We would like to address concerns regarding the use of HFOs (hydrofluoroolefins) in insulated pipe systems and their potential effects on health and the environment.
BRUGG Pipes is committed to minimising the potential environmental and health impacts of its products. Based on their technical properties and high thermal insulation performance, HFO blowing agents are currently considered a suitable solution for manufacturing polyurethane (PUR) insulation for our pipe systems.
HFOs enable the production of PUR insulation materials with very low thermal conductivity values. Compared with alternative blowing agents such as cyclopentane, they can achieve particularly good insulation properties. This helps reduce heat losses in local and district heating networks and supports energy-efficient operation of the pipe systems.
Due to their chemical structure, HFOs differ from fluorinated blowing agents used in the past. They contain a carbon-carbon double bond and break down relatively quickly in the atmosphere. In addition, many HFO blowing agents have a low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
However, when assessing their environmental and health characteristics, the properties of the specific HFO blowing agent used and any potential degradation products must be taken into account.
Key properties of HFO blowing agents:
- HFOs contain a chemical double bond within their molecular structure.
- Many HFO compounds break down in the atmosphere within a few days.
- HFO blowing agents can have a very low global warming potential (GWP).
- The HFO blowing agents used for PUR insulation have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
- Toxicological and safety-related properties depend on the specific substance and are assessed using the available safety data.
- The atmospheric degradation of certain HFO compounds can produce persistent substances such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). These must be taken into account in a comprehensive environmental assessment.
Certain HFO compounds fall within the broad PFAS definition established by the OECD in 2021. The regulatory assessment of this group of substances and scientific understanding of their potential environmental impacts continue to evolve.
BRUGG Pipes closely monitors these developments and takes them into account when assessing and further developing its insulation technologies.
Our objective remains to offer pipe systems with high thermal performance while minimising potential impacts on the environment and human health, taking into account the available scientific evidence and applicable legal requirements.