ODS-FREE SKIN REFRIGERANT

Revision Date: 5/00
Process Code: Navy/Marines: MD-02-99; Air Force: MD02; Army: N/A
Usage: Navy: Low; Marines: Low; Army: Low; Air Force: Low
Compliance Impact: Low
Alternative for: CFC-114
Applicable EPCRA Targeted Constituents: Dichlorotetrafluoroethane (CFC-114) (CAS: 76-14-2)
Overview:

The ozone depleting substance (ODS) CFC-114 has typically been used as a refrigerant spray for conducting cold-sensitivity studies at dental clinics. Alternatives are now available which utilize HFC-134a in place of CFC-114.

Refrigerant sprays are applied by applying the refrigerant to a piece of cotton, then placing the cotton to the patient’s tooth. The dentist then observes the patient’s reaction and evaluates a course of action. These sprays are much colder than ice or ethyl chloride, at a temperature of approximately -20oC. These sprays have typically contained the ODS CFC-114, but now have been reformulated to incorporate HFC-134a instead. While not a class I ODS, HFC-134a is a green house gas and has a global warming potential.
Compliance Benefit:

Use of an ODS-free skin refrigerant will help facilities meet the requirements under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 12843 requiring federal agencies to maximize the use of safe alternatives to class I and class II ozone depleting substances, to the maximum extent practicable.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.
Materials Compatibility:

No materials compatibility issues were identified.
Safety and Health:

Consult your local Industrial Health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing any of these technologies.
Benefits:
  • Reduce the amount of ODSs going into the environment.


Disadvantages: None identified.
Economic Analysis:

The U.S. EPA is currently phasing out Applications of R-114. The following economic analysis is based on vendor information and compares the use of a skin refrigerant which uses R-114 (NSN 6506-00-576-8915), and an alternative that uses HFC-134a.

Assumptions:

  • Cost of R-114 skin refrigerant: $8.76/8oz., or $1.09/oz.
  • Cost of HFC-134a skin refrigerant: $15.00/6oz. or $2.5/oz.
  • Equal labor and usage rates.
  • Typical usage rate: one 6oz. can/month, or 72oz/year

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for R-114 and HFC-134a

  R-114 HFC-134a

Operational Costs:

   

Materials:

$78.48

$180

Total Costs:

$78.48

$180

Total Income:

$0

$0

Annual Benefit:

-$78.48

-$180

Economic Analysis Summary

    Annual Savings: -$101.52
    Capital Cost for Equipment/Process: $180
    Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process: N/A

Note: Although the cost of R-114 is currently lower than the alternative, since this Class I ODS is currently prohibited from production and importation, the cost will increase making the alternative more economically viable.

Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values.


Approving Authority:

Approval is controlled locally and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted. Major claimant approval is not required.

NSN/MSDS:
Product NSN Unit Size Cost MSDS*
Green Endo Ref.Spray 6520-01-397-9934 6 OZ. $9.10  

*There are multiple MSDSs for most NSNs.
The MSDS (if shown above) is only meant to serve as an example.


Points of Contact:

Air Force:
Armstrong Laboratory, AL/AOCD, Dental Investigation
Phone: (210) 536-3502
DSN: 240-3502

EPA:
Stratospheric Ozone Protection Hotline
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 6205J
401 M St., SW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (800)-296-1996 or (301)-614-3396


Vendors:

Coltene/Whaledent
Dental Division
750 Corporate Dr.
Mahwah,  NJ   07430
Phone: (800) 221-3046 
Service: Manufacturer of Green Endo-Ice that uses HFC-134a instead of CFC-114
Sources:

None listed

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