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countries with higher ambient temperatures more time to adopt newer technologies, with some of these countries capping their HFC use by 2024.
This deal is legally binding, with the new amendment aiming to ultimately cut global HFC-use by 80 per cent or more by mid-century.
How the lubricant industry is affected So, what do both the Montreal Protocol and F-Gas Regulation mean for sectors such as the lubricant industry?
In general, the phase-down is resulting in both a reduction in supply and a subsequent price increase of HFCs. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions emerging in many of the industries affected. For the refrigeration sector, replacement solutions include HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins), CO2 and NH3
(carbon dioxide)
(ammonia). When considering use of HFCs as specialty solvents for formulated products (e.g. coatings, greases, lubricants and compounds), HFOs are a technical alternative, but the price point can be prohibitive.
PFPEs (Perfluoropolyethers) are cheaper than HFOs, but have a high GWP rating (between 5000–10000, depending on molecular weight), and less desirable solvency for many applications. Whilst PFPEs are not currently targeted by the F-Gas Regulation, considering their greenhouse gas impact, they may well be impacted in the future.
Alternatives to HFCs in the fluorinated lubricant market require challenging performance characteristics, including performance in extreme temperature variances, non-flammability and chemical inertness under a wide range of conditions. Applications can be varied, from aviation usage, including missile launch platform gear lubricants, to automotive applications, including bearing or joint greases. Fluorinated lubricants are often required to last the lifetime of the vehicle or aeroplane – and in these high value applications it is critical that the solvent used enables seamless application and coverage of the lubricant.
The automotive industry has actually been quick to self-regulate use of HFCs. The IMDS (International Material Data System, the automotive industry’s material data system), now includes
22 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.147 OCTOBER 2018
Hydrofluorocarbons on their ‘International Reportable Substance’s List’ in response to the Montreal Protocol and F-Gas Regulation, with HFCs classified as ‘prohibited by some OEMs and declarable for all OEMs’.2
In the search for HFC alternatives, many customers are landing on HFEs (Hydrofluoroethers) as a credible solution across multiple applications. One proven option are Novec Engineered Fluids from 3M, which have zero ozone depletion potential, low GWP and are not targeted for regulatory phase-down. Says Julie Llado, 3M Market Development for Fluids: ‘The F-Gas Regulation is now having a considerable impact on many industries. When considering HFC replacements, customers are having to balance multiple parameters including performance, safety and cost. For example, users of HFCs as propellants in aerosols have in some cases switched to HFOs, but some HFOs have flammability risks in certain usage conditions. Adding HFE will solve this and help the propellants pass flammability tests.”
When looking to replace HFCs in the lubricant industry, users will wish to satisfy themselves that the replacement will perform as intended, with materials compatibility, volatility and non-flammability being critical considerations. Products with low toxicity profiles are often specified to ensure worker safety. Supply and cost are other obvious considerations. Any replacement sourcing process takes a significant amount of work, and many users will have concerns that the product they switch to will be ‘future proof’ and unaffected by future regulations. Fortunately, there are sufficient, sustainable HFC alternatives now on the market that will satisfy these concerns and act as a long-term, drop-in replacement for HFCs used in fluorinated lubricants.
Sources: 1
2
http://ozone.unep.org/en/treaties-and-decisions/montreal- protocol-substances-deplete-ozone-layer
https://public.mdsystem.com/documents/10906/17094/imds_ standard101_ilrs.pdf
LINK
www.3M.com
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