DEGESCH America, Inc. Newsletter

Issue XIV

In this issue:

Changes at Degesch America, Inc.

Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School

J-System Recirculation Fumigation Primer

Methyl Bromide

ProFume®

People in the News

 

For a Printer Friendly Copy of the Newsletter in PDF Format, click here.

 

Changes at Degesch America, Inc.

August 1, 2006 

MARKET UPDATE

 Degesch America, Inc. is pleased to announce the reorganization of our Weyers Cave, VA facility.  The manufacturing of AlP in the USA will end 4th quarter of 2006.  In addition to the current importation of  Fumi-Cel®/Fumi-Strip® DetiaPhos Pellets and Tablets, and Detia® Fumex, Degesch America will resume importation of our premium line Phostoxin® Pellets and Tablets from our German parent.  Also, our present packaging of USA Phostoxin Pellets and Tablets will change to the international standard size of the 1kg flask produced at our head office in Germany.  The USA Phostoxin® Pellets and Tablets will be available until supplies are depleted, probably by the end of the first quarter of 2007. We will continue production of our premium packaged products (Phostoxin® Prepacs, Prepac Rope and Magtoxin® Spot Fumigant) at our Weyers Cave, VA facility.  A $10.00 USD price increase for Phostoxin® Tablets and Pellets per standard case(21 kg) is effective today.  In addition, Degesch America will be distributing the leading Chinese brand, Fumitoxin®, beginning fourth quarter 2006.

Product stewardship, technical support, and quality control levels will remain unaffected.

                                          George B. Luzaich, Vice President-Marketing & Sales

Web Site Changes

Several new areas have been added to the Degesch America, Inc. website in recent weeks.  Links to each of these areas can be found on the Degesch America, Inc. website homepage

We have added an Employment page for those interested in pursuing a career with Degesch America, Inc.  We will use this area to advertise staff vacancies and to solicit resumes.

We have added a Forum that will allow registered users to discuss fumigation related topics.  We will also use the Forum to  provide updates on relevant topics.

Lastly, we have added an on-line Store to better serve the needs of our customers.  While it will not be possible to purchase fumigants on-line you will be able to buy safety equipment, literature, application equipment, sealing supplies and select pesticides.  The Store is an ongoing project and new items are being added daily.

Emergency Contact Phone Numbers

Degesch America, Inc. has contracted with Prosar, an emergency call center to provide assistance to anyone experiencing a medical  situation related to the use of our products. This number is designed for use only when the emergency involves humans or animals.  Please make a note of the numbers shown below.

For Human or Animal Emergencies 

Prosar:  1-800-308-4856. 

For all Other Chemical Emergencies 

Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 

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Degesch America, Inc. Recertification School 

April 26,  2007
The Stonewall Jackson Hotel
Staunton, VA

The DEGESCH America, Inc. Recertification School will be held on Thursday, April 26, 2007.  Next year's program will cover a variety of topics, including; Structural Fumigation, Insect Identification, Respiratory Protection & Gas Detection, Integrated Pest Management, Commodity Fumigation, Effects of Fumigation on Warehouse Logistics  and an Update on the Regulatory Status of Methyl Bromide.  Recertification credits are expected from over 20 States and the District of Columbia.  The registration fee is $135.00 and includes refreshments during check-in, morning break, afternoon break and a buffet lunch.  Check-in will be from 7:00 - 8:00 and the Seminar is scheduled to conclude at 5:00.

Once again the venue will be the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel in downtown Staunton, VA.  Those of you who attended this years conference can attest to the remarkable restoration job that this historic structure has undergone..  We have reserved a block of rooms at the special rate of $109.00 per night for this seminar.  Be sure to mention you'll be attending the DEGESCH America, Inc. Recertification School when making your reservation to receive this special rate.

About the Hotel

"Founded in 1747, Staunton's charm has been preserved in its collection of fine old homes and buildings in every style from Queen Anne to Colonial Revival. The rich architectural heritage, combined with the Shenandoah Shakespeare Education Center and its Blackfriars Playhouse, make Staunton a favorite destination for those seeking a charming and intellectually stimulating retreat" - Source: Stonewall Jackson Hotel Brochure

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J-System Low Air Flow Recirculation Method Primer 

 

Using this cut away model of a grain bin we are able to demonstrate the basic concepts involved in the patented J-System Low Air Flow Recirculation Method.  Phosphine is recirculated through the grain mass by means of a B-9 Blower using the existing aeration ducting of the bin in addition to some external piping.  The use of the J-System generally precludes entrance into the bin to apply the fumigant, removing the need for a Confined Space Entry Permit.
In this photo you see one of the two B-9 Blowers used for this example. The Blower outlet is connected to the aeration fan and the inlet connected to the external downspout installed for fumigation purposes.  It's important to note that the aeration fan is not utilized during fumigation due to the large amount of air it moves.  We are only using the aeration fan to gain access to the sub-floor ducting.
In this photo you see the downspout that was installed prior to fumigation.  This downspout can be constructed of PVC pipe or corrugated tubing.  The choice of material for the downspout will have an effect on the size and number of Blowers required due to the difference in static pressure created by the two materials.  This photo also demonstrates the gap typically found between the side wall and roof of a corrugated bin.  While the gap shown in this photo is somewhat exaggerated it illustrates the need for sealing this area as well as the mushroom vents found on the roof.  Failure to seal these areas properly will result in lose of fumigant and failure of the fumigation to achieve the desired result.

Note:  Entrance into a bin usually requires a Confined Space Entry Permit
Note: Working on top of a bin usually requires adequate Fall Protection
The final photo shows the Degesch Phosphine Scrubber.  This unit is designed to remove high phosphine concentrations from a fumigated structure prior to final aeration.  Designed to be used in conjunction with the J-System Recirculation Method, the Phosphine Scrubber acts as a bypass for the Blower and lowers most phosphine concentrations to 10ppm or less in 24 to 48 hours.  The Phosphine Scrubber is ideal for use in areas where proximity to inhabited areas is a problem or local regulations require strict control of phosphine emissions.  The Phosphine Scrubber can also be used to abort a fumigation that is already underway if phosphine levels exceed the parameters specified in the Fumigation Management Plan.

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Methyl Bromide 

The following four articles are reprints of the Great Lakes Chemical Corporation "Fumigation Fax"

 

Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
  Chemtura Company
Fumigants Business
One Great Lakes Boulevard
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Ph: 800-378-9451; fax: 765-497-6644
E-mail: mary.howland@chemtura.com

Commodity Fumigations using Meth-O-Gas® - Minimum Temperature Requirements

The Meth-O-Gas® 100 and Meth-O-Gas® Q Directions for Use labels have the following statement for the fumigation of commodities, food and feed. "Do not fumigate with this product when the space, commodity, or structure (excluding dwellings) to be fumigated is below 40oF for control of insects or below 20oF for control of rodents and other warm-blooded pests."

This means that the treatment site and commodity must be above these minimum temperatures during the entire fumigation period, which is the exposure period listed on the label. In addition, some quarantine fumigations, e.g. port fumigations supervised by USDA APHIS and export fumigations that are subject to quarantine and preshipment requirements, may have more stringent minimum temperature requirements, which have to be followed. For example, the quarantine Export Wood Packaging Material Fumigation Program treatment schedule requires that the minimum temperature of the wood be at least 52oF during the fumigation period. To maintain minimum temperatures, suitable heating devices are often used during the fumigation period. Steam heat or sealed radiator type heaters are preferable. However, do not use open flame heaters with methyl bromide. This may cause the methyl bromide to decompose to hydrobromic acid, which is highly corrosive to unprotected metal surfaces.

There are two basic reasons for setting minimum temperature requirements for the fumigation period: (1) the pest must have a respiratory rate high enough to "breath" in the methyl bromide. Specifically, insect respiratory rates decrease as the temperature falls. At temperatures lower than 40oF, the insect may go into a dormant state, which could cause an ineffective fumigation. (2) The boiling point of methyl bromide is 38.5oF. At 40oF, methyl bromide will evaporate more slowly. Since there is a limited exposure time for the fumigation, methyl bromide must be introduced into the fumigation area so the correct dosage rate of the fumigant is reached as soon as possible. An approved method to heat the fumigant, e.g. heat exchanger/vaporizer, is often used at these low temperatures to vaporize the methyl bromide prior to introduction into the treatment site.

Although the Meth-O-Gas® labels do not require temperature monitoring, an applicator may be requested to verify the fumigation temperature requirement has been met. The cost of recording thermometers starts at ~$100 depending on the model, features, and capabilities. Also, a selection of minimum-maximum thermometers is also available, with costs starting at under $100. An internet search (using "recording thermometers" and "min-max thermometers" as keywords) found many companies supplying monitoring thermometers. A few of these companies are:

  1. • PTC Instruments at www.ptc1.com
  2. • Omega Engineering at www.omega.com
  3. • Infrared-Thermometers at www.infrared-thermometers.com
  4. • Instrumentation 2000 at www.instrumentation2000.com
  5. • Tech-Lab Industries at www.tech-lab.com
  6. • DeltaTRAK at www.deltatrak.com

 

2007 CUE Proposed Rule

On Friday June 23, EPA posted the proposed 2007 CUE rule on their methyl bromide website, www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr. The major provisions are listed below.

At their 17th meeting, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol allowed 6,749,060 kg (26.4% of Baseline) of Critical Use Exemptions for the US. Of this amount, 5,149,060 kg (20% of Baseline) could come from new production.

bullet

Starting with the amount allocated by the parties for new production, EPA proposes the following reductions:
bullet

68,170 kg to reflect the continuing transition to sulfuryl fluoride.

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443,000 kg for the amount of 2005 CUE carried over into 2006. This amount would be deducted from the total allowed production; the remaining  production would then be allocated among producers.

bullet

1,702 kg authorized for research purposes.

bullet

EPA proposes increasing the amount to be taken from existing stocks from 6.2% of Baseline as required by the Parties to 7.5%. This would amount to a further reduction in production of 314,600 kg

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EPA’s proposal amounts to a 38% cut in allowed production from 2006 – from 6,927,429 kg in 2006 to 4,301,588 kg in 2007For 2007, EPA proposes 349,475 kg for post harvest uses, compared to 608,569 in 2006 – a cut of 43% in one year.

bullet

The following changes are proposed for Appendix L which lists designated Critical Uses:
bullet

Add cheese processing facilities to NPMA dry commodities.

bullet

Remove Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Washington from the approved public nursery locations in the Forest Nursery Sector because a 2007 application for these locations was not submitted.

bullet

Removing California growers from the tomato sector because this was not authorized by the Parties for 2007. 

Comments on the proposal are due 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which should appear in the next few days. The comment deadline will be near the end of July.

 

Instructions (North America) for the Return of Returnable Containers to
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (A Chemtura Company)

IMPORTANT REMINDER, beginning January 2006 we revised our procedures for the return of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (GLCC) returnable methyl bromide containers. It is imperative that you relay this communication to your customers who receive GLCC methyl bromide containers. Too often methyl bromide cylinders are being returned incorrectly resulting in extra costs incurred by GLCC due to these procedures not being followed.

Returnable methyl bromide containers remain the property of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation and must be returned in good condition. GLCC will pay return freight for GLCC methyl bromide containers provided directions are followed. Failure to follow the below procedures could result in additional costs in the handling of the returnable methyl bromide containers and these costs will be charged to the shipper. Any fines associated with improper shipment will be the responsibility of the shipper. All returnable methyl bromide containers must be shipped to: Reddick Fumigants, 3002 W Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892, ph: 252-792-1613.

For the shipment of returnable methyl bromide containers, please contact SCO Logistics "SCO" prior to shipping any returnable methyl bromide containers. Call direct at toll free 866-528-7900 or 610-388-7900 between 8:30am and 5:00pm EST or e-mail at chemturareturns@scologistics.com and tell them you are contacting them to arrange a return of Great Lakes Chemical returnable methyl bromide containers. In order to quickly process your return, please be prepared to provide SCO with the following information:

  1. • Company, location and contact name

  2. • Contact phone number, fax number, and e-mail address

  3. • Pick-up hours at your facility

  4. • Description of what is being returned

    1. − size of methyl bromide container and number of empty, partial or full methyl bromide containers

    2. − product that was (or is) in the returnable methyl bromide containers(s) (this information is on the label)

Note: if partial or full returnable methyl bromide containers are also being returned, SCO also will instruct you to contact Great Lakes Customer Service at 800-428-7947 to process the return credit where applicable.

Our representative at SCO Logistics will prepare shipping documents for the return of GLCC’s returnable methyl bromide containers. SCO will forward a Bill of Lading (BOL) to customer via e-mail or fax. The BOL will contain the name and phone number of the carrier you must call to schedule the pick-up. You must call a SCO Logistics Representative to initiate this service. Return without prior notification to SCO Logistics or by means other than those arranged by SCO Logistics could result in additional costs in the handling of the return methyl bromide containers and this cost will be charged to the shipper.

 

Changes in the US Export Wood Packaging Material Fumigation Program

The treatment schedule for ISPM Publication No. 15, Guidelines for regulating wood packaging materials in international trade (ISPM 15), has been revised and the U.S. Export Wood Packaging Material (WPM) Fumigation Program policy treatment schedule will also be revised to reflect the international standard changes.

Effective September 18, use of the new treatment schedule will be required for all fumigated WPM exported to countries that have adopted ISPM 15. Please also note that enforcement of the ISPM 15 requirements is now in effect for certain countries (including the United States) adopting this international standard for treatment of WPM. A list of these countries and additional information on the Export WPM Program can be found at www.palletcentral.com/ExportTreatment/ProgramOverview.htm. The USDA import regulations and requirements for WPM can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm.

The revised treatment schedule and schedule notes are as follows:

Wood temperature

Dosage rate


    (g/m3)          (lb./1000ft3)

Minimum concentration at:

(g/m3) = (oz./1000ft3)

2 hrs.       4hrs.      12 hrs.      24 hrs.

21oC (70o F) or above

16oC (61o F) or above

10oC (50o F) or above

48                 3.0

56                 3.5

64                4.0

           36          31           28              24

           42          36           32              28

           48          42           36              32

The minimum temperature should not be less than 10o C and the minimum exposure time should be 24 hours. Monitoring of concentrations should be carried out at a minimum at 2, 4, and 24 hours. When a revised schedule is adopted for treatment of WPM, WPM treated under the previous treatment schedule does not need to be retreated, remarked or recertified.

Key changes in the treatment schedule are, (1) the minimum wood temperature is lower, (2) the minimum concentrations of methyl bromide required during the fumigation have been increased, (3) the minimum exposure time has been increased, and (4) the monitoring intervals have been revised.

To maintain higher minimum fumigation concentrations, sealing techniques may have to be revised. A discussion of sealing techniques can be found in Chapter 2 of the USDA/APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine Treatment Manual; see www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/manuals/port/Treatment_Chapters.htm.

If you have questions, please contact us.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS

Source: GLCC "Fumigation Fax"

The Fumigation Fax is distributed by Kelly Luzadder. 

If you would like to be included in the monthly distribution, contact Kelly here.

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ProFume®

The following article was supplied by Dow AgroSciences

 

Millers, Processors and Fumigators Pleased with ProFume® Gas Fumigant Progress, Performance

 

            An increasing number of millers, processors and fumigators are finding that ProFume® gas fumigant is an effective solution to stored product pest control problems. That finding is based on field trials and commercial use. ProFume has now been used at more than 150 fumigations across the United States since initial registration in April of 2004 and in nearly 70 research field trials at commercial sites since 1997. 

              “ProFume gas fumigant is demonstrating that it is a promising solution for effective, reliable control of stored product pests that infest facilities and commodities,” said Drew Ratterman, Dow AgroSciences Marketing Manager for ProFume® gas fumigant. “While providing broad-spectrum control of a variety of pests, it also optimizes operational needs –  such as minimum downtime, no corrosive effects, excellent penetration and rapid aeration, so facilities can quickly resume production.”

Regulatory milestones include registration for dried fruit and tree nut tolerances for processing, as well as small grains tolerances for milling in all 50 states.  ProFume also has a full post-harvest use pattern, with 54 specific food tolerances registered for food-handling establishments in 49 states (Calif. pending) and Puerto Rico.  Furthermore, ProFume is registered for use in many other countries such as Canada, Switzerland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany and France. 

In addition, ProFume® gas fumigant has recently taken a critical step toward international recognition as a viable alternative to methyl bromide.  The adoption of maximum residue limits (MRLs) by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for its active ingredient sulfuryl fluoride enables the export of commodities around the world that have been fumigated with ProFume. 

            “We’re very encouraged because millers and fumigators are telling us that they are very satisfied with their success with ProFume,” said Ratterman.  “In fact, 96 percent of the customers we surveyed indicated that they would use ProFume again and the remaining 4 percent remain undecided.”

The combination of ProFume with Precision Fumigation™ tools and techniques gives millers and processors more control with fumigations.  Precision Fumigation allows applicators flexibility to customize fumigation plans to enhance the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of their treatments.

“Precision Fumigation integrates all the factors affecting control, such as pest biology, temperature, exposure time and improved sealing techniques into a fumigation management plan,” Ratterman said.  “Such a fumigation plan provides customers unmatched efficacy to ensure control of postharvest pests, unprecedented application flexibility and notable cost management benefits for the operation.” 

             “In addition, fumigant expertise and unmatched customer support from Dow AgroSciences makes ProFume a viable solution to methyl bromide – minus risks to the ozone and issues related to other treatment options.  Customers like the fact that fumigation with ProFume, coupled with Precision Fumigation tools and techniques, delivers effective and reliable pest control while optimizing their operational needs.”

For more information about ProFume® gas fumigant, visit www.ProFume.com.

®äTrademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC
ProFume is a federally Restricted Use Pesticide.
Always read and follow label directions.

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People in the News

 

Retirements

 

Recently Don Shaheen and Bob Dove retired after many years of dedicated involvement in the growth of Degesch America, Inc.  Both gentlemen were a part of our company since it's inception in 1977 and provided a wealth of knowledge to those of us lucky enough to know them.  Their contributions to the phosphine fumigation industry have given us the ability to use these products easily and safely without sacrificing quality.  Bob and Don were instrumental in the development of the Phostoxin Round Tablet, Phostoxin Prepac, Phosphine Generator and Phosphine Scrubber that we rely on so heavily today.  We will miss seeing them both on a daily basis but are comforted by the thought that they are only a phone call away when advice is needed.

 

Robert L. (Bob) Dove

Plant Manager of DEGESCH America, Inc. and Amphos Ltd., L.P.  Mr. Dove's responsibilities included supervising employees in areas of production, plant maintenance and building construction.  Prior to joining DEGESCH America, Inc. in 1978, his past experience includes serving as Director of Facilities for Hazleton Laboratories and he was also self-employed in air conditioning, heating and electrical business.  Mr. Dove has a Master Electrician license, Industrial, Commercial and Residential Heating and Air Conditioning license for installation and service.

  

Donald G. (Don) Shaheen

Technical Director of DEGESCH America, Inc.  Mr. Shaheen was responsible for providing technical assistance in matters relating to registration, manufacturing and use of DEGESCH America, Inc. products.  His duties also included providing technical input for research on new product  development and new product applications. He has served as Research Manager for Biospherics Incorporated and was responsible for overall management and technical operations of the Laboratory Division, including the direction and design of research and development programs.

 

Promotions

 

Bartek Drewnowski has been appointed manager of the Richmond Division.  Bartek has worked in the Richmond Division for many years and brings a passion for doing the job right the first time to his new position. 
Bartek may be reached at bdrewnowski@degeschamerica.com.

 

Michael Burts has been named East Coast Regional Manager.  Michael has served in several capacities in the Richmond Division over the last few years.  His new position will enable him to continue to build the customer base of the Richmond Division as we expand the scope of our business,

Michael may be reached at mburts@degeschamerica.com

 

Jess Pace has been named Operations Manager of the Richmond Division. Jess has been with Degesch for several years and demonstrated the skills necessary to carry out his newest position.
Jess may be reached at jpace@degeschamerica.com

 

Departures
 

Mark Mathews, manager of the Richmond Division has left Degesch America, Inc. to pursue other endeavors.  Mark, a longtime Degesch America, Inc employee, will be missed.  Hopefully his new position will allow him to follow his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

 

Kristin Luellen has left the Richmond Division to follow her dream of teaching.  She will be working in the school her son, Campbell attends.  This new opportunity will give Kristin the ability to spend more time with her family.  We at Degesch America, Inc. will miss her and wish her all the best.

 

If you have an event that you would like to see featured or a topic to
suggest, send the particulars to jsmiley@degeschamerica.com