Author: Andrea Fischer

Mapping Global Standards for Industrial Refrigeration: IIAR’s International Committee Leads the Way

By Yesenia Rector, MPH, CARO – IIAR VP-Education, Outreach & Events In 2023, the IIAR International Committee launched a far-reaching research initiative to catalog the standards and codes governing industrial refrigeration systems, especially those using ammonia and other natural refrigerants—across key international markets. The goal was clear: to create a comprehensive global reference that supports […]

IIAR Announces New Leadership Structure

The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration said it has shifted IIAR’s leadership to a new, more sustainable structure, reorganizing internal Vice President roles to fully support IIAR’s mission. “Under this new structure, a core team of four executives will drive every aspect of IIAR,” said IIAR president Gary Schrift. “This change supports the IIAR executive […]

A Look Inside the “Big, Beautiful Bill”

President Trump has made it a top priority to pass a tax package that would make many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent, as well as providing additional tax relief through policies such as no tax on tips. Republicans in Congress are planning to use the Budget Reconciliation process to move […]

IIAR Releases State of the Industry Report

The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration published its eighth State of the Industry Report, covering IIAR’s education, training and advocacy efforts as well as a look forward at the trends shaping the industry in the coming year. Mike McGinnis, the 2024-2025 IIAR Chair of the Board of Directors emphasized that IIAR’s training effort and growing […]

The Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating Launches Petition

The European refrigeration and HVAC&R Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating said it is calling on all like-minded companies to “join us in demanding a healthier, more sustainable and competitive future for the European HVAC&R industry.” The group posted on its website and distributed a petition urging the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to enact strict […]

Alfa Laval Wins Hydrogen Refueling Project

Alfa Laval said its hydrogen solution is paving the way for new hydrogen refueling stations across the European Union. “In today’s era of speedy implementations of sustainable solutions, Alfa Laval through Business Unit Welded Heat Exchangers, is at the forefront of innovation by developing heat exchangers serving the high-capacity hydrogen refueling stations for heavy-duty vehicles,” […]

Johnson Controls Announces New Chief Executive Officer

Johnson Controls announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joakim Weidemanis as Chief Executive Officer effective March 12, 2025. The announcement followed the Company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. He succeeds George R. Oliver following a thorough succession planning process.  The company said that “Weidemanis is a seasoned operator with a successful track record in leading […]

RSES Releases Fourth Edition of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Study Guide

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society said it has released a fourth edition of its Hydrocarbon Refrigerants study guide, exam and eLearning course through the RSES online store. RSES said the materials cover the most recent practices for refrigerant families including HC R-290 (propane); HC R-600a (isobutene); HC R-441A (a blend); HC R-170 (ethane); HFC R-32 […]

Hillphoenix Supplies CO2 Systems for Puerto Rico Supermarket

Hillphoenix said it has supplied CO2 Systems for Puerto Rico’s First-Ever All CO2 Refrigerated Supermarket. The installation of the CO2 system at the supermarket, called Ralph’s, was a collaborative effort involving the expertise of Hillphoenix and the dealer, Triple S International, the company said. The project included the installation of a CO2 system, display cases and a PowerWall power […]

IIAR Releases Tool to Compare Refrigerants

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration said it has released a “Refrigerant Evaluator Tool” to help IIAR members and others assess their refrigerant choices and evaluate their options as the Environmental Protection Agency phases out high global warming potential refrigerants. The IIAR Refrigerant Evaluator Tool can be found here: https://refrigerantcomparison.com/ John Flynn, the Chair of […]

IIAR Releases New CO2-Focused Promotional Video

The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration announced that it has released a new video aimed at educating the public on the economic and environmental benefits of natural refrigerants, specifically CO2. The new video is also positioned as a B2B marketing tool, encouraging business leaders to visit iiar.org to learn more about natural refrigeration and how […]

GEA Announces New HSX High-Pressure Float Valve 

Valve manufacturer GEA AWP said it has developed a new high-pressure float valve for NH3 and CO2 refrigeration and cooling processes. The HSX high-pressure float valve is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage, transportation, chemical processing, cement production and the pharmaceutical industry, the company said.  According to GEA, the purely mechanical operation of the HSX high-pressure float valves works […]

BAC Announces New Dry Cooler

The company said the new dry cooler was created to meet the growing demand for sustainable, water-efficient cooling, adding that the high-capacity dry cooler rounds out BAC’s portfolio of evaporative and hybrid products – offering an option for customers in water-stressed areas. “As global water shortages and the lack of access to fresh water have […]

Danfoss Names Divisional President of Commercial Compressors

Danfoss announced that Fabio Klein has been named Divisional President of the Commercial Compressors division in Danfoss Climate Solutions. Fabio will take his new position as of April 1, 2025, and he succeeds Kristian Strand, who was recently appointed President of Danfoss Climate Solutions.  “I’m proud to pass on the compressor business, which is performing […]

EPA Newsletter Issues RMP Deadlines Reminder

According to a reminder notification released by the Environmental Protection Agency in an EPA newsletter, P2/P3 RMP facilities need to conduct a notification drill by the end of this year. “Responding P2/P3 facilities need to conduct your first tabletop exercise by the end of 2026. In conducting these tasks, you should be working with your […]

Mayakawa Contributes Chiller to TAO Telescope Project

Mayekawa announced that it installed its N2K Chiller project to support the TAO, the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory, project. The company said it helped solve one of the most significant challenges in the construction of the TAO telescope, which was controlling the temperature of the primary mirror. To ensure accurate observations and minimize thermal […]

EPA Launches Region 10 Initiative for Facilities Under 10,000 lbs of Ammonia

The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an initiative in the Pacific Northwest to improve the safety of smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities – focused on facilities with under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. The initiative, which is being carried out by EPA Region 10, was developed with input from EPA region 1 and the International Institute of […]

Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Focus

The following fact sheet was published by the Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 to communicate details about the Region 10 compliance initiative for facilities under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. It is reproduced here for the benefit of IIAR members and non-members with facilities under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Ammonia: An Efficient Refrigerant That Must Be […]

IIAR Enforcement Awareness: General Duty Clause Requirements: Facilities with Smaller Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

The Environmental Protection Agency has launched an initiative in the Pacific Northwest to improve the safety of smaller ammonia refrigeration facilities – focused on facilities with under 10,000 pounds of ammonia. Read a complete overview of the initiative in the Condenser Magazine article: “EPA Launches Region 10 Initiative for Facilities Under 10,000 lbs of Ammonia.” […]

EPA Finalizes Third AIM Act Rule

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which was enacted on December 27, 2020, authorized the EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in three areas: (1) Phasing down HFC production, (2) Facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions and (3) Regulating to minimize HFC releases and maximizing reclamation efforts. The EPA has methodically executed […]

Kelvin Group Acquires JS Compliance

Mechanical services provider Kelvin Group announced it has completed an acquisition of JS Compliance, LLC. The company said its acquisition partner was private equity firm Southfield Capital. Magnolia, TX-based JS Compliance specializes in process safety management and risk management consultancy and serves a client base within the food and beverage manufacturing and logistics industries. “I […]

States, Regulatory Agencies Focus on PFAS

A growing number of states and federal regulatory agencies are examining the effects of perfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, and regulatory frameworks are evolving due to concerns over their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts. “More than 30 states have introduced or adopted regulations related to PFAS, but until recently, refrigerants were not […]

BAC Announces AI Platform

Baltimore Aircoil Company Inc. (BAC), announced the launch of its AI-driven Loop Platform. The company said Loop is an advanced AI platform that seamlessly integrates with existing cooling tower systems. “This compact yet powerful device is engineered to optimize operational efficiency by continuously monitoring and adjusting for environmental conditions. Its AI algorithms analyze data in […]

IIAR Unveils Enhanced Membership Benefits

IIAR has a wide range of benefits available to members, from professional development opportunities to industry networking, and as of July 1, members have access to even more than they did before. “Our members get access to the most reliable up-to-date information about the refrigeration industry, best practices, and ongoing education,” said Lisa Berryman, member […]

Güntner Announces New Product Offering

Güntner announced a new product offering that the company said “leverages a versatile, data-driven strategy to optimize energy efficiency, enhance system reliability and provide analysis and monitoring.” The new product range of data-driven controllers and solutions, called aicore (pronounced “i-core”), includes the current next-generation controllers called aicore air (previously GMMnext), and aicore hydro (previously GHM). […]

Paraguay Becomes Latest Country to Adopt IIAR Standards

The Board of Directors of the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration, during the Institute’s last meeting in June 2024, approved an agreement with Paraguay’s Institute of Standards and Metrology. The Institute of Standards and Metrology said it will start adopting IIAR standards as Paraguay’s national standards. Paraguay has one of the largest meat and dairy […]

Calibration Technologies Attends IIAR Guadalajara Conference

Calibration Technologies said it attended this year’s IIAR CAPÍTULO MÉXICO Refrigeración Industrial Conference in Guadalajara Mexico. Representing the company at the IIAR event were CTI employees Mike Cusanno and Miguel Lopez. The company said in a statement that ”CTI is excited to participate in IIAR’s international events. As nations around the globe are working towards […]

Industry Eyes HFC, PFAS Restrictions; IIAR Releases AIM Act Phasedown Guide by GWP

The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s Education Committee announced that it has finalized the creation of a one-pager fact sheet regarding the AIM Act phasedown, to quickly illustrate the scope of refrigerants currently being used, based on their global warming potential. The IIAR AIM Act Fact Sheet can be downloaded as a PDF from the […]

Work on the AIM Act Continues

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continues to move forward with regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which will restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons. The agency is currently working on Subsection (h), which focuses on managing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and substitutes. Tristam Coffin, co-founder of Effecterra and president of sustainability, policy, and technical services, […]

States Target HFCs with New Regulations

The refrigeration industry is experiencing regulatory pressures to transition away from HFC refrigerants at all levels. “While federal regulations under the AIM Act are a key factor in the shift away from HFCs, policymakers in California, New York, and Washington are sending an even stronger signal to move to future-proof refrigerants as quickly as possible,” […]

Emergency Release Reporting Best Practices Ensure Compliance

There are multiple regulatory requirements surrounding the use of ammonia in industrial refrigeration applications, including emergency release reporting requirements. Under the requirements, accidental releases must be promptly reported and managed, but it is important for users to avoid both under and over reporting. “According to EPA regulations, a facility must report any leak or leaks […]

Cybersecurity Remains a Critical Concern as System Connectivity Increases

Cybersecurity is taking on greater importance in the refrigeration industry due to the increasing integration of smart technologies and the growing threat of cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can lead to operational disruptions, safety hazards and financial losses. “Industrial refrigeration systems are becoming more and more automated. The internet is touching almost every part of the business now,” […]

GEA Releases Web Application Monitoring

Systems manufacturer, GEA said that it has developed a web application to help customers minimize unplanned downtime by enabling location-independent monitoring and troubleshooting for heating and cooling systems. The company said a team of heating and cooling specialists and data experts monitor and analyze the connected systems while the system uses push notifications and links […]

OSHA Proposes Expansion to Emergency Response Requirements

In February 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed new rule that would expand the reach of its emergency response standard. OSHA stated it has undertaken the rulemaking because it believes current OSHA emergency response and preparedness standards are outdated and incomplete. According to OSHA, current regulations do not address the full […]

Remembering Bob Burdick, IIAR Piping Handbook Author

ob Burdick, the Vice President of Bassett Mechanical from 1967 – 2002, longtime IIAR member, first chairman of the IIAR piping committee, and one of the original authors of the IIAR piping handbook, has passed away. Most of Bob’s working life was spent at Bassett Mechanical, where he became a specialist in ammonia refrigeration. He […]

2024 Conference Recap

ore than 1,900 attendees participated in the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo in Orlando, Florida, setting a new record for attendance. The event provided the latest information on industry issues, technical knowledge, and networking, as well as an opportunity to see new equipment for those involved in the […]

Kelvin Group Announces GMS Services Acquisition

Kelvin Group and equity firm Southfield Capital announced that Refrigeration Design and Service, RD&S, an industrial and commercial mechanical services company, has completed the acquisition of GMS Services, a Charleston, SC-based commercial refrigeration and HVAC services provider. The company said the acquisition marks a milestone in RD&S’s growth trajectory, expanding its geographic footprint within the […]

IIAR Recognizes Two Industry Thought Leaders with Presentation Excellence Awards

The IIAR Award for Presentation Excellence was presented to two deserving individuals during IIAR’s annual meeting. Todd Jekel, University of Wisconsin Madison, received IIAR’s 2024 Award for Presentation Excellence for the English presentation of his paper titled “Application and Considerations for Internal Relief in Industrial Refrigeration Systems.” Jekel is a longtime contributor to NRF research […]

IIAR Signs MOUs with IIR and NASRC

IIAR has signed memorandums of understanding with the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC). Schrift said MOUs are important in documenting a board-approved framework that allows IIAR and other organizations to work together on mutually beneficial projects. “In general, IIAR signs MOUs with organizations that share a vision […]

NRF Fun Day Raises Nearly $80,000 for Scholarships and Research

he Natural Refrigeration Foundation’s Fun Day during the annual conference featured golf, cornhole, and pickleball, raising $77,000 to support the foundation’s scholarships and research projects. All of the events reached their maximum capacity. “We had 100 golfers, and we had more that were interested that were not able to participate because we were capped by […]

RSES and RETA Merger Moves Forward

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) will be merging with the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) to help build awareness of industrial refrigeration careers and increase the number of technicians entering the industrial space. “We believe we will be better together moving forward,” said Jim Barron, executive director of RETA. Michael Hawkins, manufacturers’ representative […]

The Role of Emergency Preparedness for Facilities with Natural Refrigerants

atural refrigerants, including ammonia and CO2, require robust emergency response and management protocols to address potential risks and ensure safety. As the refrigeration industry continues its transition towards natural refrigerants, prioritizing emergency response and management is paramount, and the industry, state and federal governments and local jurisdictions are all working to ensure they’re prepared. “There […]

EPA Issues Final Rule with Risk Management Program Changes

n March 11th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Final Rule that makes changes to the agency’s Risk Management Program (RMP). The move is the latest in a series of rulemakings related to RMP over the last 10 years and reinstates several requirements similar to those mandated by […]

RMP Rule Changes Resulting from the SCCAP Rule

he Environmental Protection Agency has issued proposed rule changes to the Risk Management Program Rule as part of the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule. The final rule provisions took effect on May 10, but there are future phase-in dates for some provisions. Douglas Reindl, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of […]

Global Perspectives on Integrating Natural Refrigerants

he use of natural refrigerants is increasing as governments, investors, and end users work to reduce the use of high-global warming potential refrigerants. Europe has been at the forefront, promoting the use of natural refrigerants through regulations and incentives, but challenges remain in other areas. Those involved in refrigerants globally said it would take increased […]

Refrigeration Industry Works to Increase Diversity and Inclusion

The industrial refrigeration industry is working to build a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive environment, and this year’s annual conference created opportunities for those in the industry to learn more about promoting diversity and inclusion. “Diversifying our workforce not only broadens the talent pool but also provides our industry the opportunity to flourish with […]

Colmac Coil Builds Cooler for NASA

Colmac Coil said it has built a specialized replacement fluid cooler for the cooling system of the 70-meter (230 feet) diameter dish antenna that is officially known as Deep Space Station 14 (nicknamed Mars antenna) that’s part of the Deep Space Network (DSN). The company said the project was completed for the National Aeronautics and […]

Copeland Announces DOE Grant Award

Copeland announced that it has received a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to support a $2.5 million project to research and develop innovative heat pump technology for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The company said the grant will fund the research and development for a modular, plug-and-play, load-flexible heat pump technology with […]

Innovative Refrigeration Announces Tube Ice Maker Project with CO2 Refrigerant

Innovative Refrigeration Systems said it completed a two-stage cascade refrigeration system for a tube ice maker in Pennsylvania. The company said the project is unique because the tube ice makers were specifically designed to work with CO2 as the refrigerant, making them environmentally friendly. Each ice maker is capable of producing 60 tons per day of […]