Flexible Urethane Foams And Chlorofluorocarbon Emissions PDF Download

An engineering evaluation of technical options to reduce chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) emissions from flexible slabstock and molded polyurethane foam manufacturing plants was performed. Included in the technical options examined were recovery and recycle of CFC-11, alternative chemicals and processes, and substitute products. Two possible emission control methods were studied in detail: substitution of methylene chloride as the auxiliary foam blowing agent and carbon adsorption/recycle of exhausted CFC-11 vapors. Promising near-term control options identified for slabstock production were methylene chloride substitution for CFC-11, and establishment of a minimum foam density to reduce the amount of auxiliary blowing agent used. For molded polyurethane foam production, use of chemical systems which eliminate the need for auxiliary blowing agents appeared to be a near-term option. Possible longer-term options included carbon adsorption with CFC-11 recovery, development of chemical systems requiring little or no auxiliary blowing agents for slabstock production, and commercialization of new alternative blowing agents. Each of the longer-term options has in common a need for additional information to adequately define the optimal implementation strategy.