ABOUT US
We, Anhydrides Joint Industry Taskforce (AJIT), are an initiative which binds producers, importers, formulators, and end users of anhydrides. We were created in 2015 to gather, disseminate, and inform on anhydride exposure, risks, best practices, and socio-economic impacts for regulatory and industry stakeholders.
Most of the manufacturers, importers and the majority of formulators of anhydrides have joined AJIT.
Anhydrides are used as a curing agent in a polymerization reaction with epoxy to produce a thermoset with unique electrical insulation properties and outstanding heat resistance with no anhydrides remaining in the final product.
1. Switchgears and transformers
Switchgear are advanced switches crucial for electrical energy distribution in various sectors, such as power plants and industrial grids. They enable the isolation of malfunctioning areas and maintenance activities interrupting the power flow. Therefore, they have a vital role in the EU’s electricity transmission and distribution, with a sector worth exceeding 25 billion euros and employing over 200,000 people in Europe. Transformers ensure the transmission of electric power between different voltage levels and are therefore needed to connect the power grid.
2. High voltage rotating machines
HVRM are the generators and motors which are used in industry to generate and effectively use electricity. Application of HVRM range from hydro and wind power generation to ship engines to industrial motors. More information can be found in the AJIT Public Consultation Report.
OUR WORK
The Anhydrides Joint Industry Taskforce represents the producers, importers, formulators, and end-users of Hexahydrophthalic Anhydride (HHPA) and Methylhexahydrophthalic Anhydride (MHHPA). These anhydrides are currently under regulatory pressure, due to their respiratory sensitising properties, and might fall under authorisation in the future.
Our activities
The structure of the industry using anhydrides is displayed. All manufactures/importers and the majority of formulators of anhydrides have joined the Anhydrides Joint Industry Taskforce.
Our Voluntary Commitment
End users are operating mainly in the electro-technical industry; the anhydrides are used as a monomer in a polymerization reaction with epoxy to produce a thermoset with unique electrical insulation properties.
As anhydrides are used as a monomer in a polymerisation reaction to form a polymer which electrically isolates switchgear and high voltage rotating devices, they are no longer pressent in the final article. The production process only occurs in an industrial setting.
PROGRESS REPORT
Every year, around April, AJIT produces a report detailing the progress that has been made by the signatories of the voluntary commitment.
TIMELINE
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