[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 173 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47012-47018]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22649]
[[Page 47011]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part V
Environmental Protection Agency
_______________________________________________________________________
40 CFR Part 82
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 173 / Thursday, September 5, 1996 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 47012]]
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 82
[FRL-5556-5]
Protection of Stratospheric Ozone
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice of Acceptability.
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SUMMARY: This notice 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. In addition, this Notice clarifies information on refrigerant
blends R-410A, R-410B, and R-407C that EPA previously added to the
acceptable substitute list.
ADDRESSES: Information relevant to this notice is contained in Air
Docket A-91-42, Central Docket Section, South Conference Room 4, U.S.
Environmental 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: Nancy Smagin at (202) 233-9126 or fax
(202) 233-9577, 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 at http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/snap/snap.html.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Section 612 Program
A. Statutory Requirements
B. Regulatory History
II. Listing of Acceptable Substitutes
A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Substitutes for Class
I Substances
B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Substitutes for Class
II Substances
C. Foam Blowing
D. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
E. Solvent Cleaning
F. Aerosols
G. Adhesives, Coatings and Inks
III. Additional Information
Appendix A--Summary of Acceptable and Pending 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
13044) which described the process for administering the SNAP program.
At the same time, EPA also 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 is 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, EPA is adding substances to the list of acceptable
alternatives by this notice.
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 lists of 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) and published Final Rulemakings
restricting the use of certain substitutes on June 13, 1995 (60 FR
31092), and May 22, 1996 (61 FR 25585). EPA also published a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking restricting the use of certain substitutes on May
22, 1996 (61 FR 25604).
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, and fire
[[Page 47013]]
suppression and explosion protection. 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 G 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. Secondary Loop Systems
In this Notice, EPA requests information about fluids used in
secondary loop systems. Unlike most other end-uses, secondary loop
systems do not circulate refrigerant through heat exchangers that are
in direct contact with the refrigerated or air conditioned space.
Rather, the primary refrigerant exchanges heat only with a second
fluid, which in turn carries heat away from the cooled space.
A good example of such a system is a large building chiller. The
primary loop chills water, which then circulates throughout the
building, where fans blow air over the cold pipes to air condition
occupied spaces. Another example is an ammonia-based supermarket
refrigeration system. The ammonia-containing primary loop is isolated
from the occupied area of the store, while a secondary loop fluid
carries the chill to the refrigerated cases.
Secondary loop systems are gaining market share in many areas
because they offer potential safety improvements, particularly when the
primary refrigerant is flammable or toxic. The primary system generally
has a relatively small charge, and it can be placed in an external
building, thereby removing the risk to occupants. In addition, a
smaller charge means that less refrigerant can escape during a leak.
Given even the lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) of HCFCs, and
global warming potential (GWP) of some HCFCs and HFCS, this reduced
leakage yields direct benefits to the environment. Because of the
potential environmental and safety benefits of secondary loop systems,
EPA is investigating whether it would be appropriate to list secondary
fluids formally under the SNAP program.
Such systems would use an already EPA-acceptable refrigerant in the
primary loop and a different fluid in the secondary loop. Therefore,
such a system could be listed as a not-in-kind replacement for CFC-
based refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. EPA is aware that
water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ice slurries, CO2, ethyl
alcohol, calcium chloride, Flo-ice, HCFC-123, and certain
hydrofluoroethers are either used today or are being considered for use
as secondary fluids. While studying whether this end-use would be
appropriate for listing, EPA invites companies interested in listing
other secondary loop fluids to contact the SNAP coordinator at 202-233-
9126, fax 202-233-9577.
2. Acceptable Substitutes for Other End-Uses
Note that EPA acceptability does not mean that a given substitute
will work in a specific type of equipment within an end-use.
Engineering expertise must be used to determine the appropriate use of
these and any other substitutes. In addition, although some
alternatives are listed for multiple refrigerants, they may not be
appropriate for use in all equipment or under all conditions.
a. Hot Shot and GHG-X4
Hot Shot and GHG-X4, both of which consist of HCFC-22, HCFC-124,
HCFC-142b, and isobutane, are acceptable as substitutes for CFC-12 and
R-500 in the following retrofitted and new end-uses:
Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Ice Skating Rinks
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators
Household Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners
Because HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b contribute to ozone depletion, they
will be phased out of production. Therefore, these blends will be used
primarily as retrofit refrigerants. However, these blends are
acceptable for use in new systems. Regulations regarding recycling and
reclamation issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to
these blends. HCFC-142b has one of the highest ODPs among the HCFCs.
The GWPs of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b are 1700 and 2000, respectively,
which are somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the
scheduled phaseout of these refrigerants. Although HCFC-142b and
isobutane are flammable, these blends are not. In addition, testing on
these blends has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks.
GHG-X4 is being sold under the trade names ``Autofrost'' and ``Chill-
It.''
b. R-401C
R-401C, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-152a, and HCFC-124, is
acceptable as a substitute for CFC-12 in retrofitted and new non-
automotive motor vehicle air conditioners. Because HCFC-22 and HCFC-124
contribute to ozone depletion, they will be phased out of production.
Therefore, these blends will be used primarily as retrofit
refrigerants. However, these blends are acceptable for use in new
systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under
section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to these blends. HCFC-142b has
one of the highest ODPS among the HCFCs. The GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700,
which is somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the
scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HCFC-142b and
isobutane are flammable, these blends are not. In addition, testing on
these blends has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks.
GHG-X4 is being sold under the trade names ``Autofrost'' and ``Chill-
It.''
c. NARM-502
NARM-502, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-23, and HFC-152a, is
acceptable as a substitute for R-503 and CFC-13 in new and retrofitted
very low temperature refrigeration and industrial process
refrigeration. Because HCFC-22 contributes to ozone depletion, it will
be phased out of production. Therefore, this blend will be used
primarily as a retrofit refrigerant. However, NARM-502 is acceptable
for use in new systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation
issued under section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to this blend. The
GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700,
[[Page 47014]]
which is somewhat high, and the GWP of HFC-23 is 12,100, which is
extremely high. However, other acceptable refrigerants in this end-use
also contain either HFC-23 or perfluorocarbons (PFCs), with higher
GWPs. In addition, the percentage of HFC-23 is quite small, so this
blend poses much lower global warming risk than other substitutes for
this end-use. Although HFC-152a is flammable, NARM-502 as blended is
not, and testing has shown that it does not become flammable after
leaks.
d. Freezone (Formerly Listed as HCFC Blend Delta) and FREEZE 12
Freezone, which consists of HFC-134a, HCFC-142b, and a lubricant,
and FREEZE 12, which consists of HFC-134a and HCFC-142b, are acceptable
as substitutes for CFC-12 in the following retrofitted and new end-
uses:
Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Ice Skating Rinks
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Household Refrigerators
Household Freezers
Residential Dehumidifiers
Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners
Because HCFC-142b contributes to ozone depletion, it will be phased
out of production. Therefore, these blends will be used primarily as
retrofit refrigerants. However, they are acceptable for use in new
systems. Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under
section 608 of the Clean Air Act apply to these blends. HCFC-142b has
one of the highest ODPs among the HCFCs. In addition, the GWP of HCFC-
142b is 2000, which is somewhat high. However, this concern is
mitigated by the scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HCFC-
142b is flammable, Freezone and FREEZE 12 as blended are not, and
testing has shown that they do not become flammable after leaks.
e. G2018C
G2018C, which consists of HCFC-22, HFC-152a, and propylene, is
acceptable as a substitute for CFC-12 in the following retrofitted and
new end-uses:
Centrifugal and Reciprocating Chillers
Industrial Process Refrigeration
Ice Skating Rinks
Cold Storage Warehouses
Refrigerated Transport
Retail Food Refrigeration
Vending Machines
Water Coolers
Commercial Ice Machines
Because HCFC-22 contributes to ozone depletion, it will be phased
out of production. Therefore, this blend will be used primarily as a
retrofit refrigerant. However, it is acceptable for use in new systems.
Regulations regarding recycling and reclamation issued under section
608 of the Clean Air Act apply to G2018C. The GWP of HCFC-22 is 1700,
which is somewhat high. However, this concern is mitigated by the
scheduled phaseout of this refrigerant. Although HFC-152a is flammable,
G2018C as blended is not, and testing has shown that it does not become
flammable after leaks.
B. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Class II
1. Clarification of Previous Notice (61 FR 4736)
Please refer to the March 18, 1994 SNAP rule (59 FR 13044) for
detailed information pertaining to the designation of end-uses,
additional requirements imposed under sections 608 and 609, and other
information related to the use of alternative refrigerants.
This Notice marks the second time EPA has listed acceptable
substitutes for HCFC-22 in the refrigeration and air conditioning
sector. Although the substitutes listed below were intended
specifically to replace HCFC-22, HCFC-22 is itself frequently used as a
substitute for class I refrigerants (e.g, CFC-11 and CFC-12).
Therefore, the listings below also describe these HCFC-22 substitutes
as acceptable alternatives for class I refrigerants in new equipment.
The underlying reasoning is that if, for instance, HCFC-22 poses lower
overall risk than CFC-12, and R-410A poses lower overall risk than
HCFC-22, then R-410A must also pose lower overall risk than CFC-12.
Therefore, even though R-410A is not designed to be a direct
replacement for CFC-12, in new equipment it may be appropriate to
design for R-410A rather than for another CFC-12 substitute. As with
all listings, however, engineering expertise is required to determine
the best match between a given class I refrigerant and an alternative.
The February 8, 1996 Notice of Acceptability (61 FR 4736)
inadvertently described R-410A, R-410B, and R-407C as not containing
any components regulated as volatile organic compounds (VOC) under
Title I of the Clean Air Act . In fact, all three blends contain HFC-
32, which is a VOC-regulated compound.
2. Acceptable Substitutes
a. R-507
R-507, which consists of HFC-143a and HFC-125, is acceptable as a
substitute for HCFC-22, and by extension, class I refrigerants, in
equipment in the following new and retrofit end-uses:
Commercial comfort air conditioning
Industrial process refrigeration systems
Industrial process air conditioning
Refrigerated transport
Retail food refrigeration
Cold storage warehouses
Vending machines
Commercial ice machines
Household and light commercial air conditioning
R-507 contains HFC-125 and HFC-143a. HFC-125 and HFC-143a exhibit a
fairly high global warming potential (3,200 and 4,400 respectively at
100 year integrated time horizon) compared to other HFCs and HCFC-22.
However, their potential for contributing to global warming will be
mitigated in the listed end uses through the implementation of the
venting prohibition under Section 608(c)(2) of the Clean Air Act. Note
that the prohibition on venting, which applies to all substitute
refrigerants, was mandated in section 608(c)(2) and took effect through
regulations on November 15, 1995. While the current rule issued under
section 608 of the CAA (58 FR 28660) does not specify recycling or leak
repair requirements, it is illegal to vent this refrigerant at any
time. In addition, EPA anticipates proposing new recycling regulations
for non-ozone-depleting refrigerants in the near future. A fact sheet
on the proposal is available from the EPA Ozone Hotline at (800) 296-
1996. R-507 does not contain ozone-depleting substances and is low in
toxicity. Although HFC-143a is flammable, the blend is not. It is a
near azeotrope, so it will not fractionate during operation. Leak
testing has demonstrated that its composition never becomes flammable.
b. Ammonia
Ammonia, either in vapor compression or absorption systems, is
acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and by extension, class I
refrigerants, in equipment in the following new end-uses:
Industrial process air conditioning
Industrial process refrigeration
Ice skating rinks
Cold storage warehouses
Commercial ice machines
Commercial comfort air conditioning (absorption chillers or
vapor compression with a secondary loop)
[[Page 47015]]
Retail food refrigeration (with a secondary loop)
Household refrigerators (absorption systems only)
Household and light commercial air conditioning (absorption
systems only)
Ammonia applications that do not fall under any of the above-listed
end uses and for which ammonia has traditionally been used as the
refrigerant fluid, whether in vapor compression or absorption systems,
are not covered under the SNAP program. Therefore, does not require
notification or listing under the SNAP program.
Ammonia has been used as a medium to low temperature refrigerant in
vapor compression cycles for more than 100 years. Ammonia has excellent
refrigerant properties, a characteristic pungent odor, no long-term
atmospheric risks, and low cost. It is, however, moderately flammable
and toxic, although it is not a cumulative poison. Ammonia may be used
safely if existing OSHA and ASHRAE standards are followed. Users should
check local building codes related to the use of ammonia. Ammonia does
not deplete the ozone or contribute to global warming.
c. Alternative Technologies
Several technologies already exist as alternatives to equipment
using class I substances. As a result of the CFC phaseout, they are
gaining prominence in the transition away from CFCs. Examples of these
technologies include evaporative cooling, desiccant cooling, and
absorption refrigeration and air conditioning. In addition, several
technologies are currently under development. Significant progress has
expanded the applicability of these alternatives, and their
environmental benefits generally include zero ODP and low direct GWP.
In addition, evaporative cooling offers significant energy savings,
which results in reduced indirect GWP.
(1) Evaporative Cooling
Evaporative Cooling is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and
by extension, class I refrigerants, in equipment in the following new
end-uses:
Industrial process air conditioning
Commercial comfort air conditioning
Household and light commercial air conditioning
Evaporative cooling does not contribute to ozone depletion or
global warming and has the potential to be more energy efficient than
current refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Evaporative cooling
uses no chemicals, but relies instead on water evaporation as a means
of cooling. It is in widespread use in office buildings in the western
U.S. Recent design improvements have greatly expanded its applicability
to other regions.
(2) Desiccant Cooling
Desiccant cooling is acceptable as a substitute for HCFC-22, and by
extension, class I refrigerants, in equipment in the following new end-
uses:
Industrial process air conditioning
Commercial comfort air conditioning
Residential air conditioning
Desiccant cooling is an alternate technology to the vapor
compression cycle. Desiccant cooling systems do not contribute to ozone
depletion or global warming. These systems offer potential energy
savings over conventional HCFC-22 vapor compression systems.
(3) Water/Lithium Bromide Absorption
Water/lithium bromide absorption is acceptable as an alternative
technology to centrifugal chillers using HCFC-22. Some absorption
systems use water as the refrigerant and lithium bromide as the
absorber. Lithium bromide has zero ODP and GWP. It is low in toxicity
and is nonflammable.
C. Foam Blowing
1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated boardstock;
Rigid polyurethane appliance; Rigid polyurethane slabstock and other;
and Rigid polyurethane spray and commercial refrigeration, and sandwich
panels.
Proprietary Blowing Agent 1 (PBA 1) is an acceptable substitute for
CFCs and HCFCs in rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated
boardstock foam; rigid polyurethane appliance; rigid polyurethane
slabstock and other; and rigid polyurethane spray and commercial
refrigeration, and sandwich panels. This blowing agent was submitted as
a proprietary formulation by a foam system manufacturer. PBA 1 does not
contain ozone depleting chemicals and has very low or zero global
warming potential. This blend is not flammable. No other significant
health or environmental risks are anticipated from the use of this
substitute as long as other existing relevant health, environmental and
safety requirements are met. Exposure assessments indicate worker
exposure is unlikely to exceed the OSHA permissible exposure level.
D. Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Total Flooding Agents
(1) Foam A--formerly [Water Mist/Surfactant Blend] A
Foam A is acceptable as a Halon 1301 substitute. This agent was
previously identified as [Water Mist/Surfactant Blend] A in the July
28, 1995 Notice (60 FR 38729), and was listed as acceptable for use in
normally unoccupied areas only. Since that time, the manufacturer has
clarified to EPA that this agent is not a water mist system, nor is it
a wetting agent, but instead is a low density, short duration foam.
This agent is dispensed as bubbles which physically interfere with the
mixture of fuel and air, and provide some cooling of the flame front,
both of which contribute to control of the fire.
In the event that the manufacturer develops a misting system based
on this agent, EPA requires the manufacturer to submit a separate SNAP
application for assessment of exposure to fine water mist particles
containing additives.
E. Solvent Cleaning
1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Metals Cleaning
Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform
(MCF) in metals cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that completed
review in May 1996 under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program under the
Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete the ozone
layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a 4.1-year
atmospheric lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year time horizon and
480 over a 100-year time horizon.
This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA,
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene
Association.
[[Page 47016]]
b. Electronics Cleaning
Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform
(MCF) in electronics cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that
completed review in May 1996 under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program
under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete
the ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a
atmospheric 4.1-year lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year time
horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime for
this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and for
PFCs.
This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA,
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene
Association.
c. Precision Cleaning
Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform
(MCF) in precision cleaning. This HFE is a new chemical that completed
review this past May under EPA's Premanufacture Notice Program under
the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not deplete the
ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine. It has a
4.1-year atmospheric lifetime and a low GWP of 150 over a 500-year time
horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime for
this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and PFCs.
This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA,
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene
Association.
F. Aerosols
1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Solvents
Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and
normal) is an acceptable substitute for CFC-113 and methyl chloroform
(MCF) as a solvent in aerosol products. This HFE is a new chemical that
completed review this past May under EPA's Premanufacture Notice
Program under the Toxic Substances Control Act. This chemical does not
deplete the ozone layer since it does not contain chlorine or bromine.
It has a 4.1-year atmospheric lifetime and a GWP of 150 over a 500-year
time horizon and 480 over a 100-year time horizon. The GWP and lifetime
for this HFE are both lower than the GWP and lifetime for CFC-113 and
for PFCs.
This HFE exhibits only moderate toxicity in tests reviewed by EPA,
and the 600 ppm 8-hr Time Weighted Average workplace standard set by
the company was deemed sufficiently protective. Based on the
combination of the feasibility of meeting the exposure standard and the
moderate toxicity exhibited by this chemical, EPA is listing this
substance as acceptable without restrictions. As with workplace
exposure standards for other CFC alternatives, this standard for this
substance, too, will be examined by the Workplace Environmental
Exposure Limit subcommittee of the American Industrial Hygiene
Association.
G. Adhesives, Coatings and Inks
1. Acceptable Substitutes
a. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is acceptable as an alternative to MCF
and CFC-113 in adhesives. The OSHA set exposure limit (PEL) is 200 ppm.
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) weekdays.
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.
Dated: August 13, 1996.
Mary D. Nichols,
Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation.
Note: The following Appendix will not appear in the Code of
Federal Regulations.
Appendix A.--Summary of Acceptable and Pending Decisions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-Use Substitute Decision Comments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-12 and R-500 Centrifugal and Reciprocating Hot Shot............................................. Acceptable............. .................
Chillers; CFC-12 Industrial Process Refrigeration, GHG-X4............................................... Acceptable............. .................
Ice Skating Rinks, Cold Storage Warehouses, Freezone............................................. Acceptable............. .................
Refrigerated Transport, Retail Food Refrigeration, FREEZE 12............................................ Acceptable............. .................
Vending Machines, Water Coolers, Commercial Ice G2018C............................................... Acceptable............. .................
Machines (Retrofitted and New).
CFC-12 Household Refrigerators, Household Freezers, Hot Shot............................................. Acceptable............. .................
and Residential Dehumidifiers (Retrofitted and New). GHG-X4............................................... Acceptable............. .................
Freezone............................................. Acceptable............. .................
FREEZE 12............................................ Acceptable............. .................
CFC-13, R-13B1, and R-503 Very Low Temperature NARM-502............................................. Acceptable............. .................
Refrigeration and Industrial Process Refrigeration
(Retrofitted and New).
[[Page 47017]]
Non-Automotive Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, e.g., R-401C............................................... Acceptable............. .................
buses, trains, planes (Retrofitted and New). Hot Shot............................................. Acceptable............. .................
GHG-X4............................................... Acceptable............. .................
Freezone............................................. Acceptable............. .................
FREEZE 12............................................ Acceptable............. .................
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Acceptable Substitutes for Class II Substances
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Household and Light Commercial Air Conditioning...... R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling.... Acceptable............. Ammonia includes
absorption
systems only.
EPA urges
recycling of R-
507.
Commercial Comfort Air Conditioning.................. R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling, Acceptable............. Includes ammonia
Water/Lithium Bromide. absorption
chillers and
vapor
compression with
a secondary
loop. EPA urges
recycling of R-
507.
Industrial Process Refrigeration..................... R-507, Ammonia....................................... Acceptable............. Includes ammonia
vapor
compression and
absorption
systems. EPA
urges recycling
of R-507.
Industrial Process Air Conditioners.................. R-507, Ammonia, Evaporative and Desiccant Cooling.... Acceptable............. Includes ammonia
vapor
compression and
absorption
systems. EPA
urges recycling
of R-507.
Ice Skating Rinks.................................... Ammonia.............................................. Acceptable............. Includes ammonia
vapor
compression and
absorption
systems.
Refrigerated Transport............................... R-507................................................ Acceptable............. EPA urges
recycling.
Retail Food Refrigeration............................ R-507, Ammonia....................................... Acceptable............. Ammonia includes
vapor
compression with
secondary loop
systems only.
EPA urges
recycling of R-
507.
Ice Machines......................................... R-507, Ammonia....................................... Acceptable............. Includes ammonia
vapor
compression and
absorption
systems. EPA
urges recycling
of R-507.
Household and Other Refrigerated Appliances.......... Ammonia.............................................. Acceptable............. Includes
absorption
systems only.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foam Blowing
Acceptable Substitutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate laminated Proprietary Blowing Agent 1 (PBA 1).................. Acceptable............. Proprietary
boardstock; Rigid Polyurethane Appliance; Rigid formulation. PBA
Polyurethane Slabstock and Other; and Rigid 1 has zero-ODP
Polyurethane Spray and Commercial Refrigeration; and and has very low
Sandwich Panels CFCs and HCFCs. or zero GWP. Not
flammable, and
no other
significant
health
environmental
risks are
anticipated from
the use of this
substitute as
long as other
exisiting
relevant health,
environmental
and safety
requirements are
met.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
Acceptable Substitutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Flooding with Halon 1301....................... Foam A............................................... Acceptable............. Previously
identified as
[Water Mist/
Surfactant
Blend] A (60 FR
38729).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable Substitutes
Solvent Cleaning
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b...... Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 Acceptable............. .................
(methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).
Electronics cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b. Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 Acceptable............. .................
(methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).
Precision cleaning with CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b... Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 Acceptable............. .................
(methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).
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[[Page 47018]]
Acceptable Substitutes
Aerosols
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-11, CFC-113, MCF and HCFC-141b as aerosol Hydrofluoroether (HFE): C4F9OCH3 Acceptable............. .................
solvents. (methoxynonafluorobutane, iso and normal).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable Substitutes
Adhesives, Coatings, and Inks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MCF and CFC-113 as solvents in adhesives............. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene........................... Acceptable............. The OSHA set
exposure limit
(PEL) is 200
ppm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End-Use Substitute Comments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solvent Cleaning
Pending Substitutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metals Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF............................ n-propylbromide.............................................. EPA awaiting results from
ODP study. EPA also
examining new toxicity
data reported under the
Toxic Substances Control
Act.
Electronics Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF....................... n-propylbromide.............................................. EPA awaiting results from
ODP study. EPA also
examining new toxicity
data reported under the
Toxic Substances Control
Act.
Precision Cleaning w/CFC-113 and MCF......................... n-propylbromide.............................................. EPA awaiting results from
ODP study. EPA also
examining new toxicity
data reported under the
Toxic Substances Control
Act.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerosols
Pending Substitutes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFC-113, MCF, and HCFC-141b as aerosol solvents.............. HFC-4310..................................................... EPA awaiting results on
occupational exposure
study.
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[FR Doc. 96-22649 Filed 9-4-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P