R-22 Refrigerants

The EPA Works to Finalize its Allocation and Production Rights for HCFC-22 for 2012-2014

2012-01-27T05:58:00.000-08:00

There has been much recent discussion regarding the market for HCFC-22 in 2012, as the EPA works to finalize its allocation and production rights for 2012-2014. Here are some basic facts HARDI wanted to communicate to our membership.

1.) There is an ongoing EPA rulemaking concerning the allocation of refrigerants, including R-22 for 2012-2014. The EPA has suggested a reduction of allocation rights of R-22 between 11% and 47% in each year (2012-2014), in addition to the annual 10% reduction each of those years set by the 2009 Allocation Rule. EPA’s proposed reduction was not unexpected, and is supported by some industry stakeholders.

2.) Since the current rule is not final, it is illegal for a company with 2011 allocation rights to produce or imports HCFCs into the United States until receipt of a “non-enforcement” letter from EPA which was expected by many companies to arrive the first week of January; however this letter was delayed until Friday, January 20. Thereby, 15 work days had passed where no refrigerant production or importation occurred.

3.) In this “non-enforcement” letter, EPA stated that production and importation should be limited to approximately 17% of a company's 2011 baseline until the rulemaking is complete. If, when the rulemaking is completed, the final reduction is less than 17% of the 2011 baseline, a company will be allowed to increase production and importation to their allocated limits. HARDI does not expect this rulemaking to be completed by the beginning of summer.

4.) From 2005-2010 (2011 data is not yet available), only 77% of Consumption Allowances for HCFC-22 were used. These figures along with comment from stakeholders to the EPA, regarding the oversupply of R-22 in the marketplace and concerns of stockpiling, have led EPA to consider a more aggressive phasedown.

5.) In 2011, EPA sought comment from the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, of which HARDI and all major refrigerant producers are members, regarding a suggestion for a more aggressive reduction in R-22. The Alliance formally submitted a suggestion for a 20% reduction in Consumption Allowances.

HARDI’s Refrigerants & Refrigeration Council is currently accepting member comments on what the annual reduction should be in this rule.

Selling Your Junk CFCs to RemTec International Not Only Makes Sense.... It Makes Dollars

2012-01-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

Climate to stock HFO blends

2012-01-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

Published on 20 - January - 2012

CLIMATE Center is the first company to announce it will be stocking Honeywell's new range of HFO blends and other low GWP refrigerants.

The company reports particular interest in Genetron Performax LT (R407F), a replacement for R404A with half the GWP and greater energy efficiency. An HFC-blend based on R32, R125 and R134a, it has the lowest GWP of all commonly used blends and is classified as non-toxic and non-flammable.

The new generation of Honeywell's Solstice HFO blends offers a choice of reduced or low GWP replacements for many common HFC refrigerants with high GWPs high GWPs, such as R404A, R22, R134a and R410A. In the case of R404A (GWP of 3922), alternatives with a GWP below 300 have been identified.

Environmentally friendly chillers have been developed and commercialised based on Solstice L13 Refrigerant (HFO1234ze), giving reduced energy consumption against alternatives and also over 99% reduction in direct global warming impact versus R134a.

Robert Franklin, who heads Climate Center's cooling business, says: "Many end users are nervous about the long term future of high GWP HFCs due to their potential to harm the environment if released to atmosphere. There is also concern about the possible introduction of a carbon tax, which would penalise higher GWP products."

He added: "The new Honeywell range offers users reduced and low GWP alternatives for the majority of the most popular refrigerants in use, insulating equipment end users from possible future changes in the law."

Robert Franklin says: "The HFO replacements are in many cases compatible with existing equipment designs and compressors, and therefore enable quick and cost-efficient adoption. They are also efficient over a wide temperature range, which helps cut carbon due to indirect emissions in all climates, including the warmest regions."

"Add to this that refrigerants operate at standard pressures and can be handled by engineers without special training, and it adds up to a very attractive option - both for the industry and end users."

Eco-friendly car refrigerant 'turns into deadly gas it vehicle catches fire'

2012-01-19T06:11:00.000-08:00

By Henry Samuel, Paris

7:34PM GMT 17 Jan 2012

A new "eco-friendly" car refrigerant expected to become the industry standard turns into a deadly gas if the vehicle housing it catches fire and should be shelved, it has been claimed.

The coolant for car mobile air conditioning systems, called HFO-1234yf, has been approved for use in the US, Japan and Europe and Toyota and Suburu have started fitting their cars with the substance.

It was chosen as it is produces 98 per cent less climate damaging that its predecessor, R134a.

However, a German expert on the compound has warned that it is should be scrapped as it is much more flammable than the current coolant and when heated above 500C (932F) releases hydrogen fluoride, a highly toxic gas. Temperatures in car fires can easily reach twice that heat.

"You have 600g of this cooling agent per car, which if it burned completely would produce 200g of hydrogen fluoride at a level of concentration that is very high. For a human just one gram is deadly – either inhaled in gas form, through the skin or when dissolved in water," warned Prof Andreas Kornath, an inorganic chemistry professor at Munich University who has been studying the substance for 20 years.

The odourless gas has no instant effect but once inside the body a person dies within a day or so in terrible pain due to internal burns and muscle failure.

"This product should not be on the market. There is a real risk every time a car catches fire, which happens 30,000 times per year in Germany alone," he told the Daily Telegraph.

Prof Kornath issued his warning at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Honeywell, which produces the product, has refuted the claims.

"The risk of HF formation is not higher than with R134a – and this refrigerant has been used for decades without any recorded incident," said Honeywell's Sabine Chmielewski.

SAE International Cooperative Research Program, which comprises leading automakers, found HFO-1234yf to offer "superior environmental performance" to CO2 while having "the lowest risk for use in mobile air conditioning systems in meeting environmental and consumer needs."

But Prof Kornath alleged the product had been mainly approved on the basis of tests compiled by the chemical makers, not the findings of independent research.

BAM, Germany's Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, for instance, had warned of the risks of using it, he said.

He recommended using carbon dioxide as a coolant, as the fire risks and toxic hazards were nil.
Toyota confirmed it would start using the new refrigerant in new models starting this year.
The car maker’s spokesman Jean-Yves Jault said: “We think the new refrigerant is as safe, yet much more environmentally friendly, as the previous one. This was confirmed by the SAE CRP investigation whose outcome we support.”

"We undertook flammability tests and risk assessment with an independent third party institute, and the results confirmed the safety of the new refrigerant.”

He said that that the phenomenon of hydrogen fluoride gas is “not new", and that concentration of fluorine atoms was “actually much higher” in the historic refrigerant, R134a.

Rogue Refrigerant Blend Linked to Fatalities

2012-01-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

EPA Approves Latest Refrigerant Substitutes

2012-01-13T11:42:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last month added three hydrocarbons as acceptable alternatives in household and small commercial refrigerators and freezers through the agency’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.

By Anne Vazquez, on January 13, 2012, at 11:18 am

The three substitutes, for use in small commercial and refrigerators and freezers (and their household counterparts), mark the first time hydrocarbon replacements might be widely used in the U.S. The refrigerants approved as acceptable substitutes, with use conditions, are propane, isobutane, and a chemical known as R-441A.

EPA took action after requests from Ben and Jerry’s and General Electric, as well as A.S. Trust & Holdings, and True Manufacturing, a family owned small business. SNAP is globally recognized as the only program designed specifically to evaluate substitutes for ODS and to focus on the industrial sectors that use them.

“[This] is a great example of how businesses and EPA can work together to protect our planet and drive innovation,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “This action increases the options for effective, climate friendly refrigerants in the U.S.”

Under the Clean Air Act, the SNAP program evaluates substitute chemicals and technologies for ozone depleting substances (ODS). The newly approved refrigerants (propane, isobutane, and R-441A) can be used to replace ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12 and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 in household refrigerators, freezers, combination refrigerator-freezers, and commercial standalone units.

Replacing older refrigerants will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 600,000 metric tons by 2020, equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of nearly 75,000 homes, and will help protect people’s health and the environment.

At the recent 23rd Meeting of the Montreal Protocol Parties, EPA and the U.S. Department of State announced that 108 countries signed a declaration to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs are ODS substitutes, they are increasingly contributing to climate change. The approval of hydrocarbons in the U.S. is significant because hydrocarbons are more environmentally friendly substitutes than HFCs.

HVACR Reclaimer Spotlight

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Summary of Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

2012-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Halt on gas import

2012-01-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Samisoni Nabilivalu
Friday, December 23, 2011

THE Department of Environment has revealed that a batch of Refrigerant 134A (R134A) sold locally is actually not 100 per-cent R134A.

The imported refrigerant is used in the car air conditioning systems and commercial and domestic refrigeration.

According to the packaging, the cylinder contains R134A but tests conducted by Seru Ramakita, an Ozone Depleting Substances Inspector with Department of Environment, have proven otherwise.

Mr Ramakita made the discovery by accident earlier this year when demonstrating the use of a refrigerant identifier to customs officers at a workshop in Lautoka.

"The R134A I used for the demonstration was not 100 per cent," he said.

"It was cross contaminated with chlorofluorocarbon and hydro chlorofluorocarbons.

"I kept the discovery to myself because it was a big issue.

"I needed more evidence before we could make any moves and I was hoping one of the companies would bring it up as well."

Lincoln Refrigeration Limited director Praveen Singh was the first to approach Mr Ramakita after the processors for some of their fridges kept burning out.

Mr Singh said he suspected the R134A was inferior and Mr Ramakita confirmed his suspicions after he tested the gas.

"We also supply gas and we've never had this problem before.

"We had a shortage of gas, so we bought the R134A from another supplier," Mr Singh said.

Mr Ramakita confirmed all importers, wholesalers, and retailers of the product had been instructed to halt imports and remove the refrigerant from their shelves as investigations continue.

He said many businesses would have suffered unnecessarily if the product had continued to be used.

Mr Ramakita would not identify the manufacturer or local supplier of the product.

Dangerous R-134a Contamination Found Worldwide

2011-12-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2011

By aftermarketNews staff

EXTON, Pa. – Neutronics, a provider of gas analysis and gas handling technologies, yesterday issued a warning distributed by the Mobile Air Conditioning Society, advising that all industries using R-134a refrigerant immediately test all cylinders thought to be virgin R-134a (including new 30 pound cylinders) due to reports of widespread contamination.

Several months ago, Neutronics' Refrigerant Analysis Division was engaged by the ocean-going shipping industry to assist with a R-134a refrigerant contamination problem that reportedly resulted in several deaths and a significant interruption to ocean-going transport. During the course of this activity, Neutronics reports that it was discovered that this dangerous refrigerant contamination problem was not isolated to a single industry but had potentially penetrated the R-134a refrigerant supply for applications in many global markets, including automotive.

Much of the contaminated R-134a refrigerant has been shown to contain significant quantities of R-40 (aka Methyl Chloride or Chloromethane). R-40 is extremely toxic, flammable and highly reactive when exposed to aluminum in that it forms a third, highly volatile compound. Neutronics points out that it is critical to note the safety concerns with R-40. It is a harmful and dangerous material that is not suited for use in R-134a refrigeration air conditioning systems. Most, if not all of the contaminated R-134a has been found in counterfeit labeled "virgin" R-134a cylinders. In one instance, Neutronics says it was reported that "thousands" of 30 lb. R-134a refrigerant cylinders have been found to be counterfeits of name-brand product. Other suspect virgin R-134a containers have also been found to contain large quantities of R-22 and R-12 refrigerants.

Neutronics says it has evaluated the performance of both current and legacy refrigerant identifiers to determine their suitability for use in testing cylinders with the suspect R-40 material. To date, all reported cases of "virgin" cylinder contamination have included at least 30 percent to -40 percent R-40 in the cylinder.

No current or previous Neutronics R-134a identifier is/was designed for detection of R40 as a direct contaminant. Not all Neutronics refrigerant identifiers are suitable for safely detecting the presence of R-40 in R-134a (e.g. the "Mini ID R-134a" identifier is not suitable for R-40 detection).

A new reference chart published by Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis is now available on the Neutronics website that details the various Neutronics Identifiers currently in the field and how they should react when exposed to R-40 refrigerant. Interested parties should visit www.refrigerantid.com for more information. This information will be readily available on the home page.

As refrigerant identification equipment is widely used in the automotive service industry, Neutronics has determined that its "DX" model automotive refrigerant identifier that meets SAE J1771 requirements can be used for testing "virgin" R134a cylinders to determine the possible presence of the R-40 contaminant.

Neutronics Vice President Peter Coll commented, "As far as R-134a contaminants are concerned, R-40 is about as bad as it can get. Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis will continue to work closely with SAE, AHR and all other pertinent organizations to help mitigate this very troublesome development."

For additional information, contact Neutronics toll-free at 800-378-2287.

Dangerous R-134a Contamination Found Worldwide

2011-12-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Immediate call to check all R-134a Cylinders Worldwide for Contamination
Exton, PA (December 21, 2011)-Neutronics has issued the following urgent “Statement of Action” to all industries using R134a refrigerant:

Statement of Action
After review of information provided by many reputable sources, Neutronics urgently advises that all industries using R-134a refrigerant immediately test all cylinders thought to be virgin R-134a (including new 30 pound cylinders). This can be done with a Neutronics Ultima ID DX or HV series Refrigerant Identifier. Any cylinder that is “failed” by the identifier or found to contain 100% R134a with ANY “Air” or “Non(NCG)” should be isolated. It has been reported that cylinders containing contaminated refrigerant are marked as “R-134a” and some have counterfeit name brand chemical company labeling. This contaminated refrigerant cannot be identified using standard pressure and temperature measurements of the cylinder.

Background
Several months ago, Neutronics Inc., Refrigerant Analysis Division, was engaged by the ocean going shipping industry to assist with a R-134a refrigerant contamination problem that reportedly resulted in several deaths and a significant interruption to ocean going transport. During the course of this activity, it was discovered that this dangerous refrigerant contamination problem was not isolated to a single industry but had potentially penetrated the R-134a refrigerant supply for applications in many global markets including automotive.

Much of the contaminated R-134a refrigerant has been shown to contain significant quantities of R-40 (aka Methyl Chloride or Chloromethane). R-40 is extremely toxic, flammable and highly reactive when exposed to aluminum in that it forms a third, highly volatile compound. It is critical to note the safety concerns that R-40 is a harmful and dangerous material that is not suited for use in R-134a refrigeration air conditioning systems. Most, if not all of the contaminated R-134a has been found in counterfeit labeled “virgin” R-134a cylinders. In one instance it was reported that “thousands” of 30 lb. R-134a refrigerant cylinders have been found to be counterfeits of name brand product. Other suspect virgin R-134a containers have also been found to contain large quantities of R-22 and R-12 refrigerants.

The vast majority of Neutronics manufactured refrigerant identifiers are configured for the detection of R-134a, R-12, R-22 and Hydrocarbons.
It is important to note that the ONLY acceptable readings on Neutronics Ultima ID DX or HV series refrigerant identifiers for a “virgin” R-134a cylinder are:

*R134a*	*100%*
*R12*	*0.0%*
*R22*	*0.0%*
HC	*0.0%*
*Air/Non*	*0.0%*

No current or previous Neutronics R-134a identifier is/was designed for detection of R40 as a direct contaminant. Not all Neutronics refrigerant identifiers are suitable for safely detecting the presence of R-40 in R-134a (e.g. the “Mini ID R-134a” identifier is not suitable for R-40 detection). Neutronics has evaluated the performance of both current and legacy refrigerant identifiers to determine their suitability for use in testing cylinders with the suspect R-40 material. To date, all reported cases of “virgin” cylinder contamination have included at least 30%-40% R-40 in the cylinder.

A new reference chart published by Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis is now available on the Neutronics website that details the various Neutronics Identifiers currently in the field and how they should react when exposed to R-40 refrigerant. Interested parties should visit www.refrigerantid.com for more information. This information will be readily available on the home page.

As refrigerant identification equipment is widely used in the automotive service industry, Neutronics has determined that their “DX” model automotive refrigerant identifier that meets SAE J1771 requirements can be used for testing “virgin” R134a cylinders to determine the possible presence of the R-40 contaminant.

Neutronics Vice President Peter Coll commented, “As far as R-134a contaminants are concerned, R-40 is about as bad as it can get. Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis will continue to work closely with SAE, AHR and all other pertinent organizations to help mitigate this very troublesome development.”

For additional information, please contact Peter Halpern, Marketing Manager or Peter Coll, Vice President, Neutronics Inc., 456 Creamery Way, Exton, PA 19341, 610-524-8800, 610-524-8807(f), or toll-free 800-378-2287.

EU to investigate Honeywell and DuPont over 1234yf

2011-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Published on 19 - December - 2011

THE European Commission has opened antitrust proceedings concerning agreements between Honeywell and DuPont for the development of the new HFO-1234yf refrigerants.

The investigation will consider if both companies acted together to restrict competition when launching the new low GWP refrigerant. The inquiry will also look into whether Honeywell may hold and abuse a dominant position over the refrigerant that has been announced as a suitable replacement for R134a in car air conditioning systems.

As part of the investigation the Commission is considering complaints alleging that Honeywell and DuPont entered into anti-competitive arrangements as regards the development of the new generation of refrigerants.

Specifically, the Commission will investigate whether joint development, licensing and production arrangements entered into between the two companies in relation to these refrigerants restrict competition on the markets. Such behaviour, it says, may infringe Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.

The Commission is also examining whether Honeywell engaged in deceptive conduct during the evaluation of 1234yf between 2007 and 2009. It is claimed that Honeywell did not disclose its patents and patent applications while the refrigerant was being assessed and then failed to grant licences on fair and reasonable (so called "FRAND") terms. Such behaviour may also infringe European competition rules (Article 102 of the TFEU and Article 54 of the EEA Agreement).

Québec Adopts Regulation Establishing the Cap-and-Trade System for Greenhouse Gas Emission Allowances

2011-12-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Québec's Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Pierre Arcand announced the adoption of the Regulation respecting the cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emission allowances, which is based on the rules established by the Western Climate Initiative (WCI).

"Cap-and-trade systems for emission allowances are recognized as one of the most effective and least costly economic tools for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By adopting this regulation, Québec acquires the means to achieve the transition toward a green, sustainable and prosperous economy", declared Minister Arcand.

Québec thus officially steps to the starting line, next to California. The first year of implementation of the system will be a transition year. It will begin on January 1, 2012 and will allow emitters and participants to familiarize themselves with how the system works. Over the course of the year, emitters will also be able to make any adjustments that may be necessary to meet their obligations under the system for capping and reducing GHG emissions, which will come into force on January 1, 2013.

Industrial establishments subject to the system are those that emit 25 000 tonnes or more of CO2 equivalent per year. Note however that starting in 2015, companies that import or distribute in Québec fuels that are used in the transportation and building sectors (and whose combustion generates an amount of GHGs greater than or equal to 25 000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year) will also be subject to the capping and reduction of their emissions.

For all participating members of the WCI, the adoption of a regulation establishing a cap-and-trade system for GHG emission allowances is the first of two main steps toward the emergence of a regional North American carbon market. The second step will consist of concluding a series of recognition agreements, between the different partners, to link their systems together.

"The results of the international conference on climate change at Durban show clearly that regional initiatives like the WCI play a key role in efforts to reduce GHG emissions worldwide. Québec is one of the leaders in the fight against climate change, and that is something to be proud of," concluded the Minister.

More information, including links to the text of the regulation, is available on the website of the Ministère at:

http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/changements/carbone/Systeme-plafonnement-droits-GES-en.htm

Rem Tec Opens QA Facility in China

2011-12-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Nov 17, 2011 12:04 PM

RemTec International has opened a Quality Assurance Facility in Shanghai, China for refrigerants.
"Our new Quality Assurance Program is designed specifically for refrigerants and fire protection agents packaged in cylinders or bulk tanks," says Patti Ellingson, Rem Tec's director of wholesale distribution.

"This program was initially designed as a solution to the moisture and unsaturated issues coming out of China, but has turned into a solution for the industry, as we are seeing 'fake' refrigerants and other major issues coming out of China," Ellingson says. The lab will be based at the Shanghai Aohong Chemical Company.

"In order to provide the focus needed to make the RemTec/Aohong quality control program a success, we have asked Patti Ellingson to take the lead on the implementation and development of this program," says Ron Marcus, Rem Tec business development manager.

"We will continue to work toward structuring the sales transactions between Aohong and our high volume key customer groups. Patti will work to facilitate these transactions between the parties," Marcus says.

Ellingson reports the China lab is a mirror image of Rem Tec's U.S. lab facility, and are testing and operating under the same AHRI protocols as Rem Tec's AHRI-700 certified lab at its Bowling Green, OH facility.

The Rem Tec program offers strict Quality Controls throughout the entire process to ensure the product prior to shipping.

For additional information on the program, contact Patti Ellingson at patti.ellingson@remtec.net or call 419/575-9490

The Rem Tec Quality Assurance Process is described below
Prior to Filling & Packaging

Cylinder/Tanks:

· Cylinders/tanks are inspected to ensure all are U.S. DOT approved, and meet RemTec’s moisture, particulate and vacuum requirements.

· All used cylinders are inspected. Maintenance is performed according to customer and regulatory requirements, including valve refurbishment.

Labeling:
Labeling templates are compared to production packaging to ensure it is in compliance with the customer’s and regulatory requirements, including all U.S. Customs regulations.
Packaging is inspected for any damage. Damaged packaging is replaced.

Pre-Fill and Filling Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance Testing:

· The first disposable refrigerant cylinder that is filled is sampled and immediately tested to assure that it meets AHRI-700 standards, including unsaturates. If there are deficiencies, corrective action is taken and laboratory tests are repeated until all standards are met.

· Filled cylinders are randomly tested throughout the filling process (no less than one cylinder for every 100 cylinders filled).

· Bulk shipments of refrigerants and fire protection agents are individually tested in accordance with applicable industry standards.

· Once filling is completed, a Certification of Compliance is issued for each packaged shipment, or bulk tank.

After Filling:

· Packaging is again inspected for any damage. Damaged packaging is replaced.

Container Packing:

· Unless otherwise specified cylinders are shrink wrapped on pallets and packaged in 20’ containers in accordance with international maritime shipping requirements.
Inter Modal approved brace and blocking are used to secure the contents as required.

Shipping documents are inspected and include:

· Bill of Lading

· Certificate of Conformance

· Export Permit

· Proforma Invoice

· Country of Origin Certificate

· MSDS

Customer Service
• RemTec International Bowling Green, Ohio, USA and RemTec’s West Coast Sales Office in Camarillo, California.
Visit www.remtec.net for complete contact information.

Long-awaited SNAP ruling opens US market to hydrocarbon refrigerants

2011-12-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

2011-12-13 - hydrocarbons21.com

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday announced that it has approved three hydrocarbon refrigerants as acceptable substitutes in household and small commercial stand-alone refrigerators and freezers.

The three hydrocarbons are:

R290 (propane),
R600a (isobutene)
R441A, a hydrocarbons blend also known as HCR188C

The announcement comes a year and half after the publication of a proposed rule under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) programme and several years of efforts by end-users such as Unilever, and companies working with hydrocarbons such as A.S. Trust & Holdings, the company that invented refrigerant blend R441A.

“Replacing refrigerants such as CFC-12, HCFC-22, or HFCs will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 600,000 metric tons by 2020, equal to the emissions from the annual electricity use of nearly 75,000 homes, and will help protect people’s health and the environment”, reads the US EPA announcement.

Refrigerant charge limits as outlined in proposed rule
The SNAP final rule setting out the requirements for the use of hydrocarbons, including refrigerant charge size limits will only be issued later this week. The proposed rule (May 2010), provides an indication regarding the potential refrigerant charge size limits, with the US EPA proposing levels that would reflect standards UL 250 and UL 471:

Household refrigerators and freezers: 57grams (2.0 ounces), equivalent to approximately the charge size contained in two disposable lighters, and well below the international household refrigerator and freezers standard’s charge size limit of 150 grams (5.3 ounces)

Retail food refrigeration in stand-alone units: 150 grams (5.3 ounces), equivalent to approximately the charge size contained in five disposable lighters or less, and in line with the IEC 60335-2-89 standard for commercial appliances, which has a charge size limit of 150 grams (5.3 ounces).

The 57g charge size limit could prove a challenging one to meet, especially considering the large size of typical US refrigerators.

Hydrocarbons in the US: from trials to a wider roll out
Up until now, end users and retailers, including Unilever (Ben & Jerry’s), Nestle, Pepsi, and Fresh & Easy had limited themselves to trials when it comes to the use of hydrocarbons in the US, which they could carry out by receiving exemptions for test-marketing end-use equipment for research and development purposes.

The new SNAP rule will now pave the way for a wider roll-out of hydrocarbons in the US.

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy's Response to the EPA's Allocation of HCFC 22

2011-12-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

AHRI Relaunches 'PhaseOutFacts' Website

2011-12-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Dec 2, 2011 9:58 AM

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has relaunched the website it uses to keep industry professionals and equipment owners informed on the phase out of ozone depleting refrigerants: PhaseOutFacts.or g.

“PhaseOutFacts.org is a one-stop-shop for information and deadlines on the refrigerant phase out, as well as important safety information,” says Stephen Yurek, AHRI President and CEO. “We hope this site serves as a valuable tool for homeowners, business owners, technicians, and manufacturers.”

The website includes detailed information on refrigerants, and the history of the Clean Air Act. The "Contractors and Technicians" section contains updates on sales restrictions and changes in how contractors service and dispose of systems and refrigerants. Information on residential and commercial air conditioning, as well as commercial refrigeration, is listed under the Equipment Owners section.

Visit phaseoutfacts.org to view a checklist to help business owners comply with federal and state laws regulating refrigerant emissions.

Save The Date - Women in HVACR will host a FREE Educational Session at AHR EXPO

2011-12-01T07:10:00.000-08:00

DuPont issues statement over reefer incidents

2011-11-28T06:12:00.001-08:00

REFRIGERANT manufacturer DuPont has issued a statement to customers following the recent reefer explosions and revelations by ACR News that methyl chloride was one of the constituents in the contaminated refrigerant thought to have been responsible.

The statement from Jane Austin, DuPont Fluorochemicals global business director is as follows

DuPont Statement - Shipping Container Incidents

DuPont recently became aware that during the past year, there have been three explosions involving refrigerated shipping containers, and that two of these incidents resulted in fatalities. DuPont expresses its condolences to the victims' families for the loss of life resulting from these incidents. To our knowledge, the cause of these unfortunate incidents has not yet been determined. DuPont has no information that would indicate that DuPont products were involved in any of these incidents.

One of the primary refrigerants used in refrigerated shipping containers is R-134a, which is manufactured by DuPont and other companies. R-134a is a refrigerant that was introduced in the early 1990s and is used in a range of applications. It has been extensively tested for both performance and compatibility with various materials, and has been demonstrated to be safe for its intended uses in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

R-134a has been the subject of counterfeiting by unscrupulous suppliers who pass off other products for R-134a to unsuspecting users. DuPont has an active program in place to enforce the proper use of its trademark and trade name in this market and to bring counterfeiters to justice. At this point, we do not know the composition of the refrigerant used in the refrigerated shipping containers mentioned above at the time of the explosions.

DuPont is a leader in supplying refrigerants that meet high standards for quality. Freon® and Suva® are registered trademarks owned by DuPont, and are among the trademarks used by the company to market its branded refrigerant products. Neither the Suva® nor Freon® trademarks should be used in reference to refrigerants or blends that are not made by DuPont.

Honeywell steps up efforts to fight counterfeits

2011-11-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

by CW Staff on Nov 27, 2011

Honeywell, the US based technology manufacturers, announced on Thursday that it had expanded its ongoing campaign against counterfeit refrigerants being sold under its name in the Middle East.

Following a combined effort between UAE’s police, customs, local municipalities and other government officials, the month of August saw the seizure of around 6,000 cylinders of materials branded as ‘Honeywell Genetron 134a’, but was in actuality dangerously toxic and flammable substances.

“We have invested substantial resources to develop and commercialise our refrigerant technology. We are taking the necessary actions to protect that investment and ensure that users get the high-quality product that they need,” said Paul Sanders, managing director for Honeywell Fluorine Products in Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.

The manufacturers have also begun implementing new anti-counterfeit technology to allow for the identification of non-authentic products faster and more easily than previously possible.

At the same time, the company plans to step up efforts to build awareness amongst its customers about the risks of using counterfeit products.

“We have created simple posters for garages and services, where we explain in simple terms how dangerous it can be to use non-genuine products,” said Sanders.

Tests have shown that the use of the fake Genetron R-134a can lead to serious health and safety risks as it is made up of flammable and unsafe mixtures that are also harmful to refrigeration equipment.

Honeywell has been involved in pursuing counterfeit products for more than 10 years, with successful seizures in more than 20 countries across six continents.

Over the last two years alone, working in cooperation with local governments, the company has confiscated more than 200,000 fake products.

What We Are Thankful For.....

2011-11-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

RemTec International is thankful for our employees going above and beyond this year when it comes to those in need. We are proud to share this letter with you to show our gratitude to our family here at RemTec for being so generous even in this down economy.

Women in HVACR will host a FREE Educational Session at AHR EXPO.

2011-11-17T12:41:00.000-08:00

The Destruction of ODS for Carbon Credits

How to turn your used ozone depleting substances into cash

When: Tuesday January 24th

Where: Chicago's McCormick Center

Room: S101B

Time: 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Free Session!!!

Session Summary:

Many studies have confirmed that there are significant business opportunities for destroying Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) through the voluntary carbon market. ODS have very high global warming potential (GWP) so that their controlled and verified destruction has the ability to generate large volumes of carbon offset credits. These credits can then be sold into the voluntary carbon markets creating unique business opportunities. Because little ODS, such as air conditioning refrigerant, is currently being recovered at the end of the life of the equipment, the possibility of earning carbon credits presents a potentially unique financial incentive for the recovery and destruction of ODS which would otherwise be released to the atmosphere.

Simply stated, incentives are created for the businesses that are recovering the material and channeling it to authorized and audited destruction facilities. After destruction buyers pay for real and verifiable emission reductions resulting from the destruction of ODS saving many millions of tons of carbon equivalent emissions.

Guest Speaker:

Tim Kearney-

Vice President RemTec International

About the Speaker:

Timothy Kearney has been Vice President of RemTec International since 1993. RemTec is a certified refrigerant reclaimer by the U. S. EPA and has been a world leader in recovery, reclamation and destruction of ODS. The company developed patented methods of recovery and reclaiming ODS and has been a contractor for the Commonwealth of Australia in managing the recovery and decanting of over 1500 MT of halon. RemTec has been a prime contractor for the aerospace and defense industries in the United States since early 1990. In recent years, RemTec has used arc plasma technology to destroy ODS for carbon credits. In 2008 RemTec was the first company to be issued credits from the destruction of ODS from the Chicago Climate Exchange. Mr. Kearney was also a member of the working group of the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) that developed the protocol for destruction of ODS that is now recognized and accepted by the California Air Resource Board for inclusion in their accepted offsets. RemTec has been issued over 2.5 million CAR offset credits from ODS Destruction in the last two years, more than any other Project Developer. The company now has partnership or joint venture interests with companies in Saudi Arabia, China and India.

Mr. Kearney graduated from the University of Dayton and after serving four years in the United States Army and earning the rank of Captain, Mr. Kearney obtained his certificate as a Certified Public Accountant and worked in several small businesses in Ohio prior to joining RemTec. In his position as Vice President, Mr. Kearney is responsible for the company’s development of carbon credits for its own use and for its customers.

Rem Tec Opens QA Facility in China

2011-11-17T12:16:00.000-08:00

Nov 17, 2011 12:04 PM
Offers Strict Quality Controls throughout the entire process

RemTec International has opened a Quality Assurance Facility in Shanghai, China for refrigerants.

"Our new Quality Assurance Program is designed specifically for refrigerants and fire protection agents packaged in cylinders or bulk tanks," says Patti Ellingson, Rem Tec's director of wholesale distribution.

"This program was initially designed as a solution to the moisture and unsaturated issues coming out of China, but has turned into a solution for the industry, as we are seeing 'fake' refrigerants and other major issues coming out of China," Ellingson says. The lab will be based at the Shanghai Aohong Chemical Company.

"In order to provide the focus needed to make the RemTec/Aohong quality control program a success, we have asked Patti Ellingson to take the lead on the implementation and development of this program," says Ron Marcus, Rem Tec business development manager.

"We will continue to work toward structuring the sales transactions between Aohong and our high volume key customer groups. Patti will work to facilitate these transactions between the parties," Marcus says.

Ellingson reports the China lab is a mirror image of Rem Tec's U.S. lab facility, and are testing and operating under the same AHRI protocols as Rem Tec's AHRI-700 certified lab at its Bowling Green, OH facility.

The Rem Tec program offers strict Quality Controls throughout the entire process to ensure the product prior to shipping.

For additional information on the program, contact Patti Ellingson at patti.ellingson@remtec.net or call 419/575-9490.

The Rem Tec Quality Assurance Process is described below
Prior to Filling & Packaging
Cylinder/Tanks:

Cylinders/tanks are inspected to ensure all are U.S. DOT approved, and meet RemTec’s moisture, particulate and vacuum requirements.
All used cylinders are inspected. Maintenance is performed according to customer and regulatory requirements, including valve refurbishment.

Labeling:
Labeling templates are compared to production packaging to ensure it is in compliance with the customer’s and regulatory requirements, including all U.S. Customs regulations.
Packaging is inspected for any damage. Damaged packaging is replaced.
Pre-Fill and Filling Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance Testing:

The first disposable refrigerant cylinder that is filled is sampled and immediately tested to assure that it meets AHRI-700 standards, including unsaturates. If there are deficiencies, corrective action is taken and laboratory tests are repeated until all standards are met.
Filled cylinders are randomly tested throughout the filling process (no less than one cylinder for every 100 cylinders filled).
Bulk shipments of refrigerants and fire protection agents are individually tested in accordance with applicable industry standards.
Once filling is completed, a Certification of Compliance is issued for each packaged shipment, or bulk tank.

After Filling:

Packaging is again inspected for any damage. Damaged packaging is replaced.

Container Packing:

Unless otherwise specified cylinders are shrink wrapped on pallets and packaged in 20’ containers in accordance with international maritime shipping requirements.
Inter Modal approved brace and blocking are used to secure the contents as required.
Shipping documents are inspected and include:

Bill of Lading
Certificate of Conformance
Export Permit
Proforma Invoice
Country of Origin Certificate
MSDS

Customer Service
• RemTec International Bowling Green, Ohio, USA and RemTec’s West Coast Sales Office in Camarillo, California.
Visit www.remtec.net for complete contact information.

Refrigerant producers publish HFC 'Phase-down' position

2011-11-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

16 November 2011 | By Julian Milnes

HFC producers support action under the Montreal Protocol for a consumption cap and reduction of HFCs

The European Fluorocarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC), a sector group of the European Chemical Industry Association (CEFIC), has published its position on the subject of HFC reduction.

In a statement it said: “We are encouraging Parties to the Montreal Protocol to move forward with a constructive dialogue to achieve an agreement for a global cap and reduction for HFC consumption on a GWP-weighted basis.

We recognise the important role played by the Montreal Protocol in successfully controlling consumption of CFCs and HCFCs and acknowledge that this could provide the necessary expertise to effectively implement a similar system for HFCs. We believe that including provisions of controlling the placing on the market of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol would complement and strengthen the HFC emissions provisions of the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol.

It is estimated that the overall global warming impact of HFC emissions worldwide currently represents less than 2 per cent of the total global greenhouse gases emissions. while HFCs are the preferred solution for many societal needs because of their safety and performance advantages, without action the demand for HFCs will grow due to the replacement of HCFCs as well as the increasing demand for refrigeration and air conditioning, especially in developing countries. Such growth would result in HFCs becoming a more significant potential source of emissions in the future.

Encouraging progress is being made by HFC producers to find low GWP alternatives for a range of applications including aerosols, mobile air-conditioning, insulating foams and commercial refrigeration. Already an alternative fluid has been developed for mobile air-conditioning; it has a GWP of about 4 compared to a GWP of 1430 for the HFC currently being used. A clear long-term regulatory framework and time frame are needed for research and development to progress at the necessary speed and for manufacturers of equipment and products to undertake the necessary programs to adopt these and other lower GWP alternatives.

The proposals submitted by North America and Micronesia for a cap and reduction of HFC consumption on a GWP-weighted basis, in our opinion form a good initial framework for a dialogue, recognizing that any final agreement needs to be realistic.

balanced and flexible, and fair, meeting the needs of Parties, and taking into account industrial planning timescales and the capacity of industry to invest in new lower GWP products and applications.

We consider that any final agreement should focus on consumption, which determines use leading to reduced emissions. On this basis, legislative control of production is not necessary as the consumption cap will maintain the required high level of environmental ambition. Furthermore, there should also be a requirement for production reporting from 2015.

We believe that this approach will allow HFCs to be used for their safety and performance where appropriate, encourage innovation for the use of lower GWP alternatives and applications, but without significant disruption to the industries that use HFCs.

Women In HVACR Becomes AHR Expo’s 35th Endorsing Organization

2011-11-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Westport, Connecticut… November 15, 2011—Women in HVACR has become the 35th Endorsing Organization of the International Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), the world’s largest HVACR event.

Dedicated to providing a platform for women to become more successful through strategic networking opportunities with other women in the industry, Women in HVACR (www.womeninhvacr.org), will play a very active role in the 2012 AHR Expo taking place January 23-25 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. In addition to hosting a booth on the Show floor (#6940), they will present an education session on Tuesday, January 24, entitled “The Destruction of ODS for Carbon Credits - How to turn your used ozone-depleting substances into cash”. They will also host a networking reception on Tuesday evening and hold their Board Meeting on the Sunday before the Show.

"We are delighted to be an official AHR Expo Endorsing Organization, especially since we have been a supporter of the Show for many years," said Patti Ellingson, incoming WHVACR President. "As the largest event in the HVACR industry, AHR Expo perfectly aligns with our mission of empowering women to succeed through networking opportunities, mentoring and education."

Women in HVACR is focused on educating women in the areas of technical issues, industry trends, sales, management and ownership. With over 200 members, it is organized into a number of committees that range from Education and Outreach to Partnership Development. The organization has a Chicago Chapter and plans are underway to launch a Canadian Chapter.

"Women in HVACR represents a very important and rapidly growing segment of our industry," said Clay Stevens, President of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the AHR Expo. "We are very pleased that they have become an Endorsing Organization and will be conducting a very valuable educational session at the 2012 Show."

The other 34 Endorsing Associations supporting AHR Expo address a wide spectrum of the HVACR industry. A complete list of AHR Expo Endorsing Associations can be viewed at www.ahrexpo.com/forexhibitors/endorsers

The 2012 AHR Expo will feature nearly 2,000 exhibitors from around the world showcasing hundreds and hundreds of innovative new products to over 50,000 attendees and exhibitor personnel. The 2012 AHR Expo is endorsed by the leading HVAC/R industry associations and is co-sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is an honorary sponsor. ASHRAE's Winter Conference is held concurrently with the AHR Expo each year.

For more information, current schedule and registration information visit the Show’s website at www.ahrexpo.com.

ABOUT AHR EXPO
As the largest and most comprehensive HVAC/R exposition, the AHR Expo attracts tens of thousands of attendees from all facets of the industry, including contractors, engineers, dealers, distributors, wholesalers, OEMs, architects, builders, industrial plant operators, facility owners and managers, agents and reps.

Since 1930, the AHR Expo has been the HVAC/R professional’s best resource for new products, new ideas and new services. It’s a hands-on, interactive event that showcases a wide spectrum of equipment, systems, and components. This unique industry forum creates a dynamic marketing environment unequaled in size and scope by any other industry event.

The AHR Expo is produced and managed by International Exposition Company, 15 Franklin Street, Westport, CT 06880; telephone: 203-221-9232; fax: 203-221-9260; e-mail: info@ahrexpo.com; website: www.ahrexpo.com.

Fake refrigerants becoming a 'serious problem'

2011-11-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

Published on 15 - November - 2011 courtesy of ACR News

COMPANIES have been warned to only purchase refrigerants from authorised and reputable suppliers as evidence mounts that highly dangerous fake refrigerants are a far greater problem and more widespread than many realize.

The recent fatal incidents involving refrigerated cargo containers are far from unique and similar incidents have already hit Europe. There have been previous deaths and the problems aren't restricted to R134a systems or to mobile applications.

Leading German independent research company ILK Dresden has been researching incidents with methyl chloride, or R40, since 2009 when it was called in to investigate a case involving mobile air conditioning systems in Greece. Since then the company has been involved in a number of investigations involving R22/R40 cocktails turning up in both stationary and mobile systems.

Ulrich Grimm, head of group new technologies/materials at ILK Dresden, declined to be drawn into specific details for reasons of client confidentiality, but warned: "This is a serious problem".

Although not involved in the current reefer explosion investigations, Ulrich Grimm revealed that his company had been called in to look at four other new cases recently, one particularly serious and on-going. "I am expecting to see an increasing situation over the next month," he said.

All systems can be affected but it is particularly bad and aggressive in systems running with synthetic POE oil. All elastomeric parts, seals and hoses are attacked and there will probably be no chance to save the compressor. "In systems using POE oils, the contaminated refrigerant takes less than a week to destroy everything."
In car air conditioning systems a leak could be particularly dangerous for the vehicle occupants.

Even when used inadvertently to top-up a system, as little as 2% can become a problem.

Being suspicious of unusually cheap refrigerant and only buying from a reputable refrigerant supplier who can provide evidence of its quality is vitally important.

And taking the refrigerant at face value is no guarantee. Ulrich Grimm has seen the fake refrigerant sold in an R134a bottle with "the colours and logo of one of the big refrigerant manufacturers". This is borne out by warnings from DuPont in 2009 to customers in the Middle East over the prevalence of potentially dangerous counterfeits of R22 and R134a bearing DuPont brands and markings.

Now Bock warns of methyl chloride in fake refrigerants

2011-11-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

INDICATIONS that methyl chloride is the rogue refrigerant responsible for three deaths and the grounding of hundreds of reefer containers coincides with a recent warning about fake refrigerants by compressor manufacturer GEA Bock.

While investigators looking into the recent reefer incidents have yet to reveal all the constituents of the rogue blend used in the R134a refrigeration systems, they have confirmed the likely involvement of methyl chloride, an extremely flammable toxic compound used in the early days of refrigeration before the advent of CFCs.

Now methyl chloride, or chloromethane (R40), has been named by German compressor manufacturer GEA Bock as a constituent in fake refrigerants responsible for an increasing number of compressor breakdowns.

While it is unknown whether the incidents are linked, GEA Bock has pinpointed bogus refrigerants purporting to be R134a, which they have found to consist mainly of R22, R30, R40 (methyl chloride) and R142b.

R22 and R142b are both restricted under the Montreal Protocol and R30 (dichloromethane, methylene chloride), like R40, is also highly volatile. But it is methyl chloride which seems to be causing most of the damage.

The Bock warning pinpoints methyl chloride's aggressive nature, dissolving the aluminium body of the compressor and producing "highly inflammable gases which are self-igniting and explosive on contact with air". It also attacks plastics and damages compressor hoses, warns Bock. Even the oil doesn't escape the effects: synthetic POE oil is emulsified by the reaction with methyl chloride and splits into its component materials.

GEA Bock also warns of a another refrigerant posing as R134a but found to be a cocktail of R134a, R22 and, sometimes, propane. This bogus gas is said to cause problems in hot countries by confusing the temperature/pressure characteristics and reducing the pressure so that, when at standstill, the correct refrigerant fill amount cannot be specified. Likewise, the apparent suction gas superheat of 7K is not real, but the compressor runs completely liquid. The addition of R22 means the oil is no longer transported back to the compressor. GEA Bock also warns that the addition of propane increases the fire risk.

ACR News - November 7, 2011

HARDI National Conference

2011-10-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

RemTec International and Patti Ellingson personally invite you to stop by our booth (#304) for important information about our Buy Back & Recovery Program during the 2011 HARDI National Conference October 22^nd -26^th

Let us help you turn your used refrigerants into CA$H!

If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with me one on one prior to the booth please call me at 419-575-9490.

I look forward to seeing you there.

International golfers for Pan Gulf event

2011-10-10T07:24:00.001-07:00

OVER 100 golfers from around the world will be taking part in the Pan Gulf Golf Day at Awali Golf Club on October 14.

The event, which is being held in cooperation with Pan Gulf Industrial Systems, will consist of two competitions.

The first, teeing off in the early morning, will be a strokeplay tournament comprising more than 100 entrants. It will also act as a KPAO (Kingsbury, Pinhey, Ayto, O'Sullivan) qualifier, the final of which will be held at Awali Golf Club in April next year.

The other is an invitational Stableford competition. Scheduled to tee off at around midway, around 20 invited golfers from the US, Australia, Bahrain and the rest of the GCC will be in the fray.

Both tournaments will be played over 18 holes along Awali Golf Club's sand course.

Amateurs

The players taking part are all amateurs. They will be vying for attractive cash prizes in each competition, with additional awards for the day's various side competitions also to be given out, such as a Harley Davidson motorbike for the first player to sink a hole-in-one.

"The main aim of our Pan Gulf Golf Day is for everyone to have a good time out on the golf course and to make some money for charity," event organiser Martin Allison told the GDN yesterday.

Part of the event's proceeds will be donated to the Think Pink charity.

Following the day's play, there will be live music featuring the Gruesome Twosome band and a dinner.

The Pan Gulf Golf Day's main sponsors are Remtec and Chemetron; while other sponsors are Notifier, Autronica, Stahl, Nalco, DNH Speakers and ATP.

Phl to start ODS phaseout

2011-10-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

By Michael Punongbayan (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government will finally start to put an end to the use of harmful substances that deplete the earth’s ozone layer by 2013.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje announced the other day that a freeze order on the importation of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) more than a year from now.

He said the ban on ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is pursuant to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to which the Philippines is a signatory.

“Starting 2013, we are putting a cap on the importation of HCFC to 2,644 metric tons (MT) — the country’s average import of HCFC from 2009 to 2010,” Paje said.

From the base level of 2,644 MT, the HCFC import will be gradually reduced by 10 percent, to 2,3796 MT by 2015; 35 percent to 1,718.6 MT by 2020; then 67.5 percent, to 859.3 MT in 2025.

Paje said that from 2030 to 2039 the DENR would allow the import of the substance to only 66.1 MT annually, representing 2.5 percent of the base level, for the continued use of the servicing sector.

HCFCs are a group of ODS controlled by the Montreal Protocol and comprise the last of eight ODS groups to be phased out pursuant to the Protocol.

The other ODS that have already been phased out in the country include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) 11, 12, 113, 114, halon 1301 and 1211, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroforms.

HCFC consumption in the Philippines is attributed to HCFC-22, more commonly known as R-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-123 and blends of HCFC-225.
HCFCs are commonly used as substitutes for CFCs in the foam blowing, refrigeration, fire extinguishing, solvent and servicing sectors.
Of these HCFCs, Paje said the DENR will prioritize the phaseout of HCFC-141b because it has the most ozone-depleting potential (ODP) of 0.11 as compared with HCFC-22 or R-22 with an ODP of .055 only, HCFC-123 with 0.02 and HCFC blends, from .025 to .033.
He said phaseout would initially cover the foam sector, particularly the polyurethane rigid foam in appliances, panels and sprays.
A total of 364.34 MT of HCFCs is projected to be phased out under the project, which is being implemented by the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Paje said a total of $2.26 million was granted to fund the project from Japan and the Multilateral Fund.

Legal Loophole Drives Hot Sales of Air Conditioning Units

2011-10-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

By Bob Tita

Published September 30, 2011

--Air conditioning companies producing components using banned refrigerant

--Manufacturers use regulatory loophole to resume production

--Components with banned refrigerant popular with consumers

A frosty battle has broken out in the U.S. air-conditioning market, as manufacturers confront consumers' unwillingness to pay up for equipment without an ozone-depleting refrigerant.

A legal loophole has allowed companies to continue to produce air conditioning units with a refrigerant banned in the U.S. last year. The move has driven a wedge through an industry struggling to respond to a weak economy and a moribund housing market that dropped shipments of air conditioning units last year to 36% below volumes from a decade ago. Some executives warn that continuing to provide equipment with the hydrocholoroflorocarbon-22 refrigerant, or R-22, will make it difficult to attract buyers for higher-margin, more energy-efficient systems using a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.

"It's really bad environmental policy," said John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer for Carrier Corp. "We ought to be getting back on track with what's been understood for decades, that R-22 should be phased out."

Manufacturers expected sales of their newest models to receive a boost when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year banned the production and sale of residential air conditioning units with R-22. But cash-strapped consumers have been opting to overhaul their existing R-22 systems with new outdoor condensers for $1,500 to $2,000, rather than pay $3,500 for an entirely new system. Manufacturers started to produce older-model condensers again under a provision in the EPA regulation that allows them to supply replacement parts for R-22 systems as long as they're not charged with the refrigerant at the factory. Instead, heating and air conditioning contractors add it when they install the units.

Some analysts estimate that R-22 condensers accounted for as much as 20% of the air conditioning shipments during the second quarter, double the R-22 volume from the first quarter. Companies say the increasing demand for R-22 condensers reflects consumers' need for lower-cost alternatives to a completely new air conditioning system.

"We have a lot of homeowners who can't afford that new system," said Carol Baker, vice president for marketing at Missouri-based Nordyne, one of the first manufacturers to restart production of R-22 condensers.

Ingersoll-Rand PLC (IR), which makes heating and air conditioning equipment under the Trane brand, was one of the last manufacturers to resume production of R-22 condensers. Chairman and Chief Executive Michael Lamach said rivals backed out of a pledge made two years ago to only produce equipment for the new coolant, known as R-410A.

"One by one, they began to ship heavily into the [R-22] market," Lamach said. "We were the last one left standing that wasn't producing R-22. But if a Trane dealer needs an R-22 unit today, he'll be able to get an R-22 unit." While everyone is making R-22 condensers again, some of the largest manufacturers want to close the loophole that's allowed production to resume.

Carrier, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (UTX), petitioned the EPA earlier this year to designate R-22 condensers as sub-systems that cannot be replaced as entire units. Ingersoll-Rand, Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI), the maker of York equipment, and Lennox International Inc. (LII) have endorsed Carrier's petition.

Ingersoll's Lamach worries that consumers are being conditioned to accept half-measure replacements that will destroy the market for the new systems using R-410A that have cost manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars to develop and market.

But Philip Windham, vice president of sales for Nordyne, whose brands include Frigidaire, Tappan and Westinghouse, disputes the notion that homeowners would buy significantly more systems with R-410A if the R-22 condensers weren't available. Instead, he suspects they'd just resort to even more stop-gap repairs with lower-margins for manufacturers.

"If a homeowner has a choice, they'll choose a full upgrade," he said. "But the average homeowner doesn't have enough money in the bank to afford it now and can't get financing like a few years ago."

A spokeswoman for the EPA said Thursday the agency continues to evaluate Carrier's request to reclassify R-22 condensers. Industry analysts expect the agency to eventually deny the petition to avoid being seen as increasing the regulatory burden on consumers during tough economic times. The attraction of the R-22 condensers is likely to weaken in the coming years as the refrigerant becomes increasingly scarce. The price of R-22 has ballooned to more than $300 for 30 pounds from $40 a couple of years ago, said Barry Logan, vice president for investor relations at Watsco Inc. (WSO), a Florida-based distributor for Carrier, Trane, Nordyne and other brands of heating and air conditioning equipment.

"Over the new few years, the loophole is going to go away because there wouldn't be enough R-22 to service these systems beyond 2015 and certainly by 2020," he said.

Arctic ozone loss at record level

2011-10-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

By Richard BlackEnvironment correspondent, BBC News

Ozone loss over the Arctic this year was so severe that for the first time it could be called an "ozone hole" like the Antarctic one, scientists report.

About 20km (13 miles) above the ground, 80% of the ozone was lost, they say.

The cause was an unusually long spell of cold weather at altitude. In cold conditions, the chlorine chemicals that destroy ozone are at their most active.

It is currently impossible to predict if such losses will occur again, the team writes in the journalNature.

Early data on the scale of Arctic ozone destruction were released in April, but the Nature paper is the first that has fully analysed the data.

"Winter in the Arctic stratosphere is highly variable - some are warm, some are cold," said Michelle Santee from Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

"But over the last few decades, the winters that are cold have been getting colder.

“Start Quote

Why [all this] occurred will take years of detailed study”

Michelle SanteeJPL

"So given that trend and the high variability, we'd anticipate that we'll have other cold ones, and if that happens while chlorine levels are high, we'd anticipate that we'd have severe ozone loss."

Ozone-destroying chemicals originate in substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that came into use late last century in appliances including refrigerators and fire extinguishers.

Their destructive effects were first documented in the Antarctic, which now sees severe ozone depletion in each of its winters.

Their use was progressively restricted and then eliminated by the 1987 Montreal Protocol and its successors.

The ozone layer blocks ultraviolet-B rays from the Sun, which can cause skin cancer and other medical conditions.

Longer, not colder

Winter temperatures in the Arctic stratosphere do not generally fall as low as at the southern end of the world.

Ozone destruction takes place within polar stratospheric clouds, with chlorine the main culprit

No records for low temperature were set this year, but the air remained at its coldest for an unusually long period of time, and covered an unusually large area.

In addition, the polar vortex was stronger than usual. Here, winds circulate around the edge of the Arctic region, somewhat isolating it from the main world weather systems.

"Why [all this] occurred will take years of detailed study," said Dr Santee.

"It was continuously cold from December through April, and that has never happened before in the Arctic in the instrumental record."

The size and position of the ozone hole changed over time, as the vortex moved northwards or southwards over different regions.

Some monitoring stations in northern Europe and Russia recorded enhanced levels of ultraviolet-B penetration, though it is not clear that this posed any risk to human health.

While the Arctic was setting records, the Antarctic ozone hole is relatively stable from year to year.

This year has seen ozone-depleting conditions extending a little later into the southern hemisphere spring than usual - again, as a result of unusual weather conditions.

Chlorine compounds persist for decades in the upper atmosphere, meaning that it will probably be mid-century before the ozone layer is restored to its pre-industrial health.

Climate Crisis - The 21 Gigatonne Time Bomb (Nature Inc)

2011-09-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

THE 21 GIGATONNE TIMEBOMB: Broadcast in May 2011 on BBC World News to 300 million homes this programme explores the much-neglected issue of what to do about the super-greenhouse gases?

Under the 1987 Montreal Protocol, CFCs and other so-called ozone-depleting chemicals are outlawed, but their Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacements – while harmless to the ozone layer – are powerful greenhouse agents.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change fully one fifth of the greenhouse effect by midcentury will be ascribed to these ozone-friendly but "super greenhouse gases" used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

There are alternatives – principally hydrocarbons - commercially available now (but also ammonia, carbon dioxide and water), but in some countries, they are considered a fire hazard, and are restricted. Many countries allow their usage provided safety standards are followed.

Meanwhile companies such as Dupont are developing a new generation of refrigerants, such as R-1234yf, that they claim have an minimal impact on climate change and are only "mildly flammable" (overlooking extremely toxic combustion byproducts including the lethal hydrogen fluoride).

But they are not yet commercially available, and will be far more expensive than hydrocarbons and high GWP HFCs when they come to market. Different countries have different stances on how to deal with HFC issue. This documentary examines this interesting story from different perspectives.

http://vimeo.com/23345397

September 11, 2001

2011-09-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

We will always remember those that were lost on this day and those that have since lost their life protecting our freedom and rights.

Proud To Be American!

Some Replacements for CFC-Containing Refrigerants Much More Potent GHGs than CO2

2011-08-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Aug 03, 2011

While international climate talks remain deadlocked, the Montreal Protocol has been methodically eliminating some of the worst chemicals contributing to global warming.

International ozone negotiators meeting in Montreal last week approved country plans to phase out ozone depleting substances (ODS) that are also super greenhouse gases (GHGs) that harm the global climate. By 2015, the reductions approved last week will prevent more than 62 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions.

From 25-29 July, negotiators at the Multilateral Fund, the financial body established to assist developing countries to meet their commitments under the Montreal Protocol, assessed ODS phase-out plans submitted by dozens of countries including China, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico.

Countries converting from ODS traditionally have chosen to convert to high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals that do not harm the ozone layer but that are super-greenhouse gasses with global warming potentials (GWPs) hundreds to thousand of times greater than CO2. Developed countries that have already phased out ODS have switched to high-GWP alternatives in about 75 percent of instances. However at last week's meeting, many phase-out plans that proposed to convert to HFC-410A and other high-GWP alternatives were either revised or rejected.

"The rejection of phase-out plans that proposed the use high-GWP alternatives signals that the Montreal Protocol is committed to protecting climate," said Mark W. Roberts, international policy adviser to the EIA, who attended the meeting. He added, "The world is finally recognizing that there's simply no reason to fund transitions to super greenhouse gases when environmentally responsible alternatives are available."

While the majority of conversions were from HCFCs to low-GWP alternatives, several plans were approved that will "phase-in" high-GWP HFCs in refrigeration and air conditioning, primarily as a result of funding constraints that are limiting complete adoption of climate-friendly alternatives. HFC-410A, which is 1,890 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than CO2, was approved for use in air conditioning in China, Mexico and Lebanon. These conversions will negate millions of tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions reductions and lock these countries into climate-damaging technologies for decades.

"The decisions being made are a signal to all countries that HFCs are a dead-end technology and that enormous climate benefits are available through the Montreal Protocol's HCFC phase-out,” said Clare Perry, senior campaigner at EIA. "An even greater climate payoff could be achieved by slightly increasing the Multilateral Fund's budget so that HFCs are not unnecessarily phased in," she said.

A second meeting of the Montreal Protocol's began yesterday to discuss wider issues including the next tranche of funding available for the HCFC phase-out, as well as proposals to begin a phase-out of HFCs.

2011-08-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

China receives $265-million grant to reduce HCFC use

Thursday, August 04, 2011

The Multilateral Fund, a financial body established to aid developing countries meet their Montreal Protocol commitments, has given China a $265-million grant, to reduce the country’s use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons which contributes to ozone layer degradation.

China, the largest producer and consumer of the gas, uses HCFC mainly for air-conditioning refrigerant as well as industrial and commercial refrigeration, foam blowing agents, and as solvents. The country will be using the grant approved by the executive committee to support its commitment on achieving a green economy.

This step also represents the first stage of China’s HCFC phase out management plan, which when implemented, will not only eliminate 3,320 tons of HCFC consumption in the country, but will also help the country adopt new technologies that will be used to significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Under the country’s plan to reduce the use of the gas, they intend to strengthen policy implementation to restrict the growth of HCFC production capacity, and establish the production capacity of alternatives through a series of projects. In addition, the government will also focus on reducing the leakage of refrigerants.

Following the plan and with the aid of the grant, China could see an overall reduction of about 17 percent of the country’s total amount of controlled HCFC use. In line with their efforts, United Nations Development Program, U.N. Environment Program, U.N. Industrial Development Organization, the World Bank, and the governments of Germany and Japan will be aiding China.

In 2009, China was responsible for over 58 percent of HCFC consumption in developing countries; this was due to the rapidly growing economy. Industries in the country are faced with the fact that they should convert hundreds of their assembly lines in order to stop the consumption of HCFC by 2013 and reduce its consumption from this level by 10 percent by 2015.

“The approval of China’s HCFC phase out management plan represents an extraordinary achievement by the Multilateral Fund and its stakeholders to reduce HCFC consumption,” said Maria Nolan, chief officer of the Multilateral Fund.

The fund was established in 1991 and has since approved activities including industrial conversion, technical assistance, training and capacity building worth over $2.6 billion. As of April 2011, contributions made by some 45 countries totaled over $2.77 billion.

Its main objective is to assist developing country parties to the Montreal Protocol whose annual per capita consumption and production of ozone depleting substances is less than 0.3 kilograms to comply with the control measures of the protocol.

Currently, 147 of the 196 parties to the Montreal Protocol meet these criteria.

In line with the Montreal Protocol’s phase out of ozone depleting substances starting the last week of July, the U.N. had started giving aid to countries in their transition to a low-carbon economy. It is estimated that by 2015, combined member countries’ plans to reduce ozone depleting substances will prevent more than 62 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. (L. J. Polintan)

Article obtained from: http://www.ecoseed.org/politics-article-list/article/3-politics/10647-china-receives-$265-million-grant-to-reduce-hcfc-use

2011-08-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

Miami Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Smuggling Refrigerant
WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. District Court Judge Adalberto Jordan sentenced Brendan Clery, 34, to 18 months in prison and ordered him to pay a $10,000 criminal fine and forfeit illegal proceeds in the amount of $935,240. Clery pleaded guilty in April 2011 to knowingly importing approximately 278,256 kilograms of illegal hydrochlorofluorocarbon - 22 (HCFC-22, also known as R-22) into the United States. HCFC-22 is an ozone-depleting substance regulated by EPA under the Clean Air Act (CAA). HCFC-22 depletes the ozone layer, resulting in increased ultraviolet radiation-B (UV-B) reaching the Earth’s surface, which in turn leads to a greater chance of overexposure to UV radiation and the risks of health effects, such as skin cancer, cataracts, and suppression of the immune system.

"EPA takes seriously the smuggling of illegal substances that can harm the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UVB radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s sentencing is an example of EPA’s commitment to aggressively enforce U.S. laws and meet our international obligations."

According to court records and statements, in 2005, Clery formed and served as president of Lateral Investments LLC, a corporation he established in Florida for the purpose of importing merchandise, including refrigerant gas he intended to sell illegally. Between June and August 2007, Clery illegally smuggled approximately 278,256 kilograms or 20,460 cylinders of restricted HCFC-22 from China, with a market value of $1,438,270, and at no time did Clery or Lateral Investments hold the consumption allowances required to legally import HCFC-22.

EPA established a schedule to phase out the production and importation of ozone-depleting substances, with a complete phaseout starting in 2030. To meet its obligations under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer, EPA issued baseline consumption allowances for the production and importation of HCFC-22 to individuals and companies. To legally import HCFC-22 for consumption, one must hold and expend one consumption allowance for each kilogram of HCFC-22 imported into the United States.

This case was part of a larger criminal investigation known as Operation Catch-22. It was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and prosecuted by special assistant U. S. Attorney Jodi A. Mazer.

More information on EPA’s criminal enforcement program: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/criminal/index.html

EPA Aggressively Auditing Refrigerant Record Keeping

2011-07-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appears to be aggressively auditing the refrigerant record keeping of HVACR contractors in the South.

The NEWS has been receiving reports of the effort in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, although it is unclear as to how many contractors are being audited.

One distributor from that region did say that he has received “numerous calls” in recent weeks from contractors who have been visited by the EPA. Another distributor from that region said contractor customers have told him they are being audited by the EPA and need to produce records of their refrigerant recovery/reclaim activities.

There were also indications that some distributors have also been visited and counter sales people were asked about the supply house reclaim program.

When contacted by The NEWS, the EPA would only say that it “cannot discuss ongoing cases, but continues to perform inspections, respond to tips, and take enforcement action as resources allow.”

The recent record keeping audits by the EPA are the most significant actions by the federal agency within the HVACR industry since 2004 when the EPA moved against the Dominick’s supermarket chain for illegal venting of HCFC-22. That resulted in an $85,000 fine and the shuttering of three stores and major overhaul of three others.

But the most recent actions are focused on contractors rather than an end user and deal with record keeping rather than venting.

It is unclear if the EPA will eventually issue a formal statement regarding the ongoing audits as it did with the Dominick’s case. The fine and resolution in the supermarket sector led to the EPA and the Food Marketing Institute proactively launching the GreenChill initiative, which encourages environmental and efficiency improvements within stores and accords recognition for those efforts.

Like the issue of venting, the record keeping falls under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.

According to a portion of record keeping requirements:

“Technicians servicing appliances that contain 50 or more pounds of refrigerant must provide the owner with an invoice that indicates the amount of refrigerant added to the appliance. Technicians must also keep a copy of their proof of certification at their place of business.

“Owners or operators of appliances that contain 50 or more pounds of refrigerant must keep servicing records documenting the date and type of service, as well as the quantity of refrigerant added.”

Publication date: 07/11/2011

Dry R-22 Units Under the Gun

2011-07-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

Trapped in a middle ground between Pulitzer-caliber journalism and public relations drivel, there are few places to aggressively wield the power of the pen, which would definitely be a great stress relief mechanism for overworked old editors — if it were only possible.

That’s why I love the government. One could pick almost any agency to rant about without getting in much trouble; the person (Republican) who receives The NEWS won’t share it with anyone else (Democrats), so I’m sure this missive will fall mostly on a deaf ear. So, today, let’s take a shot across the bow at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

BANG-BANG

To get you in the mood, first recall a front-page story that graced our cover on June 13: “Carrier Asks EPA to Stop Dry R-22 Units.” That story, by the way, generated more comments online than anything we had published in recent memory, and topped the charts when it ran in our Monday morning enewsletter. The range of comments cast Carrier Corp. as everything from an evil empire to an industry torch bearer. As you might guess, the EPA did not fare so well in the common court of opinions.

As the folks at Carrier would tell you, in the interest of full disclosure, they also are manufacturing and selling dry R-22 units along with all major unitary manufacturers in the United States. John Mandyck, Carrier vice president, sustainability & environmental strategies, said, “It became clear to us that the market was moving faster than the government could act, so we moved with the market to remain competitive, but if EPA banned the manufacture of dry R-22 condensing units today we would support that move …”

In an interview, Mandyck told me that the EPA “asked a lot of good questions,” during a meeting held more than a month ago, at which time the petition by Carrier was initially filed. Unfortunately, when The NEWS spoke to the EPA for the June 13 article, we must not have asked any good questions — because the EPA sidestepped nearly every one of them.

Hailing from some old time political stock in the South, I, for one, can certainly appreciate some good old fashioned posturing. It’s the way the world works in front of the closed doors. Behind the closed doors is where people more often speak their true mind.

However, the fact that the EPA and the Department of Energy (DOE) seem to be at quite opposite poles with regard to the affect that dry R-22 units will have in the industry, the economy, and on the environment, is disconcerting, and deserving of better answers.

LOOPHOLES

Drusilla Hufford, director Stratospheric Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would not acknowledge the fact that seven major HVAC manufacturers will build upwards of 600,000 units in 2011, an amount that will begin to gnaw away at the energy efficiency savings that resulted from the 13 SEER Rulemaking of January 2006.

Understandably, Hufford did not suggest a timeline for a final resolution regarding the Carrier petition. It is understandable that she would not want to acknowledge any mistake on behalf of the EPA in regard to the unforeseen ramifications of the loophole that allows the manufacture of dry R-22 units. That kind of posturing by an agency official is OK. Refusing to acknowledge that seven industry manufactures have reopened assembly lines for the express purpose of building units that will routinely be mismatched in the field, thus creating the possibility of installed systems that do not meet the 13 SEER minimum — that is not OK.

Why would the dry R-22 units not meet the minimum? The DOE still has not yet issued anything past a preliminary guidance as to how to rate the efficiency of the dry R-22 units; something that has probably been the result of a little confusion about most popular coil matches.

In the jargon of some old Southern politicians, that means Katy, bar the door. Or, said another way, take precautions, there is trouble ahead.

There, I feel better. The stress is rolling away. But, I really hope the one person in the government who is subscribing to The NEWS does not cancel their subscription, because that will probably get me in trouble.

Publication date: 06/27/2011

by Mike Murphy

Have a Safe and Happy Independence Weekend!!

2011-07-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

RemTec is available for Emergency Recharges over the Holiday weekend!

1-800-372-1301

Carrier submits R-22 petition to EPA

2011-07-01T07:20:00.001-07:00

Carrier has submitted a petition to EPA requesting a rule making to reclassify a residential condensing unit as a sub system of a system to extend the manufacturing prohibition to dry R-22 condensing units. A manufacturing ban would take effect on January 1, 2012. To date, the EPA has not agreed to reopen this rule making.

Happy Earth Day From RemTec International!

2011-04-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

US agrees to withdrawl of HFC-134a

2011-03-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

The US Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to grant a petition filed by several NGOs to withdraw the agency’s approval of HFC-134a.

The move follows the organisations previous announcement that it has given official final approval to HFO1234yf for use in new cars and light trucks.

The petition will be followed by a formal “notice and comment” rulemaking to set the phase-out schedule.

Durwood Zaelke, President of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, said: “Reducing all HFCs can produce a planet-saving 100 billion tonnes or more of CO2-equivalent in climate mitigation.

“We can get 30 per cent of this by outlawing HFCs in mobile air conditioning, as the European Union is already doing, starting with new models in 2011. And we can do it fast - easily in 7 years for new cars as required in Europe, or in as little as three years if automakers get serious about improving their cars.

Stephen Andersen, who organised the Mobile Air Conditioning Climate Protection Partnership (MACCPP) during his time at EPA, said: “EPA’s decision will encourage a rapid market transformation using the best available technology, selected by industry, just in time to allow American automakers to sell their cars everywhere in the world.”

source: http://www.racplus.com/news/us-agrees-to-withdrawl-of-hfc-134a/8613230.article

ICARHMA Launches New Web Site: ICARHMA.org

2011-03-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

March 21, 2011

Arlington, Va. (March 21, 2011) -- The International Council of Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Manufacturers Associations (ICARHMA) is pleased to announce the launch of a newly designed Web site. The site features a global calendar of HVACR industry events, the Council's policy statements, press releases, Council member's contacts, and a members-only center.

ICARHMA is a unique membership organization comprised of associations representing manufacturers of air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. It serves as a forum for the discussion of issues affecting the global industry, including energy efficiency, environmental stewardship, and other timely topics. AHRI serves as the Secretariat.

About ICARHMA

ICARHMA is an organization of associations representing manufacturers of air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating equipment in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, and the U.S. It serves as a forum for the discussion of issues affecting the global air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating industry. ICARHMA members provide a valuable contribution to the global economy and to consumers world-wide.

About AHRI

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI's 300 member companies account for more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment manufactured and sold in North America.

Canadian Officials Seize 5315 Cylinders of Illegally Imported HCFC-22

2011-03-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Record Seizure of More Than $1 Million of a Toxic Substance

Environment Canada News Release:

MONTRÉAL, Que. -- March 7, 2011 -- Following an investigation conducted by Environment Canada officers, the company Gestion Alexis Dionne Inc. and its president, Mr. Alexis Dionne, have accepted responsibility for the illegal importation of approximately 120,000 kg of chlorodifluoromethane (HFCF-22), a gas used in the refrigeration industry.

The company and its president have been charged with four counts of illegal importation of HFCF-22 between September 2008 and June 2009, in contravention of the Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998.

With the agreement of the Attorney General of Canada, they have signed on March 2, 2011, an Environmental Protection Alternative Measures Agreement (EPAM) as provided under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.

The charges against company Gestion Alexis Dionne Inc. and its president, Mr. Alexis Dionne, follow an investigation conducted by Environment Canada officers in 2009 at a warehouse located in Saint-Jérôme, Québec, where 5,315 cylinders, or approximately 72,285 kg, of HCFC-22 were discovered and seized. This is a record seizure.

Among other things, the alternative measures imposed in the agreement signed by Gestion Alexis Dionne Inc. and its president, Mr. Dionne, provide consent to forfeit to Her Majesty in right of Canada the 5,315 cylinders of HCFC-22 seized (of which the market value is estimated at more than $1 million), the production and publication of an article in a specialized magazine and on the Gestion Alexis Dionne Inc. Internet site, as well as immediate voluntary payment of an amount of $4,500 to the Environmental Damages Fund.

This agreement will be in effect for a period of 36 months. If these conditions are not respected in their entirety during this period, the case will be brought before the court. This resolution is the result of an investigation by Environment Canada's Enforcement Branch.

The Ozone-depleting Substances Regulations, 1998, represent Canada's commitment to meeting its international obligations under the Montréal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Among other things, these Regulations control the import, export, manufacturing, use, sale and offering for sale of certain substances, including HCFC-22. These reductions are intended to prevent damages resulting from gradual destruction of the ozone layer and thus contribute to protecting the environment, health and human life.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T05:21:00.001-07:00

Want to know how to turn your used CFC’s into Cash?

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

Just call or e-mail Patti Ellingson, RemTec International’s Director of Wholesale Development and she will answer all your questions. Mobile- 419-575-9490 Direct Office- 252-364-1098 or patti.ellingson@remtec.net

Our Buy Back & Recovery Program is designed for the specific needs of a wholesale Distributor.

Cash is King!!!

Let us show you how to add Cash to your bottom line!

http://www.remtec.net/ for more information.

2011 AHR Expo

2011-02-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who stopped by our Booth during the 2011 AHR Expo. This year’s show was a huge success and we look forward to working with you all in 2011. Thank you for your interest and continued business

Women in HVACR would like to introduce its 2011 Executive Board.

2011-01-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

Serving as President this year will be Nita Brooks. Nita is the Business Product Development and Member Services Manager for the business level of membership with NCI- National Comfort Institute http://www.nationalcomfortinstitute.com. During the eleven years she has been with ISL, her areas of responsibility have included enhancing and developing vendor programs, coaching and training members on business practices, helping to develop tools to support the member’s business practices, recruiting, and supporting the accounting functions. Nita brings over 24 years of successful business development experience to the HVAC arena. As an Area Controller for Purina Mills, Inc., Nita developed local controls to focus on the support of ethical practices and processes to ensure profitability for multiple facilities. Nita’s experience in auditing business practices to provide compliance with standards needed for improved profit margins has aided to develop results-driven solutions for HVAC contractors.

The Vice President for 2011 is Patti Ellingson. Patti has an extensive background in sales, business development and marketing within the HVACR industry since 1993. She currently heads up RemTec International’s www.remtec.net Wholesale Division featuring the Refrigerant Buy Back and Recovery Program, Destruction of ODS gas for Carbon Credits Program and virgin & reclaimed refrigerant sales. Through a defined vision, she has produced successful market tactics resulting in profitable growth for her partners within the industry. Her ability to motivate others through goals, challenges and coaching have contributed to her proven sales record. Patti earned her degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Marketing from Saint Leo University (1993). She is active in the HVACR industry as a member of HARDI, Women in HVACR, AHRI, and the USGBC. She is focused on the issues of environmentally beneficial “green” solutions, indoor air quality and energy efficiency within the industry.

The position of Treasurer will be shared this year by Karen Riffice and Barbara Keil. Karen grew up in a family of service pipefitters. Although eager to join the trade after high school, she received a less-than-enthusiastic reply to her interest. She worked with her two brothers at their contracting firm prior to finishing her four-year degree and MBA. She realized that there are many ways to make a great living in this industry. With her education, she chose the financial side. Karen worked for Soderlund Bros., Inc., a HVACR contractor for 26 years as the company Controller. When the owner decided to retire, she started her own HVACR and Plumbing company, Amalgamated Services, Inc.

She has developed important skills in contractor financial management as well as sales development, service scheduling, fieldwork personnel supervision, union contract negotiation, customer service, collections, and banking relationships. Karen also has participated in numerous trade and professional organizations, serving as an officer and board member in several instances. Her many years in the industry have prepared her well for the task of ownership. Her goals include increasing the outreach into schools to raise awareness about careers in the HVAC industry.

KEIL Heating & Air www.keilheatac.com was founded by Barbara's grandfather in 1908. Although she recalls helping out at a very young age, Barbara's father suggested she put her accounting degree to work at KEIL until she found a "real job." Truly enjoying the perspective of running a business, Barbara never left! Celebrating 100 years in business, KEIL has earned the Contractor of the Year Award from Contracting Business magazine and the Best Contractor to Work for (Northeastern USA) Award from the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News. Barbara is an active member of International Service Leadership (ISL), Toastmasters International and The Alternative Board.

The position of Secretary is held by Tammy Smith. Tammy and her husband, Hal, started Halco Plumbing & Heating www.halcoheating.com in 1984. In 2004 they expanded their business ownership by opening a supply house called PBS Supply, Inc. between the two ventures; they employ approximately 125 people in the Finger Lakes Region in upstate NY. They are active members of International Service Leadership (ISL), where Hal assists with training for light commercial contractors. Married for 25 years, they have three children: Seth, 21; Brock, 17; and Paige, 8. Tammy actively supports the local schools and their community. In what spare time they find, Tammy enjoys riding her Boss Hoss motorcycle with Hal, bowling, skeet shooting and taking vacations.

And Past President is Kimberly O’Neal, who will remain active on the board. As a Channel Marketing Specialist for the Home Comfort and Energy Systems business for Honeywell, www.customer.honeywell.com. Kim has an active role in identifying marketing opportunities, developing plans and executing the tactics within the HVACR channel. A former employee of the Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), she has a unique perspective on many facets of the HVACR Distribution side of the industry. She has been a member of WHVACR since its inception and a WHVACR Board member since 2005.

Additional Board members are:
Kathy Corr, NATE - Ruth Ann Davis, Williams Furnace - Alyssa Peluso - DuroDyne Leslie Titcomb, Harvey Hottel

RemTec International Proud Member of HARDI

2011-01-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

RemTec International's Buy Back & Recovery Program is specifically designed with the needs of the HARDI wholesale distributor in mind.

We understand the need for ease and simplicity, so our "No-Hassle" program provides you with a way to dispose of your unwanted CFC, HCFC and HFC refrigerants.

We are committed to the wholesale distribution model and have made a commitment that we will set ourselves apart from our competitors by not buying and selling directly into the HVAC/R industry.

Our Program:

· Design a specialized reclamation program specific to your company’s needs.
· Pick up your refrigerants within 24 hours of your call.
· Accept for credit your R-22 as low as 90% purity.
· Pay top dollar/credit for your 99.5% R-22.
· Dispose of your mixed and unusable refrigerants at no charge.
· Cylinder exchange program-with fast recovery cylinder turn around.
· Take care of all freight arrangements.
· Provide a complete paper trail for your EPA record keeping.
· Provide a refrigerant banking/storage service if needed.
· Tank refurbishment & certification to DOT standards available.
· Virgin & Reclaimed refrigerants for sale.

RemTec International is the only EPA Certified Refrigerant Reclamation Center with On-site AHRI Lab, On-site destruction capabilities & On-site cylinder recertification facility.

MACS 2011 Conference

2011-01-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

RemTec International invites you to visit our Booth# 432
at the 2011 MACS - Mobile Air Conditioning Society Conference

January 27 - 29

Hope To See You There!

Tim Kearney & Gary Stofan

AHR EXPO Las Vegas

2011-01-14T06:21:00.000-08:00

RemTec International invites you to visit our
Booth# (N5722)
at the 2011 AHR EXPO in Las Vegas January 31- Feb 2

I hope to see you there!

Tim Kearney, Ron Marcus, Dr. Wayne & Patti Ellingson

Recover, Recycle & Reclaim

2011-01-14T06:10:00.001-08:00

The following describes the specific differences between refrigerant recovery, recycling and reclamation:

Recover

To remove refrigerant in any condition from an appliance and store it in an external container without necessarily testing or processing it in any way.

Refrigerant RECOVERY involves the removal of a refrigerant from a system and the placement of that refrigerant into a container. The recovery process:

Is conducted whenever technicians need to open or dispose of air conditioning or refrigeration equipment.
Includes removal of refrigerant vapor (heels) to established vacuum levels to maximize the amount of refrigerant captured and minimize releases. Examples of recovery/recycling machine design safety are included in Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1963, and performance specifications are included in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) 740.
Involves service technicians, equipment operators, appliance disposal facilities, equipment and refrigerant manufacturers.

Recycle

To extract refrigerant from an appliance and clean refrigerant for reuse without meeting all of the requirements for reclamation. In general, recycled refrigerant is refrigerant that is cleaned using oil separation and single or multiple passes through devices, such as replaceable core filter-driers, which reduce moisture, acidity, and particulate matter. Under section 609, refrigerant can be removed from one car's air conditioner, recycled on site, and then charged into a different car.

Refrigerant RECYCLING involves processing used refrigerants to reduce contaminants, then reusing the refrigerant.

Recycling is recommended only when recharging to the same owner's equipment.
Recycling involves removal of some contaminants prior to reuse. Contaminants can result in early system failure. Contaminants include oil, moisture, acid, chlorides, particulates, and non-condensable gases.
The Industry Recycling Guide (IRG-2) published by ARI describes maximum recommended levels of impurities.
International Organization for Standards (ISO) 11650, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1990 or AHRI 740 standards may be used to measure recovery/recycling equipment performance.

Reclaim

To reprocess refrigerant to at least the purity specified in the ARI Standard 700-1993, Specifications for Fluorocarbon Refrigerants, and to verify this purity using the analytical methodology prescribed in the Standard. Reclamation requires specialized machinery not available at a particular job site or auto repair shop. The technician will recover the refrigerant and then send it either to a EPA certified reclaimer, http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/608/reclamation/reclist.html, or back to the refrigerant manufacturer.

Refrigerant RECLAMATION involves purifying used refrigerant to meet industry product specifications.

Reclamation identifies bad or mixed refrigerants which could result in equipment damage or leakage. Chemical analysis also is required to verify specification values to meet or exceed product standards. (e.g. ISO 12810, AHRI 700).
Reclamation may include filtering, separation, distillation, dilution, or reformulation of the recovered refrigerant.
Reclamation is recommended when used refrigerants will be charged into equipment other than the equipment it was removed from, or into equipment owned by a different company.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that reclaimed refrigerant must attain AHRI 700 or ISO 12810, or equivalent specification prior to resale.
Reclamation facilities and processes should be designed to minimize emissions.
Non-reclaimable refrigerants should be disposed of in an environmentally acceptable manner, and in accordance with applicable regulations.

RemTec International Introduces Blog Site

2011-01-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

Article from the HVACR Distribution Website

RemTec International, an EPA- certified reclaimer, announces the launch of their new educational blog site at http://r-22-refrigerants.blogspot.com/, providing the industry with updated information and tips for refrigerant reclamation programs. A second blog has been established to keep contractors up to date and informed on all of the changes in carbon credits and carbon offsets at http://ods-destruction-carbon-credits.blogspot.com/. “I encourage you to follow our blogs as we continue to assist the HVACR industry through education and sound solutions while working to reduce the environmental impact that halocarbons (Halons, CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs) have on our atmosphere. Through target marketing and education, we continue to broadcast our message of recover, reclaim, re-use,” says Patti Ellingson, director of Wholesale Development.
Visit http://www.remtec.net/ for additional information.

Be Ready for…Phase 2 Stage 2 of the R-22 Phaseout Schedule January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011

2010-12-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

E.P.A. Allowance and Allocation

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has issued its final HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) Allowance and Allocation ruling, which limits production and/or importation of R-22. Following the EPA ruling, prices of refrigerant R-22 began to climb. The supply of R-22 in the U.S. is strictly controlled. The demand for R-22 in the U.S. is increasing as result of the implemented 13 SEER energy requirement on air conditioning equipment. Raw materials, manufacturing and energy costs are also rising and these too contribute to the increased prices.

E.P.A. HCFC Phaseout Schedule
Phase 1 2004 35% Overall Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 2 Stage 1 2010 75% Overall Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 2 Stage 2 2011 An additional 10% Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 2 Stage 3 2012 An additional 10% Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 2 Stage 4 2013 An additional 10% Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 2 Stage 5 2014 An additional 10% Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 3 2015 90% Overall Consumption Reduction* from prior year

Phase 4 2020 STOP R-22 PRODUCTION

*Consumption is calculated by the following formula: consumption = production plus imports minus exports.

Partner with RemTec International-
Buy Back and Recovery Program- Call Patti Ellingson, Director of Wholesale Development at 419-575-9490 for more details.

Happy Holidays from RemTec International

2010-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

All The Best To You, Your Family and Your Organization

2010-12-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Wishing you health and happiness this Holiday Season and properity in the New Year. We value our customer relationshipsand thank you for being our customer. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming year.

Refrigerant Mandates Face Muddled Future

2010-12-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

by Peter Powell
December 6, 2010

Prediction of R-22 Shortfalls in 2010 Did Not Materialize

Mandates governing reduced production of virgin HCFC-22 kicked in early in 2010, but, unlike what was predicted, ended up not affecting contractors all that much. The general consensus is that will probably be the case in 2011 also.

Another small step-down in R-22 production is required come 2011 at the same time contractors will continue to deal with the wild card issue of “dry shipped” R-22 condensing units.

A deluge of legislative initiatives from the Obama administration that could have affected the cost and supplies of HFC refrigerants didn’t get much traction in 2010 and appear more than likely in 2011 to get mired in the mud of an even more divided Congress as the result of the recent mid-term elections. Meanwhile, the potential of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state governments moving forward with their own environmental agendas remains an unknown.

THE HCFC ISSUE

On Jan. 1, 2010, a mandated reduction in the manufacturing of virgin R-22 went from 65 percent of the 1999 baseline year to 25 percent. That 110 million metric tons (MT) of new refrigerant was below a predicted demand of 137 MT overall for R-22. Yet, the prediction of some that there could be shortfalls in 2010 did not materialize.

“The industry today has a surplus of virgin R-22 when all the models called for a multi-million pound deficit,” said Gordon McKinney of ICOR International, a manufacturer of refrigerants. “Many believe this surplus could continue through next year and beyond.”

Several more million metric tons of virgin R-22 will be taken out of production come this Jan. 1 as the step down in annual production continues until it reaches 10 percent of 1999 levels in 2015, but as McKinney noted, a continued sluggish economy, moderate weather patterns and a continuing shift to HFC refrigerants could keep supplies of R-22 for aftermarket use adequate.

“If the housing market and general economy improves, and we have a good, hot summer across most the country in 2011, we could see the R-22 surplus lean out and prices begin to rise,” said McKinney. “Even then we believe that more people will move to alternative refrigerants as a long-term, cost-effective option rather than depend on an unpredictable supply chain.”

The wild card is the decision of a number of OEM manufacturers to continue to produce R-22 residential condensing units for aftermarket use, “dry-shipping” them without R-22 and having technicians field-charge them. The decision followed a U.S. EPA ruling that took effect on Jan. 1, 2010, saying entire systems could no longer be manufactured but “components” could be as long as they were not factory-charged with R-22.

While many thought only parts such as compressors and valves would continue to be made for aftermarket repair, manufacturers saw enough demand for entire condensing units to re-amp production of such components during 2010.

How the “dry-ship” issue plays out in 2011 depends on how many such units end up having to be charged onsite with R-22.

“A significant quantity of units would have to be installed to begin to dent the glut of R-22,” said Kevin Zugibe of Hudson Technologies, which sells refrigerant.

“Installation of dry-shipped units will increase the installed base of R-22 equipment,” said Chuck Broadus of Airgas, a supplier of refrigerants. “This will increase demand for R-22. The impact on supply of R-22 will depend on the number of units installed, which is unknown at this time.”

HFCs AND LEGISLATORS

Congressional activity was watched closely through 2010 to see how it might impact the future of HFCs and overall costs as with cap-and-trade issues.

It ends up virtually nothing happened in 2010 and probably won’t happen in 2011. As noted by Talbot Gee, vice president of the Heating Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International, “HFC regulations did not go anywhere and will not go anywhere.”

The 1,000-pound gorilla at the start of 2010 was the American Clean Energy & Security Act (ACES), also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, named for U.S. Reps. Henry Waxman and Edward Markey.

The bill had HFCs factored into cap-and-trade regulations and provisions for buy-ins that would add to the cost of HFCs. But as far back as mid-2009, the bill had barely passed the Democratic controlled House of Representatives by a vote of 219 to 212. Now as the result of the November 2010 mid-term elections, the House will be controlled by Republicans and Waxman will lose chairmanship of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Markey the Select Energy Independence and Global Warming Committee.

Even though passage of the bill stands on record in the House, “no vote is planned in the Senate and ACES is likely dead,” said Ted Gartland of Allied Representatives, an industry veteran who closely monitors legislative matters.

Charlie McCrudden, vice president for government relations, Air Conditioning Contractors of America, agreed. “There is no chance this bill will pass Congress in the next two years, and most likely even the next four years. President Obama said as much in his press conference the day after the election.”

Howard Latin, an environmental law professor from Rutgers Law School, doubts anything will ever come out of Congress regardless of which party is in power. He told an audience at a sustainability fair this summer in Oregon, Ill., that “Climate change (legislation) in the House is pathetic and weak. Elected officials are afraid of what it will do regarding jobs and the economy.”

Regarding the hodgepodge of state mandates and efficiency standards, McCrudden said, “Many states are developing their own retrofit incentive programs with federal dollars. Each has pursued a different path and a patchwork quilt of programs that favors different types of appliances. For example, some states give rebates for higher efficiency furnaces and air conditioners while other offer rebates for higher efficiency ‘white goods’ like dishwashers and clothes washers. A few common themes have emerged: Since it’s public money being floated to benefit private homeowners, there needs to be some form of quality assurance that the equipment is installed properly. We’ve recommended that states require installing contractors to adhere to ACCA’s Quality Installation Standard for HVAC equipment qualifying for rebates or incentives.”

McCrudden also offered some perspectives on how the EPA might act. “We may see the Obama Administration, through the EPA, use the Clean Air Act through a regulatory rule to restrict or limit the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The EPA does have the authority under a recent Supreme Court ruling to regulate green house gases starting on Jan. 2, 2011. If that were to occur, there are enough votes in Congress to delay the implementation of the rule for at least two years. In the next Congress, there could be changes made to our national energy policy, but it will be incremental change.”

GLOBAL

Don’t expect much on a global level, say some observers. While the Montreal Protocol of the 1980s did change the HVACR sector, the subsequent Kyoto Protocol of the 1990s never got United States support for a specific commitment in GHG reductions and many countries agreeing to their own targets did not reach them until the worldwide recession kicked in. The most recent Copenhagen Accord of 2009 produced neither specific targets nor commitments to reach them.

Rutgers’ Latin blames this on the phenomena of recent years classifying countries as “developed” (the United States, Canada, European countries, for example) or “developing” (China, India, Mexico, for example). “Ultimately, developed and developing countries have opposite positions. There is no common ground. All the two sides do at international conferences is try to strengthen their positions,” he said.

Happy Holidays from all of us at RemTec!

2010-12-01T06:38:00.001-08:00

Since it’s December, now is a good time to get organized for the new year.

Do you have refrigerants that you'd like to get rid of?

RemTec buys and pays the freight for R-11, R-12, R-22, R-114, R-115 and R-125.*

We pay for mixed purity down to 98%. If your refrigerant fails to meet 98%, we dispose of it for you at no charge. You benefit either way.

HAZMAT shipping documents and a complete paper trail are provided for you.

Do you have cylinders that are out of test date? RemTec is a DOT approved
hydrostatic testing facility. So we can requalify your tanks, giving you five more
years of use.**

Contact Gary Stofan for more information.
gary.stofan@remtec.net
RemTec International
1100 Haskins Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402 USA
1-888-873-6832
www.remtec.net

*Based on a minimum net weight requirement of refrigerant.

**Available at an additional cost.

RemTec is an EPA certified reclaimer of refrigerants.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

RemTec International would like to wish you and your entire staff a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.

Patti Ellingson
Director of Wholesale Development
RemTec International
http://www.remtec.net/
419-575-9490
Patti.ellingson@remtec.net

Happy Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T04:55:00.001-08:00

RemTec International honors those who are serving and who have served our country to maintain our freedom! Thank you!

Patti Ellingson RemTec's Director of Wholesale Distribution is also on the board for Women in HVACR

2010-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Photos of Patti at the Women in HVACR conference.

2010-10-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy 30th Anniversary

2010-09-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Richard Marcus will be attending the 30th Anniversary of The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy as a Board Member on Monday, September 27th.

This event is being held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

REMTEC INTERNATIONAL - HALON

2010-09-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Richard Marcus, RemTec International - Round Table & Presenter at the Green Labeling Symposium

2010-09-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Richard M. Marcus is President of the world's largest and most comprehensive privately owned halocarbon-recycling corporation. Richard has managed several multi-lateral Halon banking projects globally including the People's Republic of China, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan and the Ukraine. Richard works extensively with the Montreal Protocol Technical Committees as an expert on reclamation and destruction of halocarbons.

RemTec International Announces the Expansion of their Halon and Refrigerant Reclamation Services to the Middle East Region

2010-09-15T06:35:00.000-07:00

BOWLING GREEN, OH, USA – (Business Wire) - In conjunction with Pan Gulf Industrial Systems, RemTec International has announced it will commence Halon reclamation and banking operations in the Middle East as of November 2010. This halocarbon reclamation facility will be the first of its kind in the region. Located on the second Dammam industrial city, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it will also provide services throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

The newly constructed 30,000 square foot facility is part of a three-phase program to contain and manage Class I and II Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and other halocarbons. The initial phase will provide Halon reclamation and banking capabilities on a regional basis to petrochemical companies and other end users. The second phase will expand these services to include reclamation and banking of all ODS including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) refrigerants, and in addition Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are high in Global Warming Potential (GWP). The third phase will install advanced systems that safely destroy all of these substances and other environmentally-hazardous wastes using patented Plasma Arc Destruction Technology.

Richard Marcus, President and CEO stated, “We are proud to team with Pan Gulf Industrial Systems to provide these services to the Middle East and the surrounding regions. This halocarbon reclamation facility will be state of the art with the latest, most advanced equipment for the reclamation and management of Halons and refrigerants that are either ozone depleters or high in global warming potential. It is designed to be operated in a fail safe environment using highly automated systems that are continuously monitored both on site and at our headquarters in Bowling Green, Ohio.”

The facility will be equipped with a full laboratory that will be capable of testing to a number of standards including ASTM-D5632-08, ISO 7201-2:1991 or Military Specification B-8741 (USAF). Refrigerant testing to the AHRI Standard 700-2006 will also be developed as later project phases are added. Ultimately, the laboratory will provide convenient and accurate testing of Halons and refrigerants throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Richard Marcus further stated, “This facility, with its investment in advanced technologies and its central location, is ideally suited to provide testing and reclamation services for commercial and military clients throughout the Middle East region and beyond.”

Finally, as ODS are phased out, it will be important that these materials are handled properly, particularly at the end of their useful lives. This is a concern to many countries in the region as well as to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Bank. For this reason, this project was selected to be part of a case study by the World Bank, to examine methods to manage and destroy ODS as they are phased out. Using Plascon Plasma Arc Destruction Technology, ODS will be destroyed with an extremely high Destruction Removal Efficiency (DRE) of 99.9999%. Mr. Marcus concluded his remarks by stating, “A high DRE is achieved with de minimis emissions to the atmosphere and a safe, salt water solution as the only effluent. In conjunction with our alliance partner, DoloMatrix in Australia, RemTec is able to provide these environmental solutions in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner, in areas of the world that normally lack this advanced technology. In addition, Plascon also has the potential to destroy chlorophenols, chlorinated phenoxywaste, concentrated PCB, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and chlorinated solvents, which are present in the Middle East and surrounding regions.”

ABOUT REMTEC INTERNATIONAL

Established in 1986, RemTec International is a world leader in the recovery, reclamation and destruction of Halons and Refrigerants. RemTec’s Halocarbon Management Program uses patented technologies which avoid emissions that either destroy the ozone layer or add to global warming potential. RemTec's unique approach facilitates safe disposal of unwanted Halons, CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs on a worldwide basis. These hazardous substances are recovered, reclaimed and in some cases destroyed, in accordance with all domestic and international regulatory standards. For more information, please visit www.remtec.net or e-mail info@remtec.net.

AHRI Publishes Guideline for Content Recovery and Proper Recycling of Refrigerant Cylinders

2010-08-13T07:49:00.001-07:00

The Chemical and Refrigerant Reclaimers Section of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has approved for publication AHRI Guideline Q-2010, Content Recovery & Proper Recycling of Refrigerant Cylinders.
This document is available for free download.
It is a guideline for content recovery and recycling of cylinders at the end of their useful service life.
This document is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all good practices or requirements.
The guideline applies to all U.S Department of Transportation (DOT) non-refillable and refillable fluorocarbon refrigerant cylinders, as defined in Section 3 of AHRI Guideline Q-2010, having water capacity greater than two pounds used to transport refrigerants sold in the United States.

"Publication of this guideline is another example of our industry's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship," said AHRI President & CEO Stephen Yurek. "We are pleased to once again make an important guideline available free of charge for the benefit of reclaimers, recyclers, and technicians."

AHRI develops and publishes guidelines and performance rating standards for industry products. The guideline is intended for the guidance of the industry, including manufacturers, engineers, installers, contractors and users. Standards establish rating criteria and procedures for measuring and certifying product performance so that products are rated on a uniform basis. AHRI's guidelines and standards are available for free download from the AHRI Web site because AHRI members want to make it easier for contractors, designers, and engineers to make choices based on easily accessed testing and rating information.

Looking for R-22

2010-06-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

LOOKING FOR $$$$ FOR YOUR R-22?
You've found it with RemTec!
-Payment for R-22 Meeting 98% purity
-Shipping documents supplied
-Tank pickups scheduled for you
-Freight paid both ways*
-Complete paper trail provided
-Free disposal of <98% purity R-22
-Hydrostatic cylinder testing**

RemTec International
1100 Haskins Rd.
Bowling Green, OH 43402
1-888-873-6832
gary.stofan@remtec.net

*Based on a minimum net weight requirement
**Available at an additional cost.

REMTEC INTERNATIONAL - Refrigerants

2010-06-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

RemTec International Extends a Five-Year Agreement with DoloMatrix as Exclusive Representative for Plasma Arc ODS Destruction Technology

2010-05-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

RemTec International Extends a Five-Year Agreement with DoloMatrix as Exclusive Representative for Plasma Arc ODS Destruction Technology in North America - Producing High Quality Offset Credits for the Carbon Compliance Market

BOWLING GREEN, OH, USA – (Business Wire) – RemTec International, the largest privately-owned reclaimer of halons and refrigerants, announced today the extension of its five year agreement with DoloMatrix International, Ltd., to be the exclusive representative for SRL Plasma’s Plascon® equipment in North America, designed to destroy Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). The DoloMatrix destruction technology along with RemTec’s patented recovery and reclaiming equipment, produces carbon offset credits that exceed the requirements of a newly released Climate Action Reserve (CAR) Ozone Depleting Substances Project Protocol. This protocol delivers permanent greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions for the carbon compliance market.

“The combination of our technologies and services provides the ultimate in transparency, tracking and accountability. In addition, Plasma Arc Destruction is environmentally superior to high temperature incineration.”

Richard Marcus, President and CEO stated, “Our alliance with DoloMatrix provides the compliance-offset market a high quality carbon offset for several reasons. First, the Destruction Efficiency (DRE) is extremely high - exceeding 99.9999% and it is environmentally superior compared to high temperature incineration that burns an assortment of hazardous waste products, in order to reduce their halocarbon load as a percentage of total harmful emissions. In contrast, Plasma Arc Technology is environmentally friendly because emissions to the atmosphere are de minimus, the rate of dioxin and furan emissions is lower by orders of magnitude, the only effluent is harmless salt water, and it has a lower carbon footprint.

“We can provide superior carbon offset credits because the combined technologies of RemTec and DoloMatrix use Technology & Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP) testing methodology, specifically designed to measure the destruction of ODS. In addition, our detailed tracking and documentation system follows individual shipments from the source to final destruction. When combined with our online real-time computer monitoring, our system provides complete transparency to carbon offset providers, verifiers and outside regulatory agencies on a 24 hour basis.

“This represents the first phase in our efforts to establish regional facilities that offer cradle to grave management of halons and refrigerant gases that are high ozone depleters, or that are high in global warming potential. In addition to our existing processing plant in Bowling Green, Ohio future operations are also planned in the Middle East and Asia.”

Mr. Marcus concluded by saying, "Through the combination of our proprietary technologies, we are able to offer an enhanced ODS Destruction Protocol. This is very timely, especially considering certain recent Amendments to Senate Bill 1733, Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, that were introduced by Senators John Kerry (D-MA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Joe Lieberman (I-CT). This Bill specifically recognizes offset credits for ODS destruction for both domestic and international projects.”

ABOUT REMTEC INTERNATIONAL

Established in 1986, RemTec International is a world leader in the recovery, reclamation and destruction of Halons and Refrigerants. RemTec’s Halocarbon Management Program uses patented technologies that avoid emissions that either destroy the ozone layer, or add to global warming potential. RemTec's unique approach facilitates safe disposal of unwanted Halons, CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs on a worldwide basis. These hazardous substances are recovered, reclaimed, and in some cases destroyed in accordance with all domestic and international regulatory standards. For more information, please visit http://www.remtec.net/

RemTec International
1100 Haskins Road
Bowling Green, Ohio, 43402
USA

419-867-8990
419-867-3279 (Facsimile)800-372-1301 (Toll Free / North America)

Technician Training and Certification

2010-04-28T05:15:00.000-07:00

The EPA updated its list of approved Section 608 programs on April 14, 2010.
The list of authorized 608 Technician Training and Certification programs can be found at http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/608/technicians/608certs.html.
Section 608 certification applies to the servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners.

The last update of the Section 609 programs was occurred on April 14, 2009.
The list of approved 609 Technician Training and Certification programs can be
found at http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/609/technicians/609certs.html.
Section 609 certification applies to the servicing of stationary refrigeration and
air conditioning equipment.

Refrigerant Sales Restriction

The U.S. EPA instituted a refrigerant sales restriction on November 14, 1994.
Some information resulting from the restriction appears below.

Section 608 certified technicians may not buy “small cans”(containers filled with less than 20 pounds of R-12 or EPA-approved motor vehicle air conditioner substitutes, that contain an ozone-depleting substance).

Section 609 certified technicians may not buy R-22 in any size container because it’s an ozone-depleting refrigerant that isn’t intended for use in motor vehicle air
conditioners.

Buses that use R-22 refrigerant aren’t defined as motor vehicle air conditioners,
so Section 608 certification is required to service them.

Reclamation & Recovery

2010-03-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

As an EPA certified reclaimer RemTec International is interested in setting a meeting to discuss possible environmental solutions we can provide as a resource and partner to you as a fellow HARDI member.

Refrigerant Program

RemTec International is the only EPA certified reclaimer that has an AHRI-700 certified lab on site, on-site destruction capabilities, through our plascon destruction unit, and a cylinder re-certification facility on site.

With a long history of high priority aviation and government projects under our belt, RemTec can provide a valuable service as we continue to deal with the phase-out of R-22 and other increasingly regulated refrigerants.

RemTec's program is a convenient and environmentally responsible way for your customers to dispose of their used Halocarbons (HFCs HCFCs CFCs and HALON).

Our goal is to mitigate the environmental impact that these halocarbons have on our atmosphere.

Recover, Recycle, Re-use!

I hope we can schedule a time to further discus this opportunity.

Regards,
Patti Ellingson
RemTec International
Director of Wholesale Development
1100 Haskins Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
252-364-1098 (Office)
419-575-9490 (Mobile)
patti.elllingson@remtec.net

SELL YOUR RECOVERED R-22

2010-03-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

RemTec Provides The Following:

· Shipping document preparation.

· Tank pickups are scheduled at your convenience.

· Free shipping to and from RemTec’s Processing Facility*.

· Payment for your R-22 meeting 98% purity.

· A complete paper trail for EPA recordkeeping.

· Free disposal of R-22 testing below 98% purity.

· D.O.T. tank recertification available at an additional cost.

*Based on a minimum net weight requirement of refrigerant.

Contact Gary Stofan for more information.

gary.stofan@remtec.net
RemTec International
1100 Haskins Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
1-888-873-6832
www.remtecnet

RemTec International is an EPA certified reclaimer of refrigerants.

US Government Successful Prosecution of HCFC-22 Smugglers

2010-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

ALLIANCE COMMENDS US GOVERNMENT FOR
SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION AND SENTENCING OF HCFC-22 SMUGGLERS

For more information about this and other HCFC, CFC and HFC regulations call RemTec today!

http://www.remtec.net/

RemTec's Disposal Program is Hassle Free!

2010-02-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

RemTec International is an EPA certified reclaimer of refrigerants and we buy recovered (used) CFCs R-11, R-12, R-113, R-114 and R-115.

RemTec’s Disposal Program is Hassle Free!

RemTec Provides:
· Shipping documents.
· Tank pickups are scheduled.
· Free transport of your cylinders to and from our Bowling Green, Ohio processing facility.*
· Payment for your CFCs meeting 98% purity.
· Free disposal of your CFCs testing below 98% purity.
· A complete paper trail for your EPA recordkeeping.
· Hydrostatic testing of your tanks at an additional cost.
*Based on a minimum net weight requirement of refrigerant.

Gary.Stofan@remtec.net or patti.ellingson@remtec.net
RemTec International
1100 Haskins Road
Bowling Green, OH 43402
1-888-873-6832
www.remtec.net

RemTec International purchases surpluses of used Halon 1301, Halon 1211, HFC-227ea, HFC-125, HFC-236fa and Novec 1230™.
RemTec also provides quick turnaround recharge service for Halon 1301, HFC-227ea, HFC-125, HFC-236fa and Novec 1230™.

Industry Dealing With Curbs on HCFCs, HFCs

2010-01-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

Taken from October issue of Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration, the NEWS October 26, 2009

Two independent refrigerant legislative actions are in line to affect supplies of all HCFCs such as R-22 and all HFCs such as R-410A. But the HVACR industry is moving to prevent either action from negatively affecting the ability of contractors to do service work. That was one aspect of an Executive Roundtable Audio Event hosted by DuPont in early September.

Mack McFarland, DuPont Environmental Fellow, told those listening in on a conference call that the U.S. Clean Air Act is causing a 58 percent reduction in current levels of R-22 production beginning in 2010 and a phase out of the refrigerant by 2020. And he said pending climate change legislation appears to be pointing to a phase down in HFC production starting in 2012.
Regarding HCFCs, he noted the Environmental Protection Agency is projecting a supply of 110 million pounds of virgin R-22 in 2010 while the demand is 137 million pounds for the refrigerant overall. “What does this mean?” asked McFarland. “It means R-22 users need to plan to respond to decreased availability now and consider retrofitting with HFC refrigerants.”

He proposed a two-step plan involving contractors retrofitting what R-22 equipment they can with HFCs that the industry is making available for such a procedure, and then servicing R-22 equipment that is not retrofitted with recovered R-22. He also noted the need for increased reclamation efforts that bring recovered refrigerant back to AHRI-700 purity standards.
At the same time, he acknowledged that pending U.S. climate change legislation has been targeting HFCs, but that the industry “was able to get HFCs out of the broad carbon basket,” that could have resulted in even higher costs and a more rapid phase down. He said it appears now that HFCs will face “only modest equivalent fees” and a reduction schedule that will allow “time to develop and deploy next-generation low-global warming potential refrigerant options.”
He said, “The point is that HFC refrigerants will remain the cost-effective retrofit option.”

During the conference, DuPont promoted one such HFC refrigerant, R-438, which the company markets as MO-99.

Nick Strickland, market development manager, said the refrigerant has “similar pressure enthalpy performance as R-22 and uses mineral oil.” He said the tradeoff is a “slight capacity loss” compared with R-22.

Publication date: 10/26/2009
Visit the NEWS at www.achrnews.com

Cylinder Maintenance Services

2010-01-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

RemTec International is a certified Department of Transportation (DOT) hydrostatic testing facility. Our Bowling Green, Ohio facility also provides for cylinders tested in accordance with Transport Canada dual-stamped cylinder standards and regulations.

RemTec's Tank and Cylinder Refurbishment program services bulk storage containers, high-pressure industrial gas cylinders, low-pressure refrigerant recovery cylinders and CV series valve rebuilding. RemTec specializes in testing and refurbishment of 4BW series, 4BA series, 1 ton bulk tanks and 150 pound chlorine cylinders.

Cylinder Tanks
RemTec offers complete cylinder testing and maintenance for portable bulk storage containers. We are known throughout the industry for our commitment to quality and service; providing timely turn around, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.

We perform:

Hydrostatic testing with computerized test results
Fiber optics visual inspection
Cylinder stripping
Cylinder painting
Valve removal and insertion
Valve rebuilding
Internal cleaning
Complete cylinder maintenance services
RemTec International complies with all United States Department of Transportation requirements.

Contact RemTec today! 1-800-372-1301 www.remtec.net

Refrigerant MSDS online!

2010-01-06T08:33:00.001-08:00

We now have our RemTec MSDS available on our website for you to download whenever you need to!

http://www.remtec.net/MSDS-HalonsRefrigerants.html

R-22 Information Source for Homeowners

2009-12-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

Recently, a homeowner in Florida called us because he had been told by thereceptionist at a local heating and air conditioning company, that the lawrequires him to replace his R-22 air conditioning unit with a unit that uses R-410A.

Either the receptionist was mistaken or she was dishonestly trying togenerate business for her company. Homeowners are not required to stop using R-22, and do not have to replace their equipment just to switchto a different refrigerant.

If your company is receiving calls from consumers confused about thecontinuing use of their equipment that contains R-22 refrigerant, you canprovide them with the following link to the EPA's web site:http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/phaseout/homeowners_faq.html. This area of the web site provides answers to frequently asked questions about R-22, R-22 equipment and alternative refrigerants.

If you have any questions or concerns you can call us directly at 888-873-6832 or visit our website at www.remtec.net

Update on EPA's 2010 HCFC Regulations

2009-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

On December 7, 2009, the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) signed the final HCFC Allocation and Pre-Charged Products Ban Rules. You can locate these final rules on their website, http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/rulesoverview.html

Since the Allocation rule has been published before the end of the year, there will be no interruption in the legal production or importation of HCFCs in 2010.

For questions or concerns about these new allocation regulations please call us 888-873-6832. You can also visit our website: http://www.remtec.net/

Interested In Making A Donation?

2009-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just Get Caught Intentionally Venting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)

You'll be contributing to the U.S. Treasury, for violating Clean Air Act rules applying to stratospheric ozone protection.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 authorizes the EPA to assess fines up to $37,500 per day for violations.

Fines can be imposed for illegally releasing chlorofluorocarbons, failing to dispose of appliances properly, not capturing therefrigerants with certified recovery/recycling equipment, not having an EPA certified technician remove the CFCs and for cutting refrigerant lines.
How does the EPA learn about intentional venting? Anonymous tips and random inspections, which can include residential homes as well as businesses. A former employee in Utah called the EPA about his previous employer's actions.

Individuals who inform the EPA about illegal venting can earn a monetary reward of up to $10,000, if the information leads to successful prosecution and recovery of the fines.
The EPA does allow 30 days for responding to allegations, and it encourages people to use informal settlement conferences. However, the process can be referred to the Department of Justice and result in a court appearance, depending on the circumstances.

Natalie Topinka at the EPA in Chicago, the EPA's website and an actual case that was documented on the EPA's website

Check out our website for more information: www.remtec.net

KROY CORPORATION AND JAMES GARRIDO PLEAD GUILTY TO ILLEGAL SMUGGLING OF OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCE

2009-11-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

The article below is from The United States Attorney's Office Southern District of Florida
November 23, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jeffrey H. Sloman, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Maureen O’Mara, Special Agent in Charge, Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, Atlanta Area Office, and Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Office of Investigations, announced that defendants James Garrido, 44, of Miami, and Kroy Corporation, a Florida corporation with its principal place of business in Miami, pled guilty on Friday, November 20, 2009, in federal District Court in Miami to charges related to their illegal smuggling into the United States of restricted ozone-depleting substances contrary to the Clean Air Act, Title 42, United States Code, Sections7413(c)(1) and 7671d, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 545.

More specifically, James Garrido and Kroy Corporation each pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Patricia A. Seitz to a three count Information, charging them with knowingly importing approximately 418,654 kilograms of illegal hydrochlorofluorocarbon - 22 (“HCFC-22"), in violation of the provisions of the Clean Air Act. Defendant Garrido faces a possible statutory maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of $250,000 on each count. The statutory maximum fine for Kroy Corporation is $500,000 per count. Garrido also faces a term of supervised release of three years per count of conviction, while Kroy Corporation may be placed on probation for up to five years per count. In addition, the defendants could be ordered to forfeit the illegal proceeds of their conduct. Sentencing has been scheduled for February 11, 2010 at 8:30 a.m., before Judge Seitz.

The Federal Clean Air Act regulates air pollutants, including ozone-depleting substances such as HCFC-22. HCFC-22 is a widely used refrigerant for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems. The Clean Air Act and its implementing regulations established a schedule to phase out the production and importation of ozone depleting substances beginning in 2002, with a complete ban starting in 2030. To meet its obligations under International Treaty to reduce its consumption of the ozone-depleting substances, the United States issued baseline allowances for the production and importation of HCFC-22 to individuals and companies. In order to legally import HCFC-22, one must hold an unexpended consumption allowance.

According to court records, Kroy, a corporation formed in February 2007, was in the business of importing merchandise, including refrigerant. James Garrido is Kroy’s President. Between March 2007 and April 2009, Kroy and Garrido engaged in the illegal smuggling of large quantities of HCFC-22 into the United States for subsequent resale. The defendants would routinely declare imported merchandise as either legal R-134A refrigerant or as “United States Goods Returned.” In truth, except for a small quantity of legal refrigerant strategically placed in front of the contraband, the shipments contained HCFC-22 and were accompanied by false documentation. At no time did Kroy or Garrido hold unexpended consumption allowances that would have allowed them to legally import the HCFC-22.

In all, from 2007 to April 2009, Kroy and Garrido illegally imported approximately 1418,654 kilograms of restricted HCFC-22 in eleven separate shipments, with a total fair market value of more than $3.9 million.

Acting United States Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman stated, “The ozone layer provides crucial protection to all life on earth, and it must be preserved. The defendants jeopardized the global effort to restore and protect the ozone for their own financial benefit. Such conduct is short-sighted and inexcusable.”

EPA Special Agent in Charge Maureen O’Mara said, “HCFCs deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects people from such harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation as skin cancer. These guilty pleas sends a strong message that those who place the public at risk in order to make illegal profits will be vigorously prosecuted.”

“The unlawful importation of goods pose a triple threat to the national security, public safety and economic well-being of the United States,” said Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge of ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami. “This case demonstrates ICE’s partnership and aggressive approach with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and EPA to protect the American public from inferior and unsafe products that illegally enter the United States and combat those who exploit our commerce system and compromise the safety of our citizens.”

Mr. Sloman commended the investigative efforts of the Special Agents and officers of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ICE’s Office of Investigations in Miami, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and the Miami-Dade Police Department, Environmental Investigation Unit. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jodi A. Mazer.

A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.

Technical comments about this website can be e-mailed to the Webmaster. PLEASE NOTE: The United States Attorney's Office does not respond to non-technical inquiries made to this website. If you wish to make a request for information, you may contact our office at 305-961-9001, or you may send a written inquiry to the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida, 99 NE 4th Street, Miami, Fl. 33132.

Do You Have A Refrigerant Management Program?

2009-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

The R-22 phase-out is upon us. January 1, 2010 is only 43 days away.
Whether you currently recover the refrigerant on site, are a cylinder exchange and collection partner, or the HVAC contractor, reclaim is essential
to future supplies of R-22.

The EPA has estimated that 20% of the service market will need recycled and/or reclaimed R-22 to make up for the projected shortfall.
(Are you doing your part?) Knowing where to take your recovered refrigerants is ½ the battle.
You can find an EPA approved reclaimer by going to the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/608/reclamation/reclist.html

Make sure your refrigerant management plan includes the following steps:
- Check for leaks and repair them.
- Recover & Reclaim existing supplies of R-22
- Start looking at action plan to replace or retrofit to alternative refrigerants.

Visit http://www.remtec.net for more information

Thinking About Recovering Refrigerants?

2009-11-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Some Information That Can Help You

You'll need a refrigerant recovery machine and recovery cylinders.

A refrigerant identifier is optional, but it will enable you to test the purities of the refrigerants you recover (collect).

Useful hand tools are straight wrenches and refrigerant recovery pliers.

Contact the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and Underwriters Laboratories for lists of certified equipment.

Recovery cylinders are available in a variety of sizes, and the fifty-pound tanks are often used by technicians due to their portability and refrigerant-containing capacity.

Once you determine which refrigerants you'll be recovering, you can search online for recovery machines and refrigerant identifiers that will process those refrigerants.

Recovery cylinders can be purchased from major cylinder manufacturers or local heating, ventilation and air conditioning supply houses. Cylinder manufacturers may require a credit application for the purchase of tanks.

The hand tools can be purchased locally or online.

You'll also have to complete an approved technician certification program that's been authorized by the US EPA. The type(s) of equipment you'll be working on will determine the type of certification you'll need. You can learn about the certifications and programs at the EPA's website, www.epa.gov.

If you would like more information on this you can call 1-888-873-6832 or visit our website http://www.remtec.net/