| HCFC Phase Out Eliminates Harmful Emissions |
| Written by Daniel Stouffer | |
| Friday, 10 April 2009 | |
|
The hcfc phase out is intended to decrease and eventually eliminate the production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. The government directive impacts facilities in developed countries that fall under the Montreal Protocol or the U.S. Clean Air Act. A schedule has been developed for entities that use commercial refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, industrial process refrigeration appliances, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The hcfc phase out is intended to decrease and eventually eliminate the production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. The government directive impacts facilities in developed countries that fall under the Montreal Protocol or the U.S. Clean Air Act. A schedule has been developed for entities that use commercial refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, industrial process refrigeration appliances, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Under the hcfc phase out, nations around the world are required to meet certain benchmarks towards total eradication of hydrochlorofluorocarbons within a certain time schedule. The phase out began in 2003 and ends in 2030, giving ample time for safer substitutes for hydrochlorofluorocarbons to be developed and implemented. Whilst all types of HCFCs must follow a reduction schedule as set forth by the worldwide protocols, the HCFC phase out has been stepped up a pace in the United States, with a big push towards eradication of the most harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b and HCFC-22. Production or import of HCC-141B has been halted in the United States under the HCFC phase out. By 2010, production and import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will have ended. Some exceptions will be made for equipment which is still in use, as long as it was made prior to January 1, 2010 In the future, under the HCFC phase out, no production or imports of HCFCs will be allowed starting in 2015. An exception will be made for refrigerants used in equipment made prior to January 1, 2020. In the year 2020, production and import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will finish. This schedule means that the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons would be banned in new refrigeration and cooling equipment with only small amounts in existing gear. The goal of the hcfc phase out is to improve the environment by ridding it of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons that are mainly responsible for damaging the ozone layer. The manmade chemicals also carry a high potential for causing global warming, which could cause extensive damage to humans, animals, plant life and marine life. A large number of businesses, particularly those with central air conditioning in their offices or facilities, are affected by the HCFC phase out. HVAC equipment uses the HCFC refrigerant gas R-22, covered by the government's phaseout program. A great many industries, ranging from hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, retail stores and food processors will be directly affected by the regulation. The HCFC phase out requires facilities that use equipment which contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons to maintain detailed and up-to-date maintenance records. If leaks should occur they must be repaired within 30 days. Reporting requirements covers all business locations, so the refrigerant may be tracked and leaks reported through an entire system. If a business does not comply the EPA will levy substantial fines The Article Author: Daniel Stouffer has a lot more information on the need for good refrigerant gas management and more information about the HCFC phase out . |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
