A/C - Recycling Freon(R) R12
90bmw13 Group 04 Tools and EquipmentBulletin Number 04 07 90 (3075)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ June 1990 Service Engineering
SUBJECT: Freon(R) R12 Recycling
Situation: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) are an integral part of Freon(R) R12. CFCs destroy the stratospheric ozone layer that shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. One of the largest sources of CFC release in the United States is the automobile air conditioning system.
International agreements have been signed regarding the manufacture and use of Chlorofluorcarbons (CFCs), such as the Freon(R) R12 used in automotive air conditioners, and the Federal Government and various states have launched a three-pronged attack on CFCS.
^ Recently enacted Federal legislation has imposed a tax on R12 effective January 1990. The law also imposes a tax on inventoried stocks of R12 as of that date. Tax is set at $1.37 per pound for 1990 and 1991 with increments to $2.65 per pound by 1994. The increase will be $.45 per pound per year thereafter.
^ Various state laws and bills will make it illegal, effective with the '93 model year, to sell or register new vehicles if they have air conditioners that can use CFCS.
^ Various state laws and bills will make it illegal, effective Jan 1, 1991, to service an automotive A/C unless an approved recycling machine is used. Without such an exact deadline, the Federal Government also has this requirement of all dealerships.
Solution: The ultimate solution is to stop using products that utilize CFCs in their makeup. While an afternative source for an air conditioning medium is being researched, all BMW automotive dealers will be required to purchase and use a Freon(R) R12 recycling station by January 1, 1991.
BMW has thoroughly tested all units on the market that meet UL standards as specified by the EPA and recommends two units for BMW dealership use.
They are the White Industries 01 050 and the Kent Moore J3800-B. Dealer cost for the White Industries 01 050 unit is $1786.32, and for the Kent Moore unit the dealer cost is $2360.00.
Features of the White 01 050
^ Anti-blowback valves on the high and low pressure lines
^ 2-50 lb. recovery tanks with built-in oil separators
^ 2 step process
^ Moisture indicator
^ Full tank light
^ Automatic shutdown in case of overfilling
Magnetic labels for storage tanks - enables shop personnel to determine condition of R12
^ Low pressure gauge buift into machine - no need for head gauges to evacuate
Features of the Kent Moore J38100-B
^ 3 hoses with shut-off valves
^ Instructional video tape
^ Easy-to-understand control panel
^ Continuous loop recycling
^ 2-30 lb. storage tanks
^ Automatic air purge
For more detailed information please see the attached literature from the manufacturers. This literature should be placed in the "General Support" section of your Service Equipment Program Binder.
Orders for recycling centers are being accepted through the BMW Service Equipment Program. New binders were sent to all dealers in January of this year. Orders can be mailed to the address below or faxed to Product Service/Engineering at (201) 930-8401.
BMW of North America, Inc. 1 BMW Plaza
Montvale, NJ 07645
Attn: Product Service/Engineering
It is important to note that A/C recycling can be a profit center as shown below.
Recycling Cost Analysis
Facts = 1) BMW Automobiles average 2.98 lb. of R12/car
2) Current tax on a lb. of R12 = $1.37
So ....
^ At 8 cars per week x 2.98 lb. per car = 23.84 lb. of R12/week
^ 23.84 lb. R12 x 52 weeks = 1239.68 lb. R12
^ 1239.68 lb. R12 x new tax rate of $1.37 per lb.- $1,698.36 of tax per year.
Promoting the fact that your dealership recycles R12 can be a sign to your customer that you are actually doing something to help the environment.