Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

Since the U.S. became a signatory party to the Montreal Protocol in 1987, great strides have been made in order to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances. To assist users to identify alternatives to ODS, EPA began the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program. The SNAP Program provides a list of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. The availability of acceptable substitutes encourages federal agencies to phase out all Class 1 ozone-depleters. Executive Order 13148 affirms that each agency should attain phase out for all non-excepted uses by December 31st, 2010.

Robins Air Force Base (AFB), Georgia, has taken noteworthy action towards reaching the phase out goal by eliminating the Class 1 ozone-depleting substance, CFC-113, from the gyroscope repair facility. CFC-113 is used to clean the gyroscopes within the avionics equipment; however, HFE-71DE can accomplish the same task without the equivalent, harmful side effects. Currently, only one pound of CFC-113 is used per year as opposed to the former 5,000 lbs per year. According to the EPA list of acceptable substitutes, HFE-71DE works just as well as CFC-113, but it is a new product so it is more expensive. HFE-71DE costs about $7 more per pound than CFC-113 and this will continue until the sales volume increases over time.
   Furthermore, Robins AFB also needed a new chemical cleaner for the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod. The AFB selected HFE 72DE, which has no ozone depletion potential and is much more effective than the former cleaner that did harm the ozone.
   For more information, contact Linda Larson at (478) 926-1197, ext 137, Linda.larson@robins.af.mil.