6 News
A different view I
by Dr Stuart Corr, techno commercial director, Mexichem Fluor.
N JULY WE saw significant progress on what could broadly be regarded as the US equivalent of the F-Gas regulations. The US
Environmental Protection Agency published a Final Rule that effectively delisted a number of HFC products from the Significant New Alternative Program (SNAP) across a range of applications.
Although the end environmental goal of these changes is the same, there are some significant differences to F-Gas. Whereas the European regulation is focussed on specific GWP thresholds for acceptable refrigerant products in each sector, the US has a specific product/ use approval mechanism which in some cases has resulted in blanket bans for the use of some individual refrigerants whether in blends or as sole refrigerants in a range of applications. There are pros and cons to each approach – while the European approach has hard-coded GWP maxima for any alternatives to be used in various applications, the US will use the SNAP approval process to determine what is and what is not an acceptable alternative for any given application.
In many respects this more flexible approach may allow the US EPA to fine-tune what level of GWP is appropriate for a given end- use taking into consideration safety and environmental aspects and the availability of suitable alternatives. In either case, there is still significant uncertainty in terms of which lower GWP products will be the best choice in the medium to long term.
It will be interesting to watch how both approaches play out, especially as moves continue to agree a global regulation of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.
FSW HAS OPENED a new branch in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The 8,000 sqft unit carries a comprehensive range refrigeration and air conditioning equipment together with 6m copper tube, installation materials, compressors, tools and spares. The branch becomes the main hub for stocks in Scotland, also supporting the branch in Glasgow.
An experienced team which includes Alan Johnston as supervisor, Stuart Nelson and
Scott Maguire manage the new location supported by Scottish sales manager, Steve Burns. The branch forms part of the FSW Northern Region run by Steve Dinning who commented, “The new branch demonstrates our commitment to providing a high level of service throughout the UK with substantial stocks now being held in Scotland.”
FSW UK now operates 25 branches throughout the UK supplemented by the National Account support businesses, JustOneCall, NRWfm and ESP.
Budget applauded by CPA
THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTs Association welcomed the Chancellor’s 2015 Summer Budget Statement, which backs British manufacturers and industry.
Dr Diana Montgomery, chief executive of the Association said: “We were pleased by plans – that were in line with our recommendations – of the permanent setting of the annual investment allowance of £200,000 from January 2016.
“This will offer industry confidence in the long-term to invest in new innovative plant and machinery
ACR News August 2015
equipment which will impact positively on productivity. “We are encouraged by the announcement that government will be bold in the delivery of infrastructure especially in terms of roads. The Chancellor’s commitment to the £15bn road spending plan and his recognition of a long-term road investment programme offers certainty to industry. “Finally, we are pleased to hear that the main rate of Corporation Tax which had already been cut from 28% in 2010 to 20%, will now fall further, from 20% to 19% in 2017, and then to 18% in 2020.”
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FSW opens new branch in Edinburgh
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