4. • Naphthenic acid is a natural
component of petroleum
– Carboxylic acid like acetic acid (vinegar)
– Mixture of C6-C25 acids
– Recovered for commercial uses
– Previously disposed of as waste
• Copper used in CuN recovered from electronics waste
4
CH3
CH3
OH
O
CH3
OH
O
5. • Produced by the reaction of naphthenic acid and
copper compounds
– Pure CuN is a glassy solid or paste, ~11-13% Cu
– Insoluble in water
– Concentrate formulations
• Solvent-based: Diluted in #2 D or mineral spirits to 8% Cu
• Waterborne: Diluted to 5% Cu
• Copper is the main active component in CuN
– Organic naphthenate portion provides oil solubility 5
6. 6
• Consumer pressure for a cleaner end product
• Cleaner handling characteristics & lower odor
• Not a restricted use pesticide & no listed carcinogens
• Diverse studies show it works as well as alternatives
• Good lubricating and waterproofing qualities, and non-conductive
• Works great with borates as a dual treatment
– borates prevent incipient decay in wood while seasoning
7. • Used extensively in agriculture
– Tens of millions of lbs applied
annually in crop and algaecide
applications
– Major crop applications include citrus, tree nuts,
tomato, pepper, grape, berries and peach
• Direct water applications as an algaecide, aquatic
herbicide, bactericide and molluscicide
• Copper is a micronutrient with minimal toxicity
to higher life forms
7
8. • EPA non-restricted use pesticide
– General Use Classification
– Sold over the counter for consumer use
– Non-hazardous waste
– Non-hazardous air pollutant
– No reportable quantity required if
spilled
• EU/ECHA BPR: Not currently
registered as an active in PT 8
– Working to get added as new active
8
9. • 2007: Re-registration Eligibility Decision
– All studies identified in data call-in are complete
– Data submitted to EPA in 2013 & 2014.
• 2010: Registration Review
– EPA does not anticipate needing additional data
– Final decision due in 2015
• 2015: 10 active registrations for oil-borne CuN
– 8.0% Cu concentrate containing 68% CuN
– 1% Cu (8.5 to 10% CuN) ready to use
– 2% Cu (17 to 21.6% CuN) ready to use 9
10. • Low acute mammalian toxicity by oral,
dermal, inhalation routes of exposure
• Skin irritant, but not a skin sensitizer
• Not a carcinogen or mutagen
• No reproductive toxicity
• Minimal avian toxicity
• Moderate to high aquatic toxicity
10
11. Cu/CuN Pentachlorophenol Creosote Arsenic
Use Classification General Restricted Restricted Restricted
Toxicity Category III I I I
RCRA Listed Waste Not Listed F021, F027,
F028,F032,K001
F034, K001,
K035, U051
F035, P011
CERCLA RQ, lbs None 10 1 1
OSHA carcinogen No Yes Yes Yes
Drinking Water MCL,
mg/l
1.3 (Cu) 0.0001 0.002
(B[a]P)
0.010
EPA 2011 tap water
RSL, μg/l
620 (Cu) 0.17 0.0029
(B[a]P)
0.045
EPA 2011 res. soil RSL,
mg/kg
3100 (Cu) 0.89 0.015
(B[a]P)
0.39
11
12. • Recommended practices for treating wood using
CuNap and other preservatives
• Ensures a clean surface & minimal drippage
• Minimizes environmental exposure for wood
intended for use in aquatic, wetland and other
sensitive environments
• Available at www.wwpinstitute.org
• Refer to AWPA Standard M20-14 12
14. • Risk assessment completed 2007
• CuN eligible for Re-registration 2007
– Conditions identified in RED must be satisfied
• Data gaps: aquatic toxicity, inhalation toxicity, exposure
• Data Call-In issued June 2010
• All 3 producers voluntarily canceled all labels
• EPA had not anticipated CuN might disappear
14
15. In 5 Months:
• Met with EPA in 2011
• Completed test batches
• Committed to meet EPA data call-in
• Obtained Federal and State registrations
• Manufactured, tested and shipped 20,000
gallons 8% Cu, trade named as QNAP®
• New Rockford, TN plant operational 2Q2012
15
27. • Increasing interest in railroad ties
– Major Class I railroads switching to CuN
– Bridge ties & timbers in addition to crossties
• Fence posts, highway bridge/guardrails,
glulam
28. Major market in railroad ties
–Major Class I railroads switching
to CuN
–Bridge ties & timbers in addition
to crossties
32. Service Southern Pine Douglas-fir Western Red Cedar
UC3B
(crossarms)
0.040 0.040 0.040
UC4A 0.060 0.075 0.120 (0.150)*
UC4B 0.080 0.095 0.120 (0.150)*
UC4C 0.130 0.150 0.120 (0.150)*
32* By thermal (non-pressure) process
34. • Ground-line & end cut treatment to
extend service life
• 1-2% minimum copper in CuN
solutions
• Appropriate for wood originally
treated with other preservatives,
including waterbornes
• Std. M4 revised in 2014 to require
field treatment if lumber/timbers are
cut or drilled 34
35. • Field stake tests in MS
• Treated wood
properties
– Electrical conductivity
– Gaff penetration
35
36. • B. Woodward, C. Hatfield, S. Lebow. “Comparison of Wood
Preservatives in Stake Tests - 2011 Progress Report”
• 2" x 4" x 18" Southern Pine stakes
• Pressure treated, installed 1948-1953 in MS
• AWPA Hazard Zone 5 (most severe exposure)
36
37. Actives, % in
solution
Retention, pcf,
AI / Solution
AI Retention, %
of AWPA UC4B
Average Life,
years
Untreated Control -- -- 2.2
Cat. Gas Oil Control -- / 4.0 -- 7.6
CuN, 0.5% 0.021 / 4.2 28 14.3
CuN, 0.75% 0.033 / 4.4 44 17.4
PCP, 5.0% 0.21 / 4.2 42 14.2
C.T. Creosote 4.1 41 16.3
37
38. Active, % in
solution
Retention, pcf, by
Weight / Assay
AI Retention, %
of UC4B
Post
treatment
Avg. Life, years
Untreated Control -- -- -- 2.4
CuN, 0.5% Cu 0.023 / 0.020 31 / 27 None 11.0
CuN, 0.5% Cu 0.022 / 0.020 29 / 27 Steam 12.0
CuN, 0.5% Cu 0.023 / 0.018 31 / 24 Vapor 11.8
CuN, 0.59% Cu 0.026 / 0.023 35 / 31 Steam 14.3
PCP, 5.0% 0.230 / 0.186 46 / 37 None 14.1
PCP, 5.0% 0.240 / 0.222 48 / 44 Steam 12.9
PCP, 5.0% 0.300 / 0.173 60 / 35 Vapor 12.3 38
39. • Samples: 1-foot sections of southern pine poles
• Moisture content ~16 +/- 1%
CuN contains copper but is non-conductive 39
Chemical Treatment Conductivity, Siemens/m
CuN 1.01 x 10-8
Untreated 1.68 x 10-8
Pentachlorophenol 2.13 x 10-6
CCA 2.96 x 10-6
41. • CuN – a proven and effective preservative
• CuN-treated wood – properties advantageous to utilities, railroads
and other users
– a renewable natural material
– from a sustainable, managed source
– treated with a non-restricted use preservative, manufactured
domestically using reclaimed substances
– options for uses after normal service life
41
