Low GWP Alternatives for SMEs: Challenges and Solutions

Safe and commercially viable low GWP alternatives For micro, small and medium enterprises in A5 & Non A5 countries. 21st April 2015 Presentation by: Samir Arora INDUSTRIAL FOAMS, INDIA 1

"present scenario in both non article 5 and article 5 countries Presently non article 5 countries In SME sector is less in number and are using HFCs while Article 5 countries SME sector is large in number and are using HCFCs as blowing agent. 2

WAY FORWARD FOR SME SECTOR IN NON ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES This sector is starting to adopt HFOs as an alternate blowing agent to HFCs. Such countries feel that this is a promising low GWP alternative. The major problem is that HFOs might not be a commercially viable solution. 3

SAFETY & COMMERCIAL VIABILITY OF LOW GWP ALTERNATES As per the safety concerned of choosing a viable low GWP alternative for micro small and medium enterprises in both non A5 and A5 countries HFOs is still to undergo its test. As per the commercially viable solution HFOs do not seem to be viable solution as price of HFOs is about 2 times more expensive than HFCs and about 10 times more expensive than HCFCs. Ecomet is also a low GWP alternate but it is highly inflammable. In this case safety remains a major problem. Ecomet is a cheaper alternate, making it commercially viable while its still under trials. 4

CHALLENGES IN ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES SUCH AS INDIA Formulations of Rigid PUF Systems having HFOs as blowing agent is yet to be tried and tested. Quality of the end product is yet to undergo all the required tests. Changes required in the manufacturing equipment and process are still unknown. Evaluation of all HCFC phase out options in light of safety, energy efficiency and environmental consideration. Availability of HFOs is still not known. Cost of Polyol might go up to 2:5 times in case HFOs used as blowing Agent. Both HFOs & Ecomate are under IPR 5

CONCLUSION FOR NON ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES. As per the safety concerned of choosing a viable low GWP alternative for micro small and medium enterprises in non A5 countries HFOs seems to be a viable solution. As per the commercially viable solution HFOs do not seem to be viable solution as price of HFOs is about 2 times more expensive than HFCs. Ecomet is also a low GWP alternate but it is highly inflammable. In this case safety remains a major problem. Ecomet is a cheaper alternate, making it commercially viable. 6

CONCLUSION FOR ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES At the moment there are no low GWP alternates available which are commercially viable and safe. In case Foam Sector tries to Phase down HFCs along with phasing out HCFCs there will be an urgent need to implement a Demonstration Project in this sector. With the help of demonstration project SMEs in Foam sector will start using Zero ODP and Low GWP alternates such as HFOs. Demonstration project will start the process of HFC Phase Down resulting in zero ODP and low GWP alternates such as Ecomet and HFOs will get introduced in this sector. 7

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