ODS-FREE SKIN REFRIGERANT

Revision Date: 11/03
Process Code: Navy/Marines: MED-002-99; Air Force: MD02; Army: N/A
Usage List: Navy: Low; Marines: Low; Army: Low; Air Force: Low
Alternative For: CFC-114
Compliance Impact: Low
Applicable EPCRA Targeted Constituents and CAS Numbers: 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 general guidelines 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 this technology.


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.

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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. To return from the MSDS, click the Back arrow on the Tool Bar.


Approving Authority:

Appropriate authority for making process changes should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the technologies identified herein


Points of Contact: For more information
Vendors: This is not meant to be a complete list, as there may be other suppliers of this type of equipment.

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
Related Links:

None
Sources: None listed