IIAR
The Official Magazine of the All-Natural Refrigeration Industry
n May of 2015, IIAR was notified that inspectors with the Illinois State Fire Marshal were requesting that ammonia vessels as part of refrigeration systems be internally inspected. Representatives from the IIAR met with the Division Chief and several members of the Illinois Board of Boiler Rules in June of 2015 and presented the case […]
The IIAR and ARF reserve investment funds are currently managed by Stifel Financial Services under the investment policy established by their respective board of directors. In this and subsequent issues of the Condenser, you’ll find a “financial tech tips” article from the firm on this page. Members of IIAR may use the financial services of […]
educed-charge central ammonia refrigeration systems do not have to mean lower efficiency. With current technology, industrial refrigeration systems can be designed with a smaller ammonia charge and still operate at high efficiency. The key is trusting the math when designing a system. “My analogy is that you don’t use the same computer that you did […]
The safety of synthetic refrigerants versus anhydrous ammonia continues to provide a major point of debate within the refrigeration industry. Since ratification of the Montreal Protocol two decades ago, there has been a trend toward eliminating non-flammable synthetic refrigerants that have ozone depleting potential or global warming potential. At the same time, questions concerning the […]
On August 8, 2017, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling in the case of Mexichem Fluor Inc. vs. the EPA finding that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exceeded its statutory authority by promulgating a rule in 2015 that regulated the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The 2015 […]
This issue of the Condenser is all about education and training. As you can see from our cover, IIAR is unveiling a new apprenticeship program which will help our industry safeguard the generations of institutional knowledge we rely on for the development of our future technicians, engineers and managers. Alongside apprenticeship, we’re continuing the focus […]
We’re only three months away from the 2018 IIAR conference, and your staff at headquarters is working hard to wrap up annual conference programming for an event that promises to be one of the most exciting IIAR meetings yet. We’re back at the always popular Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO next March (18 – […]
BY MINDY LONG pprenticeship programs help businesses develop highlyskilled employees, reduce turnover, increase productivity and cut the cost of recruitment. They can also help employers attract new employees. To realize these benefits, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, in partnership with other organizations, has created an apprenticeship program for refrigeration mechanics/ technicians that can help […]
isaster takes many forms – just this year, various sections of the U.S. have experienced catastrophic hurricanes, wildfires and flooding, all of which can knock out – sometimes for a long time – utilities that are essential to maintaining business. Earthquakes, tornados and blizzards are other major threats. For food manufacturers, wholesalers and supermarkets and […]
he future of industrial refrigeration begins at the 2018 Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo. This annual event will take place March 18-21 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. Showcasing the latest equipment, products, services and technologies available in natural refrigeration, this tradeshow provides attendees the opportunity to meet with over 1900 industry professionals, […]
atural refrigerants have the potential to provide supermarkets with methods to address environmental and regulatory changes, take advantage of long-term efficiency savings and reduce energy costs. Educating grocers about the benefits of the technology could contribute to increased demand. There are new opportunities within the industry as stores look for alternative ways to power refrigeration. […]
The analysis and recommendations expressed here have been developed by the IIAR Safety Committee working with IIAR staff INTRODUCTION n August of 2010, an accident occurred at the Millard Refrigerated Serviced facility in Theodore, Alabama. Subsequent to the accident, the United States Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) investigated the accident and later issued […]
n average, grocery stores use about three times more energy per square foot than average retail spaces, with much of the use going to refrigeration. To help cut energy costs, future-proof against volatile energy markets and increase resiliency, Whole Foods Market is testing a Refrigeration Battery at a store in Los Altos, California. “Thermal storage […]
I visit a lot of refrigerated facilities and I’ve found many of them well prepared for an ammonia incident. The refrigeration operators are trained and knowledgeable in the operation of their systems. Many companies also have others trained to assist in various duties if there is an emergency of any kind. The majority of these […]
In its continuing effort to support the military and introduce skilled workers to the ammonia refrigeration industry, the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation and the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration are inviting transitioning military personnel, National Guard and reservists stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado to attend IIAR’s annual conference March 18-21 at the Broadmoor Hotel & Resort […]
il and ammonia mix continuously in refrigeration compressors. The primary function of the oil is to lubricate and cool the compressor, but a small amount of oil is always circulating with the refrigerant that leaves the compressor. This oil comes in contact with all components of the refrigeration system, a fact that must be considered […]
The IIAR and ARF reserve investment funds are currently managed by Stifel Financial Services under the investment policy established by their respective board of directors. In this and subsequent issues of the Condenser, you’ll find a “financial tech tips” article from the firm on this page. Members of IIAR may use the financial services of […]
recent fatal accident, as well as reviews of previous problems, emphasized the critical importance of proper training, experience and clear-cut procedures when conducting repairs of ammonia refrigeration systems, leading industry observers said. Often repairs must be done in time-critical situations, and technicians must resist pressures to take short cuts, they said. In October, three men […]
ecent adjustments to the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program have simplified the process of completing a risk-assessment, known as a Top-Screen, and could result in changes to how an ammonia refrigeration facility is categorized under the program’s tiering system. DHS, in conjunction with IIAR, recently held a webinar that focused […]
Tax reform has emerged as the top priority in Washington, DC as President Trump and Congressional Republicans set the goal for passing legislation before the end of 2017. Republican leaders are feeling pressure to secure a signature legislative victory following the failure to repeal and replace Obamacare. As a result, the House of Representatives and […]
GLENN D. SHORT, PRESIDENT, BVADVANCED DIVISION; TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, BVA INC ABSTRACT Ammonia (R717) and carbon dioxide (R744) have received increased recognition as non-ozone- depleting and low global warming potential refrigerants. In some cases, both of these refrigerants are used in a cascade system. Some properties of refrigerant-lubricant mixtures are very important for the design and […]
When anyone asks me how I can best describe my experience in nearly forty years at sea, I merely say, uneventful. Of course there have been winter gales, and storms and fog and the like. But in all my experience, I have never been in any accident…or any sort worth speaking about. I have seen […]
This issue of the Condenser is all about change. Whether it’s the regulations phasing out HFC’s and the new decisions faced by many in the commercial and industrial world, or the innovations and new technology that are enabling those decisions – one thing is certain, we are moving rapidly into a new era of refrigeration. […]
GROCERS EYE NATURALS AS PHASEOUT CONTINUES growing number of supermarkets are moving to replace hydrofluorocarbons with climate-friendly alternatives, such as propane, ammonia and carbon dioxide, ahead of the planned phase out of R-22 in the United States, but grocers are moving forward cautiously. “Some supermarket chains have been very progressive, choosing natural refrigerants for all […]
he International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration’s 39th annual conference will provide four days of technical knowledge, networking and industry-sponsored events for those involved in the ammonia and natural refrigeration industry. The conference begins on Sunday, February 26, and concludes Wednesday, March 1, 2017. The Sunday Education Program will focus on the application of “Recognized and […]
BY KEM RUSSELL Are you “aware” in all, or at least most of the aspects of your LESSON life? Awareness implies that you have knowledge of something by maintaining a level of alertness in observing or in interpreting what you see, hear, feel, etc. Some people are very aware, but most of us limit our […]
he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation marked its tenth anniversary on October 24, 2016. This past year gives us much to celebrate with several accomplishments that will keep the Foundation moving in a positive direction. Important achievements include several moves that put the Foundation on sound financial footing and advanced the Foundation’s program in several ways. Of […]
The use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) has recently been at the center of policy deliberations in the United States and globally. Many HFCs used in refrigeration have high global warming potential (GWP) and have become the target for reductions by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the over 170 countries that are parties to the Montreal […]
uilding and maintaining a strong relationship between the contractor and the end user of an ammonia refrigeration facility is one of the most valuable things both parties can do for project success. Communication, organization and a detailed understanding of what each side offers are essential ingredients for a smooth and beneficial partnership. Contractors outlined and […]
nstallation of an ammonia detection system is an essential element in preserving the safety of employees and products at any cold storage or processing facility, along with that of residents within close proximity. Ammonia leaks must be spotted quickly and efficiently, which means that sensors must be properly installed and maintained, and possess an adequate […]
IAR said it has officially launched its new educational certificate program that provides industry training as well as an unbiased means to validate what participants have learned. The program started with training on IIAR-2, the latest IIAR standard to be updated, and will expand to cover additional IIAR standards and other engineering courses. The certificate […]
More than 170 nations meeting October in Kigali, Rwanda, adopted a landmark agreement to incorporate a mandatory phase-down schedule for hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. As the world’s leading advocate for the use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration has long promoted the environmental benefits of natural refrigerants, and is positioned […]
ith federal regulatory requirements becoming increasingly restrictive in recent years, end users in the ammonia refrigeration industry have been searching for more optimal refrigeration technology that reduces the regulatory burdens, enhances safety and improves overall energy efficiency. In an effort to meet those needs, Evapco, a Maryland based designer of ammonia refrigeration equipment and systems, […]
“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another” — G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) IIAR, as an organization, has lost a number of our key members to the passage of time and with those, some of our history and some of the core of our knowledge. With the […]
In this issue, we’re presenting news on one exciting new activity in our industry and our organization – to build and deliver IIAR’s first education program. IIAR is working harder than ever to deliver on its promise to membership: to broaden the reach of our member base by addressing major issues that are occurring in […]
IIAR is preparing to launch a new educational certificate program this fall that will provide industry training as well as an unbiased means to validate what participants have learned he IIAR Academy of Natural Refrigerants certificate program will allow design engineers, installers and responsible parties to show that they have received documented and standardized training. […]
It’s common knowledge that efficiently built facilities allow operators to increase their profits by reducing energy spending. But ammonia refrigeration companies, contractors and end users may be unaware of some less common knowledge . . . that electric utilities offer incentives to companies that design and build or retrofit facilities to improve energy efficiency. Different […]
His nickname was “Mr. Refrigeration,” which speaks powerfully about his influence on the ammonia refrigeration industry. George Briley’s colleagues often said that he “developed the bible” for the industry. Within the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration, of which he was a co-founder, he was considered a true pioneer. Briley died on June 17 at 90, […]
rmed with a Master’s degree in plasma physics, Joe Buck understood industrial refrigeration like few other people. As an engineer and a college professor, Buck was an inspiration to his colleagues and to hundreds of students who went on to careers in the refrigeration industry. A long-time leader in the refrigeration industry, William Joseph (Joe) […]
eginning in early 2017 the Global Cold Chain Alliance, the IIAR and the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium will collaborate to present a training course for Occupational Safety and Health Act compliance officers focused on ammonia refrigeration systems. This course follows a very successful pilot class that was delivered in the fall of 2014, IIAR President Dave […]
Have you ever thought back to when you lesson were a kid, and wondered what you wanted to do and be when you grew up? How did that work out? Life certainly has a lot of twists and turns, and for many of us, landing in the industrial refrigeration field specializing in ammonia has been […]
he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in October, is dedicated to funding research projects and creating educational opportunities, and those efforts will continue to expand under the guidance of executive director Lois Stirewalt O’Connor and the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation’s newly focused mission is to support research for […]
s part of the push within the ammonia refrigeration industry to minimize ammonia system charges, some companies are turning to packaged systems to achieve lower charge, but it is also possible to reduce charge in field-built systems. “There has been more pressure upon designers to figure out how to reduce the refrigerant charge. For a […]
lthough proper design and installation of ventilation systems for machinery rooms to manage ammonia leaks is of critical importance to the industrial ammonia refrigeration industry, the design and safety standards set forth in the IIAR-2 standard remain a mystery to many designers and facility owners “That is part of the reason IIAR is instituting a […]
In June 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) convened a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel to get feedback from small businesses about potential changes to the Process Safety Management (PSM) regulation. The SBAR panel is a part of the Obama Administration’s overall efforts under Executive Order 13650, “Improving Chemical Facility Safety and […]
he International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration is partnering once again with the Ammonia Safety Training Institute, ASTI, in its continuing effort to clearly define how to address the first 30 minutes of a response to an emergency involving ammonia, IIAR said. The working title for the project is “A Practitioner’s Approach to Emergency Operational Engagement.” […]
ngaging employees and providing them quality training is critical when it comes to minimizing risks and protecting both on-site and off-site personnel, property and the environment, which is why employee participation and training are required parts of the process safety management and risk management plan programs, said IIAR in the latest member webinar to be […]
Jeff Welch, Welch Engineering Corporation Fin coil evaporators with enhanced internal tube surfaces allow for optimum performance with a minimal overfeed rate. Reducing the overfeed rate requires less pumping power and smaller line sizes to the evaporator. Additionally, less compressor power is required for the same refrigeration capacity because the wet suction line pressure drop […]
Now that the IIAR conference has ended and we’re back at work, your IIAR Board of Directors, IIAR Staff and member volunteers are putting forth great effort to carry the momentum of our Orlando Conference forward into the rest of the year We’re building upon our industry’s body of knowledge, influencing code development with our […]
There’s a lot going on at IIAR headquarters these days. We’re growing and expanding with new initiatives, programs and goals for the new membership year. That growth just reflects the expansion of our industry in general. New technologies like low charge systems, greater adoption of CO2 , and other developments are taking natural refrigerants in […]
wners and operators of ammonia refrigeration equipment have a number of regulatory driven documentation requirements, and the level of understanding regarding those requirements can vary from company to company. The challenge for facility owners and operators begins when they aren’t aware of the regulatory requirements that apply to the ammonia equipment they have and use […]
he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation, IIAR’s education and research foundation, is launching an effort to expand the outreach of the organization through a new legacy planned giving program. At the same time, leaders said the Foundation would build its visibility and impact this year by celebrating its 10-year anniversary with renewed attention to mission, scholarship, talent […]
he Environmental Protection Agency has released its latest proposed rule that would make changes to the Significant New Alternatives Policy program, further restricting uses of what it terms higher global warming potential refrigerants, including HFCs. forward revisiting the acceptable alternative lists under the SNAP program. They made some revisions last year, and now they’re proposing […]
wareness of International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration’s IIAR-2 standard is increasing among regulatory agencies, and is beginning to shape recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices, industry and government sources said. “There are a number of advantages in having an organization like IIAR come out with standards that are applicable to their own industry,” said […]
ith the completion of IIAR-2 – the first comprehensive standard for the safe design of ammonia refrigeration systems – along with a companion suite of IIAR standards addressing installation, commissioning, operations and decommissioning, IIAR has evolved to become internationally recognized as a standards development organization, or SDO, said Jeffrey Shapiro, P.E., IIAR’s code consultant and […]
s it feasible to apply lowcharge ammonia technology in an application that has traditionally been dominated by the use of HFCs and other synthetic refrigerants? That’s what a big-end user wanted to know when it approached Azane Inc., a package supplier based in California, to manufacture a lowcharge ammonia chiller that provides chilled water to […]
he movement toward low-charge systems is growing in popularity in the ammonia refrigeration industry for several reasons, and one effective way to significantly reduce ammonia charge is to design and operate evaporators using DX [direct expansion] technology. The reduction in the amount of ammonia charge needed to refrigerate a facility reduces the risks associated with […]
On March 14, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to modernize the Risk Management Program. The rulemaking comes as a part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to implement Executive Order 13650 – Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. The Executive Order was issued in response to an […]
he use of carbon-dioxide refrigeration systems has been gaining in popularity in recent years as an alternative to ammonia systems, as companies learn about their energy efficiency, safety benefits and resiliency. Although CO2 , like ammonia, is classified as a “natural refrigerant,” there are a number of differences between the two refrigerants, related to the […]
Business owners and operators must take steps to ensure that contractors working on or near ammonia refrigeration systems have the necessary qualifications and work experience to help employers understand their responsibilities related to ammonia refrigeration contractors, and demonstrate their proficiency in working with the system, Tony Lundell, IIAR director of standards and safety said. Lundell […]
he revision of IIAR-2 involved discussions of many philosophical and practical matters. Among the topics discussed was that of the need for eyewash/safety showers in areas other than machinery rooms, and specifically in cold environments such as a freezer or on the roof. Hoping to gain insight on OSHA’s intent, IIAR submitted some formal questions […]
itting screw compressors with economizers and side-loads provides a significant advantage over reciprocating compressors by improving energy efficiency and reducing the number of compressors needed. “Economizers are widely used, as a relatively low-cost way to provide an improvement in overall energy efficiency in many refrigeration plants,” said Joe Pillis, director of engineering, industrial refrigeration, at […]
CLAUDE DUMAS, CITY OF MONTREAL COSTAS LABOS, CITY OF MONTREAL CONSTANTINE PETROPOULOS, PBA2 VICTOR SANTANGELO, PBA he information contained in the present document is provided by the authors only as indication, without implicit or explicit warranty. It is the user’s responsibility to validate the parameters applicable to the specific usage and make the necessary adjustments. […]
t’s time again for IIAR’s Conference and Exhibition, and that means my term as Chairman is almost over. Although the past year has flown by, we’ve reached many of our biggest objectives, and we expect to continue building on that success in 2016. The primary focus entering the last membership year was the completion and […]
The 2015 – 2016 membership year has been an exciting time for our industry. As regulations and technologies evolve at a rapid pace, we’re seeing new opportunities and applications for refrigeration grow like never before. And nowhere is this innovation more visible than at IIAR’s Annual Industrial Refrigeration Conference and Exhibition. This issue of the […]
uring a recent high school fundraising dinner in my small town of Azle, Texas, I looked around in amazement at the nearly 200 people who came out to support this event. As we sat and visited with people around the tables, I noted how the variety of business backgrounds, ages and experiences created interesting topics […]
NATURALS EXPAND TO MEET COMMERCIAL DEMAND s hedrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons are being increasingly phased out to meet government and regulatory requirements, natural refrigerants are candidates to fill the void, getting a closer look from many types of businesses installing smaller refrigeration systems, such as supermarkets and convenience stores. However, natural refrigerants do face challenges. Not […]
Welcome to Orlando and the 2016 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition! Special thanks to every company who provided important financial support for IIAR through their conference participation The annual conference is an exciting time for all sectors of our industry to come together and catch up with friends and business partners at one of […]
he International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration 2016 annual conference in Orlando, Florida, will provide three days of technical knowledge, networking and industry-sponsored events for those involved in the ammonia refrigeration industry The program begins on Sunday, and this year’s Sunday Educational Program will focus on the IIAR-2 standard. The four-hour session will provide an opportunity […]
uring the annual IIAR Conference technical program, a number of presenters will discuss their findings from peer reviewed technical papers. Topics range from global refrigerant trends to determining the effectiveness of vapor retarders on insulation systems. “A common theme will be smallcharge ammonia systems applied to commercial and light industrial applications,” said Eric Smith, IIAR’s […]
AR is moving forward on its recognized and generally accepted good engineering practice (RAGAGEP) standard for existing facilities, which is intended to provide guidance for end users and compare their older designs to the new and updated safety standards. “New and updated standards are applicable for new construction, so the idea is to give them […]
he North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council — a newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — is working to advance natural refrigerants such as ammonia or carbon dioxide and create a more sustainable future for supermarket refrigeration. “Our focus is supermarkets because we see so much potential there,” said Liz Whiteley, executive director of NASRC, which is […]
he regulatory burden on synthetic refrigerants is much stiffer than it ever has been before, which is opening more opportunities for natural refrigerants in the U.S. Lowell Randel, vice president, government and legal affairs for the Global Cold Chain Alliance, said a number of factors are contributing to the growth of natural refrigerants, including the […]
ob Appleton never flaunted his expertise in the ammonia refrigeration industry, but those who worked with him during his five-decade career knew that he was the man to see whenever they had a riddle they could not solve. “He was an encyclopedia of how to get things done,” said Tom Leighty, his long-time business partner […]
In an industry that relies on complex data, Bob Armstrong packaged technical information with an inventive elegance and a critical eye as the driving force behind the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration’s annual conference for many years and the first editor of the Condenser magazine. “I worked closely with Bob for many years as the […]
hermosyphon systems have a solid reputation in the industrial refrigeration industry, and are a popular choice for many . . . as long as they work. But when a thermosyphon system has problems, those problems are sometimes not easy to identify or correct. Gary Gneiting, director of engineering at Mericle Mechanical, Inc., said a vortex […]
he ammonia refrigeration industry has long understood that the most critical time during a potential ammonia emergency is the first 30 minutes. The quickness and effectiveness of first responders can mean the difference between a minor, manageable incident, and a chaotic catastrophe. Once the clock starts ticking, every minute is critical. To successfully control the […]
The lessons we learn come from many placLESSON es, some from experiences within our work environment and many outside of that environment. Consider this question, “Are you or a co-worker properly prepared to safely perform your assigned responsibilities?” “Have your past training and experiences formed a solid base that will help you complete your activity […]
In February 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it is initiating a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel in order to get feedback on several potential revisions to OSHA’s Process Safety Management Program (PSM) standard. The effort comes as a part of the Obama Administration’s implementation of Executive Order 13650, “Improving […]
oncondensable gases in industrial refrigeration systems are common, and although it may take years for those gases to accumulate, they must be addressed. If not, the steady accumulation can become problematic and have an adverse effect on systems. Tony Lundell, director of standards and safety at IIAR, hosted a webinar to help owners, designers, in-house […]
or owners of a cold storage warehouse or food processing facility, selecting the right air cooler can significantly affect energy consumption. Purchasing properly-sized, efficient evaporators to produce maximum capacity with minimal fan power can mean the difference between energy overages and energy savings. And in order to make the best decision, facility owners must understand […]
e are officially three months away from the 2016 IIAR conference, and while most people are busy getting ready for the holidays, the IIAR team is also hard at work adding the final touches to our annual conference programming. I am happy and excited to report to you that we are looking forward to delivering […]
As you’ve likely noticed, this issue of the Condenser is all about the re-release of IIAR-2, the first comprehensive code standard for the safe, reliable and efficient design of ammonia refrigeration systems. We’re dedicating so much space to IIAR-2 because it is perhaps one of the most important, long reaching projects our association has completed […]
CODE BODIES AND REGULATORS RECOGNIZE STANDARD ith the completion of IIAR-2, the most comprehensive standard for the safe design of closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration has written a single authoritative source document that provides a path forward for the ammonia refrigeration industry. For the first time, model code-writing bodies have […]
he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is continuing its phase-out of certain hydrofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in favor of safer, more climate-friendly alternatives, which is expected to create new opportunities for the natural refrigerants industry. So far, the EPA has focused on commercial applications, although a rule on industrial applications may emerge eventually. “As you’re removing synthetic […]
he Occupational Health and Safety Administration recently warned employers of a situation in which an imposter posed as an OSHA inspector and requested unaccompanied access to a workplace. The agency asked company officials to utilize due diligence anytime they interact with someone claiming to be an OSHA official. The warning came after an incident in […]
pdating the IIAR-2 standard was a massive four-year effort, during which IIAR’s volunteer committee – working to achieve consensus – took a “divide and conquer” approach to handle the approximately 1,500 comments and more than 1,000 off-the-record suggestions, said standards committee vice chairman Don Faust. “Arriving at a consensus within the entire industry was our […]
he recent release of IIAR-2 provides an updated standard that clarifies previously cloudy codes and regulations and provides new information that enables facilities to meet the highest safety standards. Specifically where safe machinery room operation is concerned, the standard is critically important to the future of the ammonia refrigeration industry. There are five key elements […]
he ideal training for ammonia systems should include classroom training coupled with a hands-on component in which operators and technicians can combine book learning with practical application, according to some industry training specialists. “Ammonia refrigeration operators tend to have learning styles that hinge on them being able to put their hands on the system to […]
Most facility op erators believe that they and – LESSON their employees know what needs to be done in an ammonia release situation. But knowing what needs to be done is very different than knowing you will be able to do what needs to be done when the stress of an event makes reaction time […]
dvances in technology have produced ammonia refrigeration piping systems capable of withstanding dramatic climate changes, leading many in the industry to locate as much of their facilities’ equipment as possible on the roof, which is a safer alternative in the event of an accident than the traditional location inside the building. While locating ammonia piping […]
On November 9, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking entitled “Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Update to the Refrigerant Management Requirements under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.” Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires EPA to regulate the use and disposal of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in such […]
Codes march on… Difficult as it may seem to believe, the 2018 editions of some model codes are already well on their way to completion. The 2018 International Mechanical Code is already completed, pending final ratification of recommended changes by members of the International Code Council. Recommended changes to the 2018 editions of the International […]
hen it’s time to replace a pressure vessel on a closedcircuit ammonia refrigeration system, considerations such as facility design, installation, operation, and maintenance can help operators determine what to purchase. The most critical tion. You want to make sure you have issue for a safe design is for operators to ensure that the pressure, temperature […]
nergy represents the second greatest cost in industrial ammonia refrigeration, and a compromised vapor barrier is a significant contributor to energy losses. Facilities often fight a losing battle against vapor drive and air infiltration and sealing the building envelope can produce significant savings. It comes as no surprise that efficiency is directly related to a […]
PEGA HRNJAK PRESIDENT, CTS RES. PROFESSOR AND CO-DIRECTOR, AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION CENTER UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA CHAMPAIGN PEGA@ILLINOIS.ED ABSTRACT his paper presents an overview of the reasons for charge reduction in air conditioning and refrigeration systems and discusses strategies for charge reduction: in compressors (oil), vessels, pipes, and heat exchangers. The focus is on […]
e’re nearing the second half of the year, and for IIAR staff, committee, and volunteer members, that means building on the substantial work completed so far in 2015 on a variety of different initiatives. You’ll read in this issue of the Condenser about two important research projects, a new scholarship initiative and work to reach […]
In this issue, we’re presenting news on many exciting activities in our industry and our organization. IIAR is working harder than ever to deliver on its promise to membership: to promote the ongoing growth and health of industrial refrigeration. And this is a theme that touches on so many important goals, including an emphasis on […]
griculture and food processing operations across the American West are scrambling to find new water sources amid a record drought. And although their water problems continue to be seen as a mostly regional issue for many in the industrial refrigeration industry, there’s no mistaking that water scarcity will loom larger in the years to come. […]
On August 1, 2013, President Obama signed Executive Order 13650 entitled: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. The action was driven in response to an explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, Texas. The focus of the EO is to reduce risks associated with hazardous chemical incidents to owners and operators, workers, and communities by […]
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