Jul 18 2005
Reductions of volatile organic compound (VOC) and greenhouse gas emissions go hand in hand with ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies, according to a position paper just release by RadTech - The Association for UV and EB Technology. UV and EB technologies are used widely across the spectrum of U.S. manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, wood and building products, and printing and packaging. “While the technology helps manufacturers become more competitive, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and local air quality Districts recognize UV and EB as environmentally proactive,” says David Harbourne, RadTech President and President of Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
Most UV and EB coatings, inks and adhesives contain little or no volatile solvents. Solvent emissions (VOCs) may become tropospheric (ground-level) ozone precursors, estimated by the EPA as the third largest contributor to climate change. Moreover, attempts to eliminate VOCs by incineration may generate greenhouse gases from combustion. The emission or attempt to eliminate VOCs is nearly eliminated with the use of UV/EB technology. In one study by a major U.S. manufacturer, UV offered an over 65 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—the study also found an 80 percent reduction in the total amount of energy used by the facility’s process, compared to a conventional system. As a result of these energy efficiency advances, the study notes that the savings offered by UV/EB technology translated into not only big energy savings, but also as much as a 55 percent reduction in capital and installation costs.
“As our statement points out, the use of UV/EB curing processes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on the burning of fossil fuels,” says Mr. Harbourne. “Companies that adopt UV/EB processes are at the forefront of greenhouse gas and pollution prevention in general, as the technology can meet, or exceed any mandated emission reductions.”
http://www.radtech.org