Industrial solvents step up to the mound

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Chemical Engineering

OSTI ID:70000

Hairston, D

In the field of industrial solvents, 1,1,1-trichloroethane is known for its ability to cover the bases. Versatile, the organic chemical is widely used for a variety of applications, from vapor degreasing to cold cleaning. But its number is about to be retired. Under a timetable established by the Montreal Protocol, production of this ozone-depleting compound is scheduled to be phased out by the end of the year. As the deadline approaches, the impact of the inevitable exit of 1,1,1 from the marketplace is being cushioned by three developments: the gradual shutdown of some capacity, exemptions for the continued production of 1,1,1 for certain applications, and the rapid development of alternative solvents. So far, industry observers agree, none of the alternative solvents quite match the performance of 1,1,1. Certainly there is some interest in finding a one-for-one replacement for 1,1,1, but it is not the top priority for companies currently pursuing the development of alternative solvents. Instead, they are focused on creating families of environmentally safe products that closely match the performance of 1,1,1 in specific applications. The paper discusses this technology.

• OSTI ID: 70000
• Journal Information: Chemical Engineering, Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 102; ISSN 0009-2460; ISSN CHEEA3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CHLORINATED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
JOINT VENTURES
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MATERIAL SUBSTITUTION
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
OZONE LAYER