Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
Related Material
[Federal Register: February 24, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 36)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 9151-9156]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24fe98-12]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[FRL-5969-7]
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of Acceptability.
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SUMMARY: This document expands the list of acceptable substitutes for
ozone-depleting substances (ODS) under the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
program.
EFFECTIVE DATE: February 24, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Information relevant to this document is contained in Air
Docket A-91-42, Central Docket Section, South Conference Room 4, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, S.W., Washington, D.C.
20460. Telephone: (202) 260-7548. The docket may be inspected between
8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. weekdays. As provided in 40 CFR Part 2, a
reasonable fee may be charged for photocopying.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Weisner at (202) 564-9193 or fax
(202) 565-2095, U.S. EPA, Stratospheric Protection Division, 401 M
Street, S.W., Mail Code 6205J, Washington, D.C. 20460; EPA
Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline at (800) 296-1996; EPA World
Wide Web Site (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
B. Regulatory History
II. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
B. Foam Blowing
C. Aerosols
D. Solvent Cleaning
III. Additional Information
Appendix A--Summary of Acceptable Decisions
I. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
Section 612 of the Clean Air Act authorizes EPA to develop a
program for evaluating alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. EPA
refers to this program as the Significant New Alternatives Policy
(SNAP) program. The major provisions of section 612 are:
<bullet> Rulemaking--Section 612(c) requires EPA to promulgate
rules making it unlawful to replace any class I (chlorofluorocarbon,
halon, carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, and
hydrobromofluorocarbon) or class II (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) substance
with any substitute that the Administrator determines may present
adverse effects to human health or the environment where the
Administrator has identified an alternative that (1) reduces the
overall risk to human health and the environment, and (2) is currently
or potentially available.
<bullet> Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable Substitutes--Section
612(c) also requires EPA to publish a list of the substitutes
unacceptable for specific uses. EPA must publish a corresponding list
of acceptable alternatives for specific uses.
<bullet> Petition Process--Section 612(d) grants the right to any
person to petition EPA to add a substance to or delete a substance from
the lists published in accordance with section 612(c). The Agency has
90 days to grant or deny a petition. Where the Agency grants the
petition, EPA must publish the revised lists within an additional 6
months.
<bullet> 90-day Notification--Section 612(e) requires EPA to
require any person who produces a chemical substitute for a class I
substance to notify the Agency not less than 90 days before new or
existing chemicals are introduced into interstate commerce for
significant new uses as substitutes for a class I substance. The
producer must also provide the Agency with the producer's unpublished
health and safety studies on such substitutes.
<bullet> Outreach--Section 612(b)(1) states that the Administrator
shall seek to maximize the use of federal research facilities and
resources to assist users of class I and II substances in identifying
and developing alternatives to the use of such substances in key
commercial applications.
<bullet> Clearinghouse--Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency to
set up a public clearinghouse of alternative chemicals, product
substitutes, and alternative manufacturing processes that are available
for products and manufacturing processes which use class I and II
substances.
B. Regulatory History
On March 18, 1994, EPA published the Final Rulemaking (FRM) (59 FR
[[Page 9152]]
13044) which described the process for administering the SNAP program
and issued EPA's first acceptability lists for substitutes in the major
industrial use sectors. These sectors include: refrigeration and air
conditioning; foam blowing; solvent cleaning; fire suppression and
explosion protection; sterilants; aerosols; adhesives, coatings and
inks; and tobacco expansion. These sectors compose the principal
industrial sectors that historically consumed the largest volumes of
ozone-depleting compounds.
As described in the final rule for the SNAP program (59 FR 13044),
EPA does not believe that rulemaking procedures are required to list
alternatives as acceptable with no limitations. Such listings do not
impose any sanction, nor do they remove any prior license to use a
substance. Consequently, by this notice EPA is adding substances to the
list of acceptable alternatives without first requesting comment on new
listings.
EPA does, however, believe that Notice-and-Comment rulemaking is
required to place any substance on the list of prohibited substitutes,
to list a substance as acceptable only under certain conditions, to
list substances as acceptable only for certain uses, or to remove a
substance from either the list of prohibited or acceptable substitutes.
Updates to these lists are published as separate notices of rulemaking
in the Federal Register.
The Agency defines a ``substitute'' as any chemical, product
substitute, or alternative manufacturing process, whether existing or
new, that could replace a class I or class II substance. Anyone who
produces a substitute must provide the Agency with health and safety
studies on the substitute at least 90 days before introducing it into
interstate commerce for significant new use as an alternative. This
requirement applies to substitute manufacturers, but may include
importers, formulators or end-users, when they are responsible for
introducing a substitute into commerce.
EPA published Notices listing acceptable alternatives on August 26,
1994 (59 FR 44240), January 13, 1995 (60 FR 3318), July 28, 1995 (60 FR
38729), February 8, 1996 (61 FR 4736), September 5, 1996 (61 FR 47012),
March 10, 1997, and June 3, 1997, and published Final Rulemakings
restricting the use of certain substitutes on June 13, 1995 (60 FR
31092), May 22, 1996 (61 FR 25585), and October 16, 1996 (61 FR 54030).
II. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
This section presents EPA's most recent acceptable listing
decisions for substitutes for class I and class II substances in the
following industrial sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, foam
blowing, aerosols, and solvent cleaning. In this Notice, EPA has split
the refrigeration and air conditioning sector into two parts:
substitutes for class I substances and substitutes for class II
substances. For copies of the full list, contact the EPA Stratospheric
Protection Hotline at (800) 296-1996.
Parts A through D below present a detailed discussion of the
substitute listing determinations by major use sector. Tables
summarizing today's listing decisions are in Appendix A. The comments
contained in Appendix A provide additional information on a substitute,
but for listings of acceptable substitutes, they are not legally
binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act. Thus, adherence to
recommendations in the comments is not mandatory for use as a
substitute. In addition, the comments should not be considered
comprehensive with respect to other legal obligations pertaining to the
use of the substitute. However, EPA encourages users of acceptable
substitutes to apply all comments to their use of these substitutes. In
many instances, the comments simply allude to sound operating practices
that have already been identified in existing industry and/or building-
code standards. Thus, many of the comments, if adopted, would not
require significant changes in existing operating practices for the
affected industry.
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Class I
1. Clarification
a. Secondary Loop Systems
In the Notice published on March 10, 1997 (62 FR 10700), EPA stated
that it would not review secondary loop fluids under the SNAP program.
In the final rule of June 13, 1995 (60 FR 31092), however, EPA listed
the first set of acceptable substitute refrigerants for heat transfer
fluids. EPA has received requests to further clarify the distinction
between the use of a fluid in a secondary fluid system (which is not
regulated under SNAP), and the use of such a fluid in a heat exchange
system (which is regulated under SNAP).
A key characteristic of a secondary loop system is that it
contains, as an integral part, a system that moves heat from a cooled
area to a warmer one, thereby reversing the natural flow of heat. The
secondary loop simply carries heat as an adjunct to the primary loop's
effect. For example, in a building chiller, the primary loop uses a
vapor compression or other cycle to refrigerate water. This chilled
water then circulates throughout the building and fans blow air over
the cold pipes to air condition occupied spaces. Under the SNAP
program, EPA reviews the refrigerant used in the primary system, but
not the fluid used to carry the chill throughout the building. Note
that a secondary loop moves heat from a warmer area to a cooler one.
Thus, neither loop within a cascade refrigeration system is considered
a secondary loop.
In contrast, a heat transfer system's primary effect is to move
heat from a warmer area to a cooler one. Thus, the heat transfer fluid
is the primary refrigerant and it delivers the actual cooling. An
example of this type of system is a thermosyphon transformer. A liquid
heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from hot electrical components,
vaporizes, and rises into a cooling heat exchanger, where it gives off
the heat to the surrounding air. There are also heat transfer systems
that rely on a pump, but their primary function is still to move heat
in the direction it naturally flows. In essence, a heat transfer system
augments or assists natural heat flow as the primary effect, rather
than augmenting a primary loop that reverses the natural heat flow.
b. Definition of MVAC Under SNAP
Under the SNAP program, the motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC)
end-use includes all forms of air conditioning that provide cooling to
the passenger compartments in moving vehicles. This definition includes
both MVACS, defined at 40 CFR 82.32, and MVAC-like equipment, defined
at 40 CFR 82.152. EPA regulations issued under sections 608 and 609 of
the Clean Air Act distinguished between MVACS and MVAC-like equipment
for purposes of refrigerant recycling and handling. EPA includes both
in the SNAP MVAC end-use and has relied on this definition since the
original SNAP rule of March 18, 1994 (59 FR 13044); today's Notice
simply clarifies this definition. All use conditions, unacceptability
findings, and other regulatory actions for this end-use apply equally
to on-road vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, and to off-road
vehicles, such as tractors, combines, construction, and mining
equipment.
c. Use of Adapters With Refrigerant Identifiers in MVACs
In the June 3, 1997 SNAP Notice (62 FR 32075), EPA clarified that
manifold gauge sets may be used with multiple refrigerants, provided
that for each refrigerant there is a separate set of hoses with
permanently attached
[[Page 9153]]
fittings unique to that refrigerant. Today, EPA further clarifies that
refrigerant identifiers may be used with multiple refrigerants under
the same proviso. The connection between the identifier or similar
service equipment and the service hose may be standardized and work
with multiple hoses. For each refrigerant, the user must attach a hose
to the identifier that has a fitting unique to that refrigerant
permanently attached to the end going to the vehicle. Adapters may not
be attached for one refrigerant and then removed and replaced with the
fitting for a different refrigerant. The guiding principle is that once
attached to a hose, the fitting is permanent and is not removed. This
procedure allows identifiers and other service equipment to be used
with more than one refrigerant while still preventing the attachment
and detachment of unique fittings from hoses. Note that for recovery,
recycling, or other equipment used to transfer refrigerant, hoses must
include shutoff valves and must have the refrigerant recovered prior to
changing hoses from one refrigerant to another, but for low-flow
devices like refrigerant identifiers, there are no such requirements.
2. Acceptable Substitutes
Note that EPA acceptability does not imply that an acceptable
substitute is technically viable or has been optimized for a given type
of equipment within an end-use. Engineering expertise must be used to
determine the appropriate use of substitutes for ozone depleting
chemicals. In addition, although some alternatives are listed as
acceptable substitutes for multiple refrigerants, they may not be
appropriate for use in all equipment or under all conditions.
a. Self-Chilling Cans Using Carbon Dioxide as the Refrigerant
Self-chilling cans using carbon dioxide are acceptable substitutes
for CFC-12, R-502, and HCFC-22 in retrofitted and new household
refrigeration, transport refrigeration, vending machines, cold storage
warehouses, and retail food refrigeration.
This technology represents a product substitute intended to replace
several types of refrigeration equipment. A self-chilling can includes
a heat transfer unit that performs the same function as one half of the
traditional vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. The unit contains a
charge of refrigerant that is released to the atmosphere when the user
activates the cooling unit. As the refrigerant is released to the
atmosphere it absorbs heat from the can's contents and evaporates, thus
cooling the liquid inside the can. Because this process provides the
same cooling effect as household refrigeration, transport
refrigeration, vending machines, cold storage warehouses, or retail
food refrigeration, it is a substitute for CFC-12, R-502, or HCFC-22 in
these systems.
In a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, EPA proposed that self-
chilling cans using HFC-134a or HFC-152a as the refrigerant were
unacceptable substitutes (63 FR 5491; February 3, 1998). In contrast to
HFC-134a, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1300,
CO<INF>2</INF> has a GWP of 1. Therefore, the potential impact of
CO<INF>2</INF> use in self-chilling cans versus HFC-134a will be much
lower. In addition, the submitter indicates that the self-chilling cans
will use CO<INF>2</INF> either recovered as a by-product from other
industrial activities or taken from the atmosphere, thus further
reducing the net impact.
CO<INF>2</INF> exhibits very high pressures compared to some other
refrigerants including HFC-134a. The submitter indicated that an
alternative technology would prevent internal pressures within the heat
exchange unit from exceeding 150 psig. EPA believes that this design is
within acceptable limits, since this pressure will exist within the
heat exchange unit rather than the outer can containing the beverage;
if this pressure is transmitted to the can (which is not expected),
existing beverage cans are designed to withstand equivalent pressure.
In addition, tabs used to open existing cans are designed to open
automatically at 200 psig, providing a safety valve if high pressures
do develop.
EPA's determination that self-chilling cans using CO<INF>2</INF>
are acceptable substitutes in the end-uses listed above is based on the
maximum design pressure of 150 psig and the intent to use
CO<INF>2</INF> recaptured from other activities or from the atmosphere.
EPA invites information about the pressures actually found in self-
chilling cans once they are produced and on the specific sources for
CO<INF>2</INF>. If either the cans exceed 150 psig in pressure or use
newly produced CO<INF>2</INF>, EPA may revisit today's decision.
b. THR-01
THR-01, composed of HCFC-22 and HFC-152a, is acceptable as a
substitute for CFC-12 in the following new systems:
<bullet> Household Refrigerators
<bullet> Household Freezers
Because this blend contains an HCFC, it contributes to ozone
depletion. However, this concern is mitigated by the scheduled phaseout
of this chemical. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation
issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act (58 FR 28660) apply to
this blend. This blend is flammable, but significantly less so than
pure HFC-152a. A risk assessment showed that HFC-152a can be safely
used in newly designed household refrigerators and freezers; since HFC-
152a is listed as acceptable in these end-uses, and THR-01 poses lower
flammability risk than pure HFC-152a, THR-01 is also acceptable. The
GWP of HFC-152a is much less than that of HCFC-22; again, since HCFC-22
is listed as acceptable, THR-01 is also acceptable.
c. FRIGC FR-12
FRIGC FR-12, which consists of HCFC-124, HFC-134a, and butane, is
acceptable as a substitute for R-500 in the following new and
retrofitted end-uses:
<bullet> Centrifugal Chillers
<bullet> Reciprocating Chillers
<bullet> Industrial Process Refrigeration
<bullet> Cold Storage Warehouses
<bullet> Refrigerated Transport
<bullet> Retail Food Refrigeration
<bullet> Vending Machines
<bullet> Water Coolers
<bullet> Commercial Ice Machines
<bullet> Residential Dehumidifiers
and as a substitute for CFC-12 in centrifugal chillers.
This blend contains HCFC-124. Therefore, it contributes to ozone
depletion, but to a much lesser degree than R-500. Regulations
regarding recycling and reclamation issued under section 608 of the
Clean Air Act (58 FR 28660) apply to this blend. The GWPs of the
components are moderate to low. This blend is nonflammable, and leak
testing has demonstrated that the blend never becomes flammable.
d. Galden Fluids
Galden Fluids, which contain perfluoroethers and perfluorocarbons,
are acceptable substitutes for CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and
CFC-115 in retrofitted heat transfer systems. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
offer high dielectric resistance, noncorrosivity, thermal stability,
materials compatibility, chemical inertness, low toxicity, and
nonflammability. In addition, they do not contribute to ground-level
ozone formation or stratospheric ozone depletion. The principal
characteristic of concern for PFCs is that they have long atmospheric
lifetimes and have the potential to contribute to global climate
change.
[[Page 9154]]
PFCs are also included in the Climate Change Action Plan, which broadly
instructs EPA to use section 612 of the Clean Air Act, as well as
voluntary programs, to control emissions. Despite these concerns, EPA
is listing PFCs as acceptable in retrofitted heat transfer applications
because they may be the only substitutes that can satisfy safety or
performance requirements. For example, a transformer may require very
high dielectric strength, or a heat transfer system for a chlorine
manufacturing process could require compatibility with the process
stream.
In cases where users must adopt PFCs (or PFC-containing blends like
the Galden Fluids) to transition out of ozone depleting chemicals, they
should make every effort to:
<bullet> Recover and recycle these fluids during servicing;
<bullet> Adopt maintenance practices that reduce leakage as much as
is technically feasible;
<bullet> Recover these fluids after the end of the equipment's
useful life and either recycle them or destroy them; and
<bullet> Continue to search for other long-term alternatives.
Users of PFCs should note that if other alternatives become
available, EPA could be petitioned to list PFCs as unacceptable due to
the availability of other suitable substitutes. If such a petition were
granted, EPA may grandfather existing uses upon consideration of cost
and timing of testing and implementation of new substitutes. EPA urges
industry to develop new alternatives for this end-use that do not
contain substances with such high GWPs and long lifetimes.
e. R-508A and R-508B
R-508A and R-508B, both of which contain HFC-23 and R-116, are
acceptable as substitutes for CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 in retrofitted
and new very low temperature refrigeration and industrial process
refrigeration. Notices published on July 28, 1995 (60 FR 38729) and
Feb. 8, 1996 (61 FR 4736) listed R-508 as acceptable in these end-uses.
At the time of these listings, only R-508 was available. Since then,
two blends with the same components in different percentages have
entered the market. Today's Notice expands the acceptable listing to
include both R-508A and R-508B.
B. Foam Blowing
1. Acceptable Substitutes
Under section 612 of the Clean Air Act, EPA is authorized to review
substitutes for class I (CFCs) and class II (HCFCs) chemicals. The
following listing expands the list of acceptable substitutes for CFCs
and HCFCs in integral skin applications.
a. Polyurethane Integral Skin Foam
(a) Formic Acid
Formic acid is an acceptable substitute for CFCs and HCFCs in
polyurethane integral skin foam. Formic acid is more flammable than
CFCs and HCFCs but less flammable than hydrocarbons such as n-pentane
and cyclopentane which are currently used in foam blowing. Use of
formic acid may require additional investment to assure safe handling
and shipping as prescribed by OSHA and DOT. The TVL-TWA for formic acid
is 5 ppm and a 15-minute TLV-STEL of 10 ppm. Formic acid has no ODP and
very low or zero global warming potential (GWP). It is a volatile
organic compound (VOC) and must be controlled as such under Title I of
the Clean Air Act. Relevant consumer product and other safety
requirements necessary for use of formic acid-blown integral skin foam
would have to be met.
(b) Acetone
Acetone is an acceptable substitute for CFCs and HCFCs in
polyurethane integral skin foam. Acetone is more flammable than CFCs
and HCFCs but less flammable than hydrocarbons such as n-pentane and
cyclopentane which are currently used for foam blowing. Use of acetone
may require additional investment to assure safe handling and shipping
as prescribed by OSHA and DOT. The OSHA PEL-TWA for acetone is 750 ppm
and a 15-minute STEL of 1000 ppm. Acetone has no ODP and very low or
zero global warming potential (GWP). Acetone has been excluded from the
definition of a VOC under Title I of the Clean Air Act (60 FR 31633; 6/
15/95) but may be subject to state or local controls. Relevant consumer
product and other safety requirements necessary for use of acetone-
blown integral skin foam would have to be met.
C. Aerosols
1. Acceptable Substitutes
Organic solvents can be used to replace CFC-11, CFC-113, and MCF,
in certain cleaning operations. This classification category of
chemicals was previously determined under the SNAP program to include
C6-C20 petroleum hydrocarbons (both naturally and synthetically
derived) (59 FR 13044).
Under section 612 of the Clean Air Act, EPA is authorized to review
substitutes for class I (CFCs) and class II (HCFCs) chemicals. The
following decision expands the existing acceptable listing for
petroleum hydrocarbons as substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs in aerosols
solvents to include petroleum hydrocarbon C5.
(a) Aerosol Solvent
(1) Petroleum Hydrocarbon (C5)
Petroleum hydrocarbon C5 is an acceptable substitute for CFCs and
HCFCs in aerosol solvents. Petroleum hydrocarbons are fractionated from
the distillation of petroleum. These compounds are loosely grouped into
paraffins or aliphatic hydrocarbons and light aromatics (toluene and
xylene) and come in various stages of purity. Components with up to
twenty carbons are now also being used in an effort to reduce
flammability. These compounds have good solvent properties, are
relatively inexpensive, and are readily available from chemical
distributors. When a controlled substance is used only as a diluent,
such as automotive undercoatings, substitution using petroleum
hydrocarbons can be achieved with minor reformulation. Many of these
products containing petroleum hydrocarbons have been reported to be
comparable to or to outperform their chlorinated counterparts.
Petroleum hydrocarbons are, however, flammable and thus cannot be
used as replacement solvents in applications where the solvent must be
nonflammable such as electronic cleaning applications. In addition,
pesticide aerosols formulated with certain petroleum hydrocarbons must
adhere to requirements imposed under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
2. Clarification
(a) n-Propyl-Bromide
Review of the SNAP submission docket control number VI-D-114 for n-
propyl-bromide has disclosed that a submission for the Aerosol sector
has yet to be received. As such, all distribution and sale into this
area must cease until a complete submission is obtained and the
necessary review period has elapsed.
D. Solvent Cleaning
1. Clarification
a. Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C<INF>4</INF>F<INF>9</INF>OCH<INF>3</INF>
In reference to the Federal Register dated September 5, 1996, HFE
7100 was characterized as exhibiting moderate toxicity (61 FR 47012).
This Notice serves to inform users that additional toxicity data
indicate that a characterization of low toxicity is now
[[Page 9155]]
warranted. This revision is made based on the 600 ppm 8-hr Time
Weighted Average workplace standard set by the manufacturer. As with
workplace exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard
will be examined by the Workplace Environmental Exposure Limit
subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association.
b. Definition of Solvent Cleaning End Uses
In reference to the Federal Register dated March 18, 1994, the
solvents cleaning sector was subdivided into three end uses; metals
cleaning, electronics cleaning, and precision cleaning. This notice
serves to further clarify the definition of these end uses in order to
avoid any confusion as to user placement.
(1) Electronics Cleaning
Primarily the removal of flux residues from wiring assemblies after
a soldering operation has been completed. This is considered a high
value end use application where performance is critical.
(2) Metals Cleaning
The removal of a wide variety of contaminants from metal objects
during a manufacturing or maintenance process. At each stage in the
manufacturing process contaminants must be removed from the piece to
ensure a clean metal surface for the next step in the production
process or for final consumption. These parts tend to be metal objects
ranging from fully assembled aircraft down to small metal parts stamped
out in high volume. These contaminants are most often greases, cutting
oils, coatings, large particles, and metal chips.
(3) Precision Cleaning
Applies to components and surfaces of any composition for which an
extremely high level of cleanliness is necessary to ensure satisfactory
performance during the manufacturing process or in final consumption.
This end use is characterized as very high value end use segment based
on a non-cost criteria. Examples of such criteria would be: high value
products, protection or safeguarding of human life, compatibility
concerns with plastics, temperature and mechanical stress limitations,
precision mechanical assemblies/components with demanding machining
tolerances or complex geometries, and base or mix of metals readily
pitted, corroded, eroded or otherwise compromised.
2. Acceptable Substitutes
Under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act, EPA is authorized to review
substitutes for class I (CFCs) and class II (HCFCs) chemicals. The
following listing expands the list of acceptable petroleum hydrocarbon
substitutes for CFCs, HCFCs and MCF as used in semiaqueous and straight
organic solvent cleaning to include C5.
(a) Metals, Precision and Electronics Cleaning
(1) Semi-aqueous
Petroleum hydrocarbon C5 is an acceptable substitute for CFCs and
HCFCs in semi-aqueous solvents. Semi-aqueous cleaners are alternatives
for cleaning in all three SNAP solvent cleaning end-uses. These
cleaners employ hydrocarbons/surfactant either emulsified in water
solutions or applied in concentrated form and then rinsed with water.
As both approaches involve water as part of the formulation, the system
is commonly referred to as ``semi-aqueous.'' The principal categories
of chemicals used in this formulation were previously defined under the
SNAP program as terpenes, C6-C20 petroleum hydrocarbons (both naturally
or synthetically derived), or oxygenated solvents (such as alcohols)
(59 FR 13044). This determination expands petroleum hydrocarbons to
include C5.
An extensive discussion of various semi-aqueous cleaning
alternatives may be found in the Industry Cooperative for Ozone Layer
Protection (ICOLP) documents on the subject. Users can obtain these
documents from the EPA Stratospheric Protection Hotline at 1-800-296-
1996.
(b) Straight Organic Solvent Cleaning
(1) Petroleum Hydrocarbon (C5)
Petroleum hydrocarbon C5 is an acceptable substitute for CFCs and
HCFCs as a straight organic solvent. Organic solvents can be used to
replace CFC-113 and MCF in certain cleaning operations. This
classification is defined to include terpenes, C5-C20 petroleum
hydrocarbons (both naturally and synthetically derived), and oxygenated
organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, (including propylene glycol
ethers), esters and ketones. These compounds are commonly used in
solvent tanks at room temperature, although the solvents can also be
used in-line cleaning systems or be heated to increase solvency power.
If heated, the solvents must be used in equipment designed to control
vapor losses.
These solvents, unlike class I and II compounds, do not contribute
to stratospheric ozone depletion, and generally have short atmospheric
lifetimes. Yet many of the organic solvents are regulated as VOCs
because they can contribute to ground level ozone formation. In
addition, certain of the organic solvents are toxic to human health and
are subject to waste handling standards under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) and to workplace standards set by Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For example, xylene and
toluene may be used as substitutes but are, once they become wastes,
regulated under RCRA as listed or characteristic wastes.
E. Adhesives, Coatings & Inks
1. Clarification
(a) n-Propyl-Bromide
Review of the SNAP submission, docket control number VI-D-114, for
n-propyl-bromide has disclosed that a submission for the Adhesives,
Coatings & Inks sector has yet to be received. As such, all
distribution and sale into this sector must cease until a complete
submission is obtained and the mandatory 90-day review period has
elapsed.
III. Additional Information
Contact the Stratospheric Protection Hotline at 1-800-296-1996,
Monday-Friday, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Eastern
Standard Time).
For more information on the Agency's process for administering the
SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of substitutes, refer to the
SNAP final rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 18,
1994 (59 FR 13044). Federal Register notices can be ordered from the
Government Printing Office Order Desk (202) 783-3238; the citation is
the date of publication. This Notice may also be obtained on the World
Wide Web at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/snap.html.
The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996, does not apply
because this action is not a rule, as that term is defined in 5 U.S.C.
804(3).
List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82
Environmental Protection, Administrative Practice and Procedure,
Air Pollution Control, Reporting and Record keeping Requirements.
[[Page 9156]]
Dated: February 12, 1998.
Richard D. Wilson,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
Note: The following Appendix will not appear in the Code of
Federal Regulations.
Appendix A: Summary of Acceptable Decisions
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End-use Substitute Decision Comments
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Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
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CFC-12, R-502, and HCFC-22 Household Self-chilling cans using carbon dioxide........... Acceptable........................ This decision is based
Refrigeration, Transport on a maximum design
Refrigeration, Vending Machines, Cold pressure of 150 psig
Storage Warehouses, and Retail Food and the use of CO<INF>2
Refrigeration (Retrofit and New). captured from either
other industrial
activities or the
atmosphere.
CFC-12 Household Refrigerators and THR01............................................. Acceptable. ........................
Freezers (New).
R-500 Centrifugal and Reciprocating FR-12............................................. Acceptable ........................
Chillers, Industrial Process
Refrigeration, Cold Storage
Warehouses, Refrigerated Transport,
Retail Food Refrigeration, Vending
Machines, Water Coolers, Commercial
Ice Machines, and Residential
Dehumidifers, and CFC-12 Centrifugal
Chillers (Retrofit and New).
CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, CFC- Galden Fluids..................................... Acceptable........................ The principal
115 Non-Mechanical Heat Transfer environmental
(Retrofit). characteristic of
concern for PFCs is
that they have high
GWPs and long
atmospheric lifetimes.
CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 Very Low R-508A and R-508B................................. Acceptable........................ This listing expands the
Temperature Refrigeration and prior determination for
Industrial Process Refrigeration R-508 to R-508A and R-
(Retrofit and New). 508B.
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Foam Blowing
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CFCs and HCFCs, Polyurethane Integral Formic Acid....................................... Acceptable........................ Formic acid is flammable
Skin. thus additional
investment may be
required to ensure safe
handling, use and
shipping for flammable
materials. Formic acid
is a VOC and subject to
control under Title I
of the Clean Air Act.
Acetone........................................... Acceptable........................ Acetone is flammable
thus additional
investment may be
required to ensure safe
handling, use and
shipping.
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Aerosol
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CFC-11, CFC-113, MCF, and HCFC-141b as C5-C20 Petroleum hydrocarbons..................... Acceptable........................ Petroleum hydrocarbons
aerosol solvents. are flammable. Use with
the necessary
precautions. Pesticides
aerosols must adhere to
FIFRA standards.
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Solvent Cleaning
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Metals cleaning w/CFC-113, MCF........ Straight organic solvent cleaning with petroleum Acceptable........................ OSHA standards must be
hydrocarbon C5. met, if applicable.
Semi-aqueous cleaners............................. Acceptable........................ EPA effluent guidelines
must be met.
Electronics cleaning w/CFC-113, MCF... Straight organic solvent cleaning with petroleum Acceptable........................ OSHA standards must be
hydrocarbon C5. met, if applicable.
Semi-aqueous cleaners............................. Acceptable........................ EPA effluent guidelines
must be met.
Precision Cleaning w/CFC-113, MCF..... Straight organic solvent cleaning with petroleum Acceptable........................ OSHA standards must be
hydrocarbon C5. met, if applicable.
Semi-aqueous cleaners............................. Acceptable........................ EPA effluent guidelines
must be met.
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[FR Doc. 98-4654 Filed 2-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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