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EVALUATION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MOLD RELEASE AGENTS
Citation:
Lanning, J. AND K. Cavender. EVALUATION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MOLD RELEASE AGENTS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-96/075 (NTIS 96-187745), 1996.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The report gives results of an assessment of the processes, materials, installation practices, and emission characteristics associated with the application of mold release agents (MRAs). Emissions were estimated based on available information on MRA composition and consumption. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions of MRAs were estimated to be 126,000 tons (114,000 tonnes) per year. The study also found that polyurethane molding operations accounted for a significant portion of the total MRA emissions (about 25%) and that automobile seat and other foam molding operations accounted for most of the emissions associated with the polyurethane category. Thus, the polyurethane foam manufacturing industry was selected for a pollution prevention technology demonstration. Several pollution prevention alternatives were identified for conventional MRA usage in the polyurethane foaming industry. An initial assessment of each identified technology was performed. The Solvent Emission Reduction Technology (SERT) process was selected for further evaluation. A detailed assessment of SERT was made through a demonstration at the Integram-St. Louis Seating polyurethane molding facility in Pacific, MO. The demonstration showed that a 60% reduction in VOC emissions is readily attainable with this process.