Lyondell announces EPA action defining TBAc solvent as non-VOC

Citation

(2005), "Lyondell announces EPA action defining TBAc solvent as non-VOC", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 34 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2005.12934bab.006

Lyondell announces EPA action defining TBAc solvent as non-VOC

Lyondell announces EPA action defining TBAc solvent as non-VOC

Keywords: Solvents, Environmental health and safety

Lyondell Chemical Co. announced that the US EPA issued a final rule excluding tertiary butyl acetate (TBAc) from the definition of a VOC. Publication of the rule in the Federal Register is anticipated in the near future, the company said. The action concludes a lengthy review process that was initiated by an industry petition submitted to the EPA by Lyondell, based on evidence of the solvent's “negligible photochemical reactivity.”

Lyondell said TBAc also is a non- HAP (hazardous air pollutant) organic solvent that is expected to find widespread use in coatings, ink, adhesives, industrial cleaners, photo- resist strippers, and other formulated products. The company said the product offers broad solvency capabilities, an intermediate evaporation rate, low density, and a flash point “well within accepted industry parameters”.

Gail Kelly, Business Development manager for Lyondell, said numerous TBAc-based formulations have been developed in anticipation of the VOC exemption. “The solvent's broad utility and potential regulatory status have created an enormous amount of industry interest,” she said. “We expect to see commercial applications for TBAc almost immediately.”

Lyondell said it is the only large-scale global manufacturer and marketer of TBAc. Current production capacity exceeds 50 million pounds per year, with significant low-cost capacity additions available as market demand increases, the company said.