How long does a catalytic heater last?

In most applications, several years. The catalyst isn’t consumed as part of the chemical reaction — with perfect fuel and a perfect environment, they would last forever. In the real world, the interaction between the catalyst, fuel, and oxygen gets disrupted and eventually starts to degrade.

How frequently they need to be replaced or remanufactured depends on the quality of the fuel and the harshness of the operating conditions. In oil and gas production where conditions are harsh, many operators do this every year. In gas utility applications where operating conditions tend to be more forgiving, we’ve had heaters operate in the field for longer than a decade.

The best way to ensure top performance and a long life for your heater is to make sure it has a clean, dry fuel supply and is protected from the elements. Catco has options for filters and drip pots to help deliver clean fuel to your heater, and we’re always here to answer questions if you’d like to contact us.