Chilean companies in the polyurethane foam sector begin to replace refrigerant gases for sustainable alternatives
Five companies producing polyurethane foam for thermal insulation are part of the "Support Program for the foam sector", which with funding from the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, through the Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment, have begun to replace the use of harmful HCFC-141b by non-depleting alternatives to the ozone layer and without global warming potential.
The Government of Chile undertook to gradually reduce the consumption of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), gases that weaken the ozone layer, by 45% by 2020, 65% by 2021, and to completely prohibit the consumption and use of HCFC- 141b for the year 2020. The latter is mainly used as blowing agent for the production of polyurethane foam in thermal insulation, but when released into the atmosphere it weakens the ozone layer and contributes to global warming, so it is necessary to search alternatives and replace their use.
Reconversion projects
As part of the Management Plan for the Elimination of HCFCs (HPMP), the process of replacing HCFC-141b with sustainable alternatives is being supported in five companies in the country that are dedicated to the manufacture of insulating panels and doors made of polyurethane foam and based on HCFC-141b. Refricentro, Ingepur, Ixom, Austral Chemicals and Inema, are the companies that will begin the process of reconversion of this harmful gas by Hydrocarbons and Hydrofluorolefins (HFO), gases that have a considerably low global warming potential, as well as their depletion potential of the ozone layer.
"With funding from the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, we have developed important projects with the foam sector, together with companies that currently use HCFC-141b, to support them in this process of gas replacement by environmentally friendly substances," he explains. Lorena Alarcón, consultant of the Ozone Unit of the Ministry of the Environment, who together with Miguel Quintero, consultant and international expert of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), visited the facilities of some plants during September and evaluated the technical aspects and the progress of the projects.
Global commitment
"There are more and more companies that are converting to new technologies, and it is a growing trend internationally. We are pleased that Chile is making progress in the reconversion of refrigerant gases, aiming to meet the goal of totally eliminating the use of HCFC-141b by 2020" says Miguel Quintero.
The consumer market for this HCFC gas in polyurethane foams covers different sizes of users, from relatively large transnational and national companies, which are not included for financing of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, but which would be implementing their own process to eliminate the use of HCFC-141b; small and medium-sized companies, with individual consumption of approximately 15 tons per year of HCFC-141b; and micro-companies manufacturers and installers of polyurethane foam panels and spray polyurethane foam applicators, whose consumption, on average, is around 2 tons per year of HCFC-141b, a group that belongs to the companies that are currently being supported through of the Ministry of the Environment.
The actions for the elimination of HCFC-141b, are complemented by the "Program of support to the refrigeration sector", under which activities are also being developed to eliminate the use of this substance in "flushing", cleaning of refrigeration systems and air conditioning. "All these actions are in tune with international commitments that countries have acquired, and seek to protect the ozone layer and mitigate climate change, ensuring the welfare of the planet for future generations" adds Lorena Alarcón.
Article published on October 3, 2018
About Austral
Created in 1942, Austral Chemicals is a leader in Chile in the development, production and commercialization of silicates as well as for the formulation of hygiene, cleaning and metal surface treatment solutions. Moreover, it is a partner of choice in the distribution of innovative chemical solutions and related services. Their chemical experts serve various markets such as mining, oil & gas, leather, wood, pulp & paper, coatings, food, plastics, packaging, metal, construction or home care. The company safely provides solutions that makes their industrial customers more successful and the future more sustainable.
