Control technology overview report: CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) emissions from rigid foam manufacturing. Final report, March-November 1986

Technical Report · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:5473277

Wert, K P; Nelson, T P; Quass, J D

The report estimates total chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions from the various rigid foam manufacturing processes and from the foam products themselves, and examines potential methods for reducing these emissions. Options studied include replacement of CFC-blown products with alternative products not requiring CFCs, replacement of ozone-depleting CFCs with other chemicals less likely to destroy stratospheric ozone, and recovery/recycle of CFCs released during manufacturing processes. In the production of rigid cellular foams, CFCs are used as physical blowing agents to reduce foam density and impart thermal insulating properties. Such rigid foams include polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and phenolic foams. Uses of these foams include building insulation, packaging materials, and single-service dinnerware. Depletion of stratospheric ozone through action of halocarbons, particularly CFCs, has been the subject of extensive study and wide debate. Although many uncertainties remain, current scientific evidence strongly suggests that anthropogenic CFCs could contribute to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer as was first postulated in 1974.

• Research Organization: Radian Corp., Austin, TX (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5473277
• Report Number(s): PB-88-160379/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
COLLOIDS
DISPERSIONS
DOCUMENT TYPES
FOAMS
FREONS
HALOGENATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
MANUFACTURING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OZONE
POLLUTION
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
PROGRESS REPORT