The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) filed a petition requesting that the EPA phase-out the use of R134a in most applications in the U.S. According to the EIA, “HFC-134a has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1430 (making it 1430 times more powerful than CO2 as a greenhouse gas) and represents approximately half of all HFC use in the U.S. Many countries already use or require the use of low-GWP alternatives to HFCs, e.g., an estimated one billion+ refrigerators in the EU and Asia run on hydrocarbons (GWP <25) rather than HFCs. Although hydrocarbons received EPA approval for use in the U.S. in January, no timetable has yet been established to require their use in domestic refrigerators and freezers or retail stand-alone coolers and freezers.”
SOURCE Environmental Investigation Agency Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.
Author: Brad Kivlan
Cregger Company Added to DynaCycle Network
Adding Locations in the Southest…
Cregger Company is a Wholesale Distributor of Plumbing and HVAC Supplies throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia,
Kentucky, and Illinois. Founded in 1978 by Morris Cregger, the company has doubled in size every 5 years and continues to grow rapidly. Cregger Company intends to continue to develop and promote themselves as a leader and pioneer in the Wholesale Industry. Cregger’s philosophies are simple and straightforward… We strive every day to achieve the best possible results for their customers in everything they do.
Global Demand for Flourochemicals to Increase
3.9% Increase Annually Through 2016
Worldwide demand for flourine-containing chemicals is expected to increase 3.9% annually to 3.5 million metric tons in 2016. This information was released by Reportlinker.com and reported on by AZoM.
Growing production of refrigeration and cooling equipment is driving the numbers. HCFC demand will fall through 2016, while HFCs will continue strong growth as a replacement to HCFCs. Forecasts show the largest market growth in the Asia-Pacific region with smaller Africa - Mideast and Eastern European markets showing above-average gains.
This report uncovered several challenges to flouro chemical production. China is a major exporter of fluorospar and has been restricting exports of this key raw material. As those of us in the HVAC/R industry well know, the unstable regulatory environment makes supply and demand a bit unpredictable. There is also a growing market for alternatives to flouro- chemical use in the commercial refrigeration market and blowing agents market.
The full article may be found by clicking Here.
AZoM, July 6, 2012, Cameron Chai
AZoM, July 6, 2012, Cameron Chai
India, China, Brazil Kill HFC Phaseout Discussion
Montreal Protocol Discussions on HFC Stalled
Montreal Protocol negotiations were held in Bangkok on July 26th. One topic of discussion was the phaseout of greenhouse (GHGs), specifically HFCs. India, China and Brazil have reversed their earlier position stated in last month’s Rio+20 Declaration - “We recognize that the phase-out of ozone- depleting substances is resulting in a rapid
increase in the use and release of high global-warming potential hydrofluorocarbons to the environment. We support a gradual phase- down in the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons.”
Brazil, China and India continue to insist that any action to address HFCs be undertaken by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). The UNFCCC is not expected to implement a globalclimate treaty until 2020. Currently, the UNFCCC has no authority over the production and consumption of HFCs or any other greenhouse gas. It is interesting to note that India, China and Brazil have been actively blocking discussions on HFCs at the UNFCCC as well.
Full press release may be found at PR Newswire - http://s.tt/1j3Xt