 Prevention of Global Warming  Emissions Control of Greenhouse Gases Other than CO 2
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 Emissions Control of Greenhouse Gases Other than CO2
Though the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by Tohoku EPCo other than CO2 is very small compared with that of CO2, we are also striving to reduce the emissions of such gases.
 Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)
As SF6 has excellent electric insulation, it is used as insulating materials of electric power equipment including gas-filled circuit breakers, gas insulated switches, gas insulation transformers, etc. At the time of internal inspection of such equipment, SF6 gas recovery units are used based on the "SF6 gas management and operation manual" to prevent SF6 gas from being released into the air. The recovery rate reached 99.0% in FY2004.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
HFCs are used as refrigerants of air-conditioners, etc. The replacement of regulated chlorofluorocarbons with HFCs is expected to be accelerated from now on, Tohoku EPCo is trying to reduce the emissions of HFCs as much as possible through prevention of leakage at the time of installation and repair of equipment, and recovery and reuse of HFCs.
 Quantity of HFCs Possessed and Emitted (FY2004)
| Quantity possessed (tons) |
22.36 |
| Quantity emitted (tons) |
1.11 |
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Emissions Control of Specified CFCs |
The specified chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are mainly used as refrigerants of air-conditioners and fire extinguishing agents. From the viewpoint of prevention of ozone depletion, we are endeavoring to reduce emissions of specified CFCs. |
Consumption of Specified CFCs and Specified Halons (FY2004)
| Consumption of specified CFCs (tons) |
0.52 |
| Consumption of specified halons (tons) |
0.00 |
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Interview about the invention of the "system to decompose CFCs in superheated steam"
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Mr. Takehiko Moriya
Energy and Environment Group
Research & Development Center |
The "system to decompose CFCs in superheated steam," which was developed jointly by Tohoku EPCo and Ouei Kaihatsu Kogyo, won the "Miyagi Branch Manager Award of Japan Institute of Invention" and Innovation in November 2004 as part of the "Invention Award in Tohoku Region." |
Q.What is the system to decompose CFCs in superheated steam?
When water is heated to 600°C or higher, it becomes superheated steam. If iron and carbon exist in an atmosphere of superheated steam, they act as catalysts, and part of water is decomposed into hydrogen gas. The system has clarified that CFCs can be efficiently decomposed in such environment.
Q. Did you have any difficulties in the invention?
When we invented this system, many other researches were under way concerning the technology to decompose CFCs. Other methods required very expensive equipment. On the contrary, our method could completely decompose CFCs with a simple and inexpensive unit. So, we worried, "Does our system really decompose CFCs?" "Why don't other companies come up with such a simple method and why do they decompose CFCs with such methods that need expensive equipment?" "Our method may have a terrible pitfall."
Q. What are your future plans?
We believe that we can contribute to the measures to cope with global warming by installing our system in developing countries, and decomposing and detoxifying CFCs produced in such developing countries.
Flow Chart of CFC Decomposition System |
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