From AAIA Capital Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to find HFO-1234yf acceptable, subject to use conditions, as a substitute for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioners under the Significant New Alternatives Policy Program (SNAP). SNAP requires any company seeking to sell any chemical or product, which is intended for use as a replacement for a Class I or Class II ozone depleting substance, to provide the agency with health and safety studies on the substitute at least 90 days before introducing the product into interstate commerce.
HFO-1234yf is considered a promising substitute for both R-12 and R-134a, which is currently used in most vehicle air conditioners. Car companies are under increasing pressure from regulators, especially in Europe, to eliminate the use of current refrigerants, such as R-134a, due to their high global warming potential. 1234yf has a global warming potential (GWP) of 4 compared to R-134a which has a GWP of 1,430 and R-12 with a GWP of 10,890.
EPA is proposing certain use conditions for 1234yf based on flammability concerns. These include actions to prevent leaks into the passenger compartment, preventing high concentrations near power sources, as well as the use of unique fittings and warning labels.
Flammability concerns also have led EPA to restrict its SNAP approval to use of 1234yf only on new vehicles. However, the agency is accepting comments on the safety of retrofitting vehicles now using either R-134a or R-12 with the new refrigerant.
EPA will be accepting comments on the proposal until Dec. 18. For additional information and to view the proposal, visit www.epa.gov/ozone/snap.