Demonstration project for replacing centrifugal chillers that contain substances that deplete the ozone layer.


The project aims to demonstrate the reduction in consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer by replacing centrifugal chillers that contain these chemicals in the equipment in the National Bank of Macedonia (NBM) and OHIS (organo-chemical industry -Skopje).

The project enabled the following:
     • Meeting the obligations under the Montreal Protocol
     • Improving energy efficiency through energy saving and reduction of green house gases in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector

Demonstration project on alternatives to the use of methyl bromide in agriculture

The aim of this project was to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of alternative methods for the replacement of methyl bromide in the production of tobacco seedlings.
Implemented alternative technologies that have been proven in developed countries:
a.) Using small doses of alternative chemicals
b.) Solarization with biofumigation
c.) A soil-less cultivation
The above procedures to be done in combination with integrated protection.
With the implementation of the project, a total of 25t of methyl bromide were eliminated, a substance with high potential for ozone depletion.

Elimination of CFCs in the refrigeration production factory “Frinko”

The total consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer, which are used as a means of expanding foam (CFC-11) as a refrigerant (CFC-12) in refrigeration appliances and in commercial refrigerators before the conversion amounted to 104 MT.

Based on the recommendations of the technical committee of the Montreal Protocol, the replacement of CFC-11/12 is done with HFC-134a. The main advantage of HFC-134a is its ODP (ozone depleting potential) value of zero.

The implementation of the project ended in November 1998 and the total consumption of 104 t of substances which deplete the ozone layer were eliminated in this company.

 

Plan management and handling of halons

The aim of the Plan for the management and handling of halons was the development of a broad and detailed program for the elimination of substances that deplete the ozone layer (halons) that are used in the fire-fighting equipment for extinguishing fires in the country.

Plan management and handling of refrigerants

The purpose of the Plan for the management and handling of refrigerant fluids was the development of a broad and detailed program for the elimination of substances that deplete the ozone layer, used for servicing refrigerators and air conditioners in the country. The plan was comprised of three sub-programs or sub-components:

1. Training program in the maintenance of refrigerators
This program focused on service technicians dealing with servicing domestic and small commercial refrigerators. In the first round of training, a total of 266 service technicians were trained in the field of refrigeration equipment from all over the country.

2. Reuse and recycling of refrigerant fluids
Establishment of three recycling centers for CFCs, and equipment for the reuse of CFCs for 100 service technicians was obtained.

3. Training for customs officers
Equipment for detection of refrigerant fluids was provided and 300 customs officers were trained on the proper registration and detection of the substances.
With the implementation of the project a total of 45 t of substances that deplete the ozone layer were eliminated.

Elimination of CFC-11 in the production of rigid PU-sandwich panels at the factory “Sileks”

The conversion of equipment eliminated 100% of the consumption of CFC-11 in the production of rigid PU-sandwich panels. CFC-11 which acts as a means for expanding was replaced with HCFC-141b, whose main advantage is the low ODP value.
With the implementation of the project a total of 76 t of substances that deplete the ozone layer were eliminated in this company.

Elimination of CFC-11 in the manufacture of soft foams in the factory “Sileks”

The total amount of CFC-11, used in the manufacture of flexible foams is completely replaced by liquid carbon dioxide. The selected method of expanding low-density foam was liquid carbon dioxide. The project is implemented through modification of the old production lines and installation of additional equipment and tools. The soft foam produced in this sector is used in the manufacture of furniture, mattresses and for the needs of the textile industry.
With the implementation of the project a total of 520.125 t of substances that deplete the ozone layer were eliminated in this company.

Replacement of methyl bromide in agriculture

The project was realized in the production of tobacco seedlings and vegetables crops. The activities were implemented in all production regions which enabled for the complete elimination of the use of methyl bromide in the country.
With the implementation of the project a total of 45.4 t of methyl bromide, a substance with high potential of ozone depletion were eliminated.

Plan for complete elimination of CFCs

The plan for the complete elimination of CFCs in the country of Macedonia was the final step in the multi efforts to complete elimination of the group of chlorofluorocarbons – CFCs.
In order to meet the obligations for reduction and final elimination of this group of substances that deplete the ozone layer activities were carried out for the collection, treatment and recycling of refrigerants.

In that context, the scheme for reuse of refrigerants was renewed by the following:
• Creation of a Manual for service technicians for refrigeration equipment
• Creation of a Manual for customs officers to control substances that deplete the ozone layer
• Training of 24 educators/teachers at 10 vocational schools for proper use and handling of refrigeration equipment and appliances
• Trained 216 service technicians for proper use and handling with refrigeration equipment and appliances
• Trained 103 customs officers for control and detection of substances that deplete the ozone layer
• Awarded 10 sets of demonstration equipment for recovery, reclaim and recycling of refrigerant fluids in vocational schools
• Awarded 29 sets of equipment for recovery , reclaim and recycling of refrigerant fluids for service shops
• Provided 6 sets of equipment for detection of CFCs for the Customs Administration of Macedonia