September 27, 2006—Emissions of the most potent greenhouse gas, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), could be history in less than four years, according to results of pilot tests conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the magnesium industry. Preliminary results show that alternative technologies have the potential to replace SF6, which is used to prevent oxidation and burning of molten metal.
Led by EPA’s SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for the Magnesium Industry, a group of companies and researchers from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US conducted the tests and emission measurements for cutting-edge, climate-friendly melt protection technologies that promise significant environmental benefits.
EPA’s Magnesium Partnership is a cooperative effort between EPA and industry to reduce and eliminate emissions of sulfur hexafluoride from magnesium production and casting processes through cost-effective technologies and practices. Eliminating emissions from SF6—about three million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually—is roughly equal to emissions from 500,000 vehicles per year, says EPA.
For more information visit EPA.
