By Eamonn Ryan, from the transcript
At the HFC Phase Down Workshop hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on 16/17 September, Martin Botha, a project manager at A-Thermal presented on the topic of ‘Ozone depleting substances (ODS) destruction facilities in South Africa’. The following is his presentation. This is Part 5 of a five-part article.
…continued from Part 4.
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Destruction of ODS from SADC countries
In response to inquiries about handling ODS from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, Botha acknowledged that while there have been several inquiries, the facility has not yet received materials from these countries. The process of receiving and treating such waste involves complex logistics and permissions, including transport documentation. The facility remains open to supporting regional waste management efforts and looks forward to future collaborations with SADC countries.
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PCB destruction methods
For the destruction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Botha explained that the facility uses similar processes to those employed for ODS. PCBs, typically in liquid form, are injected into the rotary kiln for controlled combustion. This process requires high temperatures to ensure complete destruction of the PCBs. The facility also monitors for organic compounds at the stack to confirm effective treatment.
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Destruction of refrigerators and air conditioning units
Addressing questions about the destruction of refrigerators and air conditioning units containing R11 and R12 refrigerants, Botha noted that the facility occasionally receives such equipment, particularly from medical and pharmaceutical sectors where the units have reached the end of their service life. The general practice is to dismantle the equipment, extract the refrigerants, and then process them in the furnace.
Botha also mentioned that recovery of refrigerants is preferred over destruction when feasible. However, in cases where entire refrigerators are sent to the facility, they are dismantled, and the gases are fed into the incineration system for destruction.
Industry practices and insights
Botha’s insights were further supplemented by industry perspectives shared by another expert. It was noted that many fridges and air conditioning units, especially those from supermarkets and other commercial entities, are scrapped with metals often being recycled. However, refrigerants in these units may not always be recovered, particularly in smaller operations. The general trend is that while metals are recycled due to financial incentives, refrigerants are less frequently managed properly and may end up in landfills if not handled by specialized facilities.
Botha’s presentation and the subsequent Q&A session provided a comprehensive look at the intricate processes involved in the destruction of ozone-depleting substances and other hazardous materials. The detailed approach to metering, monitoring, and compliance reflects South Africa’s commitment to environmental protection and adherence to international standards. The ongoing dialogue and collaboration with regional partners and stakeholders are vital in advancing waste management practices and ensuring the responsible handling of hazardous substances. Botha’s insights underscore the importance of continued vigilance and innovation in managing environmental challenges effectively.