Optimus Solutions: Combustion Center
Combustion and burner parts haven’t always been a focus for Optimus Solutions. Committed to knowing and understanding the “Science Behind the Process,” Optimus’ primary emphasis has been on engineering studies that serve the customer by improving performance through process optimization. Optimus assesses a mechanical need during their studies and Industrial Kiln & Dryer Group (IKD), their sister company, rounds out the work by stepping in to help deliver a solution to the customer. However, lack of interest and response from original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and Optimus’ keen understanding of combustion systems took them on an unexpected journey that led to the development of a comprehensive source for ALL brands of burner parts for combustion systems.
Service and parts for burners and combustion systems have always been a sticking point in maintenance programs for companies with rotary processing equipment. According to Tom Zhang, PE, Lead Engineer at Optimus Solutions, customers have long expressed frustration with OEM suppliers skirting requests for maintenance and avoiding calls or not returning calls related to ongoing maintenance. As the supply chain chaos worsened, this disappointment only continued to ramp up for rotary end users. The complexity of combustion systems, the scarcity of burner parts, and the research needed to acquire them opened the eyes of the team at Optimus to the possibility of doing more for their customers. What was once not an emphasis for Optimus drove their attention when they realized that they could serve the customer better by taking control of both parts supply and service.
Kevin Pilsen, Burner Technician at Optimus and now in charge of the parts supply, said the process of sourcing for combustion systems is leading to a more streamlined, efficient, and satisfactory experience for rotary end users who have grown accustomed to being ignored by their OEM. “Because I’ve been working with combustion systems for years now, I’ve always assisted in finding burner parts when needed, but this transition will bring it to the forefront of Optimus’ services.” When it comes to hunting down all the possible sources, especially in the age of shortages, Pilsen said Optimus will have a leg up here too. “My industry contacts are strong. One can run up against a wall contacting a manufacturer of burner parts when the main point of contact there has left. Through my networking in this niche specialty, I usually know where that contact has gone, and I can track them down.” Besides having a good network, Pilsen says he’s building relationships with new contacts as well, usually reaching out to three or four contacts per request for parts. In terms of lead time, Pilsen said those timelines continue to remain tight. “For major parts, we’re seeing up to 50 weeks. Smaller parts I can get within a week or so.” When asked if he has had success modifying parts when he can’t find exactly what he needs, he said he laughed a little. “That’s really nothing new. I’ve been modifying parts for years to make them work for the customer.”
It’s not just that Optimus can find the parts. It’s also that they can find alternatives that may be more economical or have a shorter lead time. “I’m working with another Optimus engineer to build up our knowledge base for burners and combustion systems. Knowing these systems inside and out and now sharing that knowledge with another Optimus team member allows us to create a process for finding the most cost-effective solutions for the customer with an emphasis on longevity.”
When Zhang and Pilsen were asked what they hoped for with Optimus taking over the procurement development, Zhang said he was excited to establish a robust system in place to source. It would be easy in this time and place to blame not being able to help a customer on supply chain issues, but as the global demand for nearly everything continues to grow, Optimus won’t be taking that route. Through industry knowledge, patience, and grit Optimus will serve customers that have gotten used to being on the back burner into sharp focus.
