Cost-Effective Alternative In PU Foam Applications Bangkok Technical Conference Bangkok, Thailand 30 June, 2013
ecomate: International Perspective, Trends & Developments
Outline ecomate Technology Review Market Sectors and Growth Market Challenges/Considerations Mature Foam Applications Availability
What is eco ecomate? ecomate is a technology based on methyl formate. It is a liquid physical blowing agent or foam expansion agent. An alternative with similar properties to HCFC-141b for rigid and flexible foam applications, among others. A proven, cost-competitive, and environmentally friendly long-term solution for diverse PU foam applications.
Properties & Comparison Properties ecomate HCFC 141b Boiling Point C 31.5 32 Gas Lambda Value @ 25 C 10.7 9.7 Molecular Weight 60 117 Specific Gravity 0.982 1.24 Flash Point -19 C None LEL (%vol) 5 7 Ozone Depletion Potential 0 0.11 Global Warming Potential ~0 725 Boiling point nearly identical to HCFC-141b. About half required (molar basis) to blow same density foam compared to HCFC- 141b. Environmentally Friendly!
Market Sectors using ecomate Rigid Foams Flexible Integral Skin XPS
Growth 1450 1250 Ecomate Growth per Annum As a result of ecomate growth: U s a g e 1050 850 650 ODP savings * : ~300 ODP tons ( m t ) 450 250 50-150 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 (*May 2013) GWP savings * : ~2M tons CO 2 e *based on 2012 sales
Mature Foam Applications ecomate successfully transitioned in many foam applications including but not limited to: Commercial Refrigeration Discontinuous Panels & Blocks Integral Skins Spray foams
Why is ecomate successful? Compatible with all PU raw materials ecomate systems produced results similar or better than HCFC-141b. Meets or exceeds energy standards.
Why is ecomate successful? Can process through standard and/or existing equipment. No additional capital investment necessary. ecomate sold today on every continent to all major and emerging economies.
Note on Spray Foams Spray foams are worst-case scenario from a safety and emissions perspective. ecomate systems proven safe to use by several third party agencies. No changes needed.
Trends & Developments Numerous trials are being conducted across the globe for replacing 141b in continuous PUR and PIR line applications. ecomate is a near drop-in replacement Strong emerging potential in boardstock industry. ecomate as a co-blowing agent with HCs to improve foam properties. Used as sole blowing agent to replace existing 141b systems.
Considerations Not a drop-in replacement for all systems. NO blowing agent is truly a drop-in replacement. NO blowing agent is truly a drop-in replacement. ecomate has a stronger solubility than other BAs. Optimization is required just as with any other blowing agent
Considerations Neat ecomate= Flammable. System House Concern. Ecomate System = Combustible SMEs handle as they do today [141b].
Considerations ecomate is not a corrosive species. ecomate stored and shipped in metal containers! Potential issues at SMEs arise from: Unoptimized system Improper use of equipment. Plastic seal compatibility must be checked!
Considerations Commercial Technology transition costs: Capital Costs Operating Costs
Considerations Commercial Switching to ecomate incurs minimal cost. How does transitioning affect the SME? HCFC-141b blown system pbw Raw Mat. Cost System cost polyol blend 100 $ 2.50 $ 250.00 ba 141b 15 $ 2.40 $ 36.00 pmdi 120 $ 2.20 $ 264.00 total 235 $ 2.34 $ 550.00 ecomate blown system pbw Raw Mat. Cost System cost polyol blend 100 $ 2.50 $ 250.00 ba ecom ate 7 $ 3.00 $ 21.00 pm di@ 1.30 140 $ 2.20 $ 308.00 total 247 $ 2.34 $ 579.00
Conclusions ecomate is environmentally safe: Meets Montreal Protocol Regulations. Meets Kyoto Protocol Regulations. Save ~1 Mt CO 2 e / kg ecomate used. ecomate is cost competitive: Cost efficient foam blowing Reduced Costs over HFCs, HFOs. Minimal Capital Expense - Fractional versus HC Technology. Changes to existing production are minimal to none.
Conclusions ecomate is a versatile Blowing Agent: Compatible in all PU raw materials. Thermally efficient Blowing Agent. ecomate is a proven technology: Commercially sold for over a decade! Meets demands of diverse markets. Used in Article 5 countries today.
Availability Worldwide Multiple Source Supply: NO LICENSING REQUIRED!
Thank you for your time. www.foamsupplies.com www.ecomatesystems.com