Techspray, Amarillo TX, manufacturer of precision cleaners for electronics and industrial and electrical applications, launched a central portal for the most current information on the 2015 EPA ban of HCFC-225 (also called AK225).
The date for the ban has been set for January 1, 2015, but all of the specific requirements are not yet in place. The http://www.ak225ban.com web site contains links to the most up-to-date information including EPA sites, white papers, and industry articles.
The EPA has mandated, under obligations set by the Montreal Protocol, the phase-out of HCFC-225 products by 2015 because of ozone depletion. HCFC-225 blends are commonly used in vapor-degreasers when aggressive cleaning without residue is required. All HCFC-225 usage, except in a very small set of exemptions (e.g. reclaim), will be banned along with production and importation.
Techspray is a leading supplier of HCFC-225 and blends, and is working closely with customers to qualify replacement solvents. Techspray recommends starting the qualification process now to prevent production delays after the phase-out date. www.ak225ban.com is intended as the first step in the search for replacements.