CFC replacement trials take to the roof

Trials are continuing on a non-ozone-depleting blowing agent designed to provide a safe and energy efficient replacement to HCFC-141b.

On 30th October and 20th November 2001, Gaco Western applied Enovate 3000 spray foam systems on two commercial facilities in Wisconsin.

In its first field trial Gaco Western coated a 50m2 roof at its manufacturing facility in Waukesha.

The second trial took place at the Freday's Bar and Grill in Paddock Lake.

Enovate 3000 blowing agent is Honeywell's HFC-245fa.

It is a non-ozone-depleting blowing agent designed to provide a safe and energy efficient replacement to HCFC-141b.

HCFC-141b is being phased out as part of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.

The USA is scheduled to phase-out HCFC-141b production by 31st December 2002.

Europe has established market phaseouts for HCFC-141b in the 2002-2004 timeframe.

Additional global ODP reductions, required by all signatory countries to the Montreal Protocol, begin on 1st January 2004.

Gaco Western manufactures elastomeric coatings and spray foam systems for the construction industry.

Their facilities include manufacturing plants in Seattle, Washington, and in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Gaco Western products protect many structures including the National Arboretum Reflecting Pool, the space shuttle, the Hong Kong Airport, the Arenata Coliseum Dome in the Philippines and buildings owned by Ford, SC Johnson Wax and Brystol Myers Squibb.

"Following extensive lab research and in-house spray testing we are pleased to be moving to field trials, the last stage in our Enovate 3000 programme", said Peter Davis, President and CEO of Gaco Western.

"We believe that Enovate 3000 is the best fit for the spray foam construction industry.

It is efficient, safe and provides a wide temperature range for the applicator".

The roof on the Gaco Western plant was a 21-year-old metal roof and was primed with epoxy primer.

The foam system was shipped in standard drums and applied using standard spray foam equipment.

Despite the challenging conditions (48 degrees Fahrenheit and a 16 miles per hour wind), the resulting foam was described as excellent by Mary Bogdan, principal scientist with Honeywell.

Terry Crowder from Premium Protective Coatings of Zion, IL, was the contractor chosen for this project.

"I am impressed at how easy this system is to use, at how good the spray pattern is and at how smooth the foam is, despite the poor conditions", remarked Terry Crowder.

Premium Protective Coatings was also chosen to apply the roof on Freday's Bar and Grill in Paddock Lake, WI.

Operating under similar weather conditions and on a BUR substrate the contractor was able to apply a smooth surface, while maintaining a good pattern and observing no creep.

"We are determined to gain seasonal experience with Enovate 3000", said Irene Schwechler, VP and General Manager of Gaco Western.

"Our aim is to provide a smooth transition to the next generation of spray foam.

We will provide contractors many opportunities to use Enovate 3000 systems before 2003.

We are planning trials in Idaho, Louisiana, Arizona and California in the next few months.

This extensive programme is our way of guaranteeing that our customers will receive a high quality product at a competitive price", concluded Irene Schwechler.

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