As pointed out by Michael Labacher of A-Gas, the destruction of ODSs is only one component of the implementation of a sustainable cradle to grave programme. Recycling of used refrigerants is a viable and more environmentally responsible alternative to destruction options where ozone friendly refrigerants are concerned. However, most of these reclamation technologies also consume significant amounts of energy. In the UK, there is an increasing trend away from destruction of used recyclable refrigerants to recycling for re-use. The destruction of certain refrigerants will be unavoidable but where recycling is possible the destruction of used refrigerants should be carried out only as a last resort.
Big strides have been made in the development of reclamation technology over the last few years with certain leading companies in the UK having been instrumental in developing their own in house technologies to not only reclaim contaminated product but also to separate the various cocktails of returned gas, i.e. the ability to both clean used refrigerants (removing oils etc.) and separate mixed refrigerants to AHRI standards of more than 90 percent of the used refrigerants recovered. Similar services are likely to be introduced into South Africa when commercially viable. Herein is the rub – likely, but when?
Nonetheless, the obvious benefit of this approach is less waste and only refrigerants that need to be destroyed end up being destroyed. Not only is this a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, in the countries where these programmes have been implemented, it is believed that the success rate of recovering used product could be in the region of 20 percent of the country’s annual consumption. Therefore by introducing and mandating such a policy in South Africa, this programme alone will allow the end user greater flexibility during the phase out period and in doing so will minimise the economic disruption to the South African industry.
To this end, A-Gas, Metraclark and Afrox supports the introduction of a system for the effective recovery and reuse of used refrigerants and would support expanding this section to include HFC’s where viable as well, including the disposal of these substances. Such a system could be supported through the introduction of a recyclable containers and deposit system whereby technicians would return used containers for reclamation and re use. This programme is currently offered by leading players in the industry, albeit it is still in the early stages.
Click here to view the full article reviewing the destruction of ODS in South Africa.
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