Ownership

The immediate financial gain from acquiring pre-owned equipment is substantial. The initial procurement cost is often50% or more lowerthan commissioning a newly fabricated unit.

Given that these assets are built for exceptional durability, and assuming proper adherence to maintenance schedules (which is required forallindustrial equipment, new or used), the overall total cost of ownership over the equipment's lifetime is often significantly reduced by the initial capital avoidance.

Myth 3: Used Equipment represents old or outdated technology

Engineers may worry that by integrating pre-owned assets, they are compromising their process efficiency or technical capabilities.

The Reality: Reliable, Time-Tested Designs

In industrial processing, core assets are typically closed for strategic or economic reasons, not because the technology is obsolete. The fundamental engineering principles for process equipment such as fluid dynamics in heat exchangers or material properties in vessels, are enduring and robust.

The equipment available frequently have a verified history of reliable performance in demanding, real-world applications. While control systems may be incrementally updated, the core physical components are based on tried-and-true designs that continue to meet current production and quality requirements.

Myth 4: Used equipment may be unsupported by the manufacturer, making spare parts difficult to source

The fear here is that a company will be left with an asset that cannot be maintained due to lack of OEM support.

The Reality: OEMs have spare parts and provide support for older models

In most cases, the manufacture date is not the primary barrier to long-term support. Major OEMs maintain extensive records and support services for decades. The critical piece of information required to access manuals, replacement parts, and technical assistance. With the knowledge of the serial number, or even just the year and model number, the OEM can provide ongoing support, ensuring the asset can be maintained just as effectively as a newly fabricated one.

Conclusion: Lower CAPEX, Faster Lead-times, Quality Equipment

The secondary equipment market offers a powerful mechanism to accelerate project timelines and maximize capital efficiency. By moving past these common myths and focusing on verifiable facts and documentation, procurement teams can make informed decisions that deliver high-quality, proven assets years sooner than traditional sourcing methods. It is important to discuss with our buyers your concerns and needs, as every piece of equipment has a unique history. Need something sooner than later, or have budget constraints? Contact us, and we will match you with equipment that meets your needs.