Arkema has announced that it will expand production at its Calvert City, Ky., plant to produce the refrigerant HFC-32 with production to begin in 2007. R-32 is one of the components of the refrigerant R-410A (which Arkema markets as Forane® 410A). Manufacturers have earmarked R-410A as the primary refrigerant to replace HCFC-22 in air conditioning applications.

As part of the project, Arkema will convert one of its Calvert City units to produce R-32. According to Arkema, its production of R-22 (which it markets as Forane®22) will be replaced by Forane® 410A over the next few years.

According to Pierre Chanoine, group president of Arkema's Fluorochemicals Division, "With this investment, Arkema will strengthen its position as a leader in the development of new HFC fluorochemicals, and assist its customers in their transition to the growing HFC blend technology."

The Calvert City R-32 production plant will benefit from the technological experience of the Zaramillo R-32 production plant launched in Spain in 2003, Chanoine said. Arkema operates four industrial facilities: Pierre-Bénite in France, Zaramillo in Spain, Changshu in China, and Calvert City in Kentucky. The products manufactured are sold under the Forane® trademark to the refrigeration and air conditioning, insulating foam, solvent, and aerosol industries.