Halocarbon are carbon compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine. In the model we distinguish between:
The emissions of the different halocarbons are presented for the different compounds included in the groups of chlorinated compounds (CFCs, HCFCs, other CCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and SF6 and bromocarbons (see definitions - chemical compounds)
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Emissions of chlorinated compounds |
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unit: Gg/yr (Gigagram per year) dimension: compound |
The CFCs have various uses: CFC-11 is mainly used as aerosol propellant (29%), closed cell foam (insulation) and open cell foam (packaging/cushioning), CFC-12 mainly as aerosol propellant and for cooling, CFC-113 mainly for dry cleaning, CFC-114 in foams, CFC-115 and HCFC-22 for cooling.
Methylchloroform and HCFCs (i.e., HCFC-22, HCFC-123, HCFC-124, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b and HCFC-225ca) are interim substitutes for CFCs which will be phased out before 2020. CFCs and HCFCs in various applications are being replaced for about 25% by HFCs. This low percentage reflects the introduction of non-HFC substitutes and more efficient use of halocarbons in many applications (see scenario assumptions - energy and industry emissions).
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Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons |
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unit: Gg/yr (Gigagram er year) dimension: compound |
The hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are being produced to substitute CFCs and HCFCs. Their future emissions depend on the 'virtual' future grow of former CFC-applications, substitution percentages for the CFC applications, various degrees of emissions reduction potentials from better housekeeping and technological developments (see scenario assumptions - energy and industry emissions).
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Emissions of bromocarbons |
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unit:Gg/yr (Gigagram per year) dimension: compound |
The group of bromocarbons includes halon-1211, halon-1304 and methylbromide (CH3Br). Bromocarbons are used as fire extinguishers (fixed and portable), and they are currently being replaced by HFCs (mainly: HFC-227ea). Methylbromide is mainly used in agricultural applications.
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Emissions of perfluorocarbons and SF6 |
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unit: Gg/yr (Gigagram per year) dimension: compound |
PFCs have extremely long atmospheric lifetimes (2600 to 50000 years) and have a strong radiative forcing. The largest source of PFCs (i.e., CF4 and C2F6) is aluminium production (melting process). Emissions from aluminium production can be reduced by higher aluminium recycling rates and technological developments. It is technically possible to reduce the emissions by a factor of 10.
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) has a lifetime of 3200 years. There are two sources of SF6: high-voltage electrical equipment (about 80% in 1990) and magnesium production (about 20% in 1990). The emissions can be avoided by careful handling, recovery, recycling and substitution of SF6 (see scenario assumptions - energy and industry emissions).
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