The Reclaimers

Recover. Reclaim. Reuse. This is the mantra of RemTec International. Established in 1986, the business is a world leader in removing Halons and refrigerants from a wide variety of industries and then reclaiming or destroying them to industry standards. A full-service business based in Bowling Green, Ohio, RemTec is a one-stop shop with a complete set of services for its customers — wherever in the world they're located.

Its mission is to reduce the environmental impact of halocarbons (Halons, CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs) on our atmosphere, and RemTec goes about this in several different ways. It will purchase “used” halocarbons from noncritical users and then process them until they meet internationally accepted standards. The clean material is then “banked” in its long-term storage facilities until critical users need it. RemTec also sells new replacement agents to users who no longer require Halons and CFC refrigerants. RemTec also offers several destruction options to clients who need to safely dispose of these hazardous materials in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Many consider halons and other ozone-depleting chemicals such as freon as “clean” agents because they dissipate in the air once used. For example, Halons are used in fire protection in critical areas, such as in computer applications and onboard aircraft, because their application won't leave a residue. In fact, the U.S. military is the largest user of Halon and freon. New replacement agents are not suited for these types of applications, so there will continue to be a need for these agents in the future.

While they may be considered “clean” agents, they are, in fact, class-one hazardous agents that require careful handling throughout the entire process. Richard Marcus, president and CEO of RemTec International, says the recovery and reclamation of refrigerants pose unique technical challenges, especially the removal of large amounts of oils and cross-contamination. RemTec has been able to overcome these challenges by using patented equipment and proprietary techniques that cost effectively reclaim refrigerants to AHRI-700 requirements on a large scale.

“Our business is unique in the sense that we often are buying our raw material (the used refrigerants) from the same companies that we sell our reclaimed products to,” Marcus says. “We can cost effectively provide this service because of our large investment in plant and equipment, which enables RemTec to correct an array of problems during the recovery and reclamation of refrigerants and other hydrocarbons.”