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Tokai Rika Introduces a New Environmentally Friendly
Cover Gas for Die-Casting Production of Magnesium Parts |
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Aichi, Japan, October 26, 2005 - Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. today announced that it would introduce a newly developed cover gas and supply equipment to the magnesium die-casting process at its Otowa Plant. The principal component of the new cover gas is fluoroketon (FK) and is the result of extensive joint research into the practical application of an environmentally friendly cover gas carried out in collaboration with Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation. This is the first application of the newly developed gas in Japan.
The research carried out by Tokai Rika and Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation fell within the scope of the Project for Supporting Regional Activities for the Prevention of Global Warming, promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. As a result of the verification process, we were awarded a Subsidy of Project for Supporting Regional Activities for the Prevention of Global Warming for the fiscal year ending March 2006.
To date, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 22,200 times that of carbon dioxide, has been used as a cover gas for preventing magnesium flaring in the magnesium die-casting process, and Tokai Rika has been actively involved in activities to reduce the amount of SF6 it consumes. The new gas, called MG Shield®, has been developed as an alternative to SF6. It has approximately the same GWP as carbon dioxide and can be used in a similar way to SF6, possessing equivalent anti-flaring properties. It is estimated that replacing sulfur hexafluoride with MG Shield® will significantly reduce the impact of operations on the environment, equivalent to a reduction of approximately 45,000 t/year of carbon dioxide emissions.
Tokai Rika plans to begin practical application of fluoroketon gas from October 2005, commencing with a model line, and gradually implement its application to all lines from February 2006. |
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TOKAI RIKA CO., LTD.
