IIAR
The Official Magazine of the All-Natural Refrigeration Industry
ne of the biggest missions of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration is to provide standards that will benefit the ammonia refrigeration industry worldwide. In this edition of the Condenser we’re shining the spotlight on the work of the IIAR Standards Committee, which develops, updates, and publishes current and comprehensive standards that members across the […]
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), signed into law in 1976, provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to control potentially dangerous chemicals in U.S. commerce. The act gives EPA the authority to gather and disseminate information about production, use, and possible adverse effects to human health and the environment of existing chemicals, and […]
Although much effort goes into coordinating various documents that regulate ammonia refrigeration systems, perfect harmony isn’t achievable for a variety of reasons. Anyone who designs or operates facilities that utilize ammonia refrigeration knows that we deal with a lot of codes and standards. These include IIAR-2; ASHRAE 15; the International fi re, building and mechanical […]
BY ANDREA FISCHER n 1974, the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration issued IIAR-2, a standard that would uniquely address the design and installation of ammonia refrigeration systems for the first time and establish IIAR as the standards writing body dedicated exclusively to ammonia refrigeration. Now, 40 years after it defined the scope of the ammonia […]
BY KEM RUSSELL Coordination with local responders is a basic safety responsibility for any facility, but in some cases, even if a company has a well-articulated emergency plan, the lessons learned from a small incident can reveal much bigger considerations. In this column, in each issue of the Condenser, we look at lessons learned from […]
mmonia refrigeration lost one of its most entrepreneurial and dedicated leaders last month with the passing of Rudy Nechay, a man friends and family described as passionate about his work and devoted to the advancement of his industry. Rudy was a longtime member of IIAR, serving on the board of directors and acting as treasurer […]
he European organization representing natural refrigerants continued to emphasize the sustainable reach of refrigeration at its annual conference, which this year included a presentation from IIAR chairman, Bob Port. The “Green Economy with Natural Refrigerants” symposium was held in June, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. During the symposium – organized by Eurammon, a joint initiative between European […]
n Monday, June 3 at about six o’clock in the morning, a fire broke out at a plant containing an ammonia refrigeration system which belonged to the Baoyuanfeng Poultry Company in the city of Dehui, in the Jilin Province of Northeastern China. Initial press reports included imprecise or contradicting explanations of the cause of the […]
arlier this year, the United States and China agreed to work together with other countries to use the expertise and institutions of the Montreal Protocol to phase down consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons. The agreement paves the way for more use of ammonia as an eco-friendly alternative. “When you take HFCs out of the equation, […]
s the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration continues to establish itself as the primary resource for ammonia refrigeration and other natural refrigerants, international partnerships are more important than ever before. “The IIAR, over the past three years, has formed a lot of alliances with international organizations,” said IIAR Chairman Bob Port. “We are really working […]
he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation said that it recently welcomed three new trustees and board members. The three new members, Donal Ballou, Peter Spellar and Walter Teeter have all held leadership positions within IIAR. ARF, which serves as the research arm for industrial refrigeration, funds research projects and awards scholarships to support the growth of the […]
riven by the forces of consumer optimism and business demand, the market for new environmentally friendly technologies has boomed in recent years. But now, environmental scientists are painting a bleaker picture: those new technologies will not be enough to slow global warming in the near future, when taking action to reduce greenhouse gasses will matter […]
veryone is going paperless! Well, not entirely, of course. Not long ago, a member contacted the IIAR and noted that the mechanical integrity chapter of the IIAR PSM/RMP guidelines states that “Copies of the completed log sheets and maintenance and inspection records should be kept on file. Maintenance of these records will allow you to […]
ow that the flurry of committee meetings, networking events and technical discussions of the IIAR conference has ended and we’re all back at work, it’s time to set some new goals and carry the momentum of our recent meeting into the rest of the year. At headquarters, that means everyone is working hard to make […]
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE CLOCK STARTS TICKING n most situations, the correct response to a threat involving ammonia in the first thirty minutes after it is identified will effectively contain most potential hazards, before they have enough time to grow into an unmanageable problem. Preparation can mean the difference between a […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration continues to be a major focus of IIAR’s government relations efforts, including the work of the newly reconstituted Government Relations Committee. IIAR members are reporting that OSHA has become increasingly active with inspections and enforcement activities. The National Emphasis Program for Chemical Facilities, or NEP, is a major reason […]
efore I begin my regular column, I would like to spend a moment in remembrance of the horrific tragedy that occurred in the town of West, Texas on April 17. As I write this article, a memorial service is taking place to honor the ten emergency responders who selflessly gave their lives in the service […]
We learn, hopefully, by our experience – in a classroom, in the field, or in our personal study. When operating an ammonia refrigeration system, we depend on education combined with experience. That education and experience can take the form of well thought-out and written operating procedures. And it’s worth asking: Are those operating procedures reviewed […]
BY ANDREA FISCHER he International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration hit record attendance numbers, signed agreements with international organizations and introduced a new president at its 2013 Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition, an event that marked a variety of transitions and new initiatives for the association this year. The four days of networking at industry sponsored […]
BY CHRIS COMBS, IIAR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS DIRECTOR The IIAR International Committee’s second meeting since becoming a formal IIAR working committee in 2012 was attended by 54 people. After a review of the committee’s mission, purpose, scope and regional structure, Paul Bishop introduced the committee’s vice chairmen appointed since the last International Committee meeting was held […]
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND BY GARY W. SMITH, AMMONIA SAFETY AND TRAINING INSTITUTE, PRESIDENT he federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets the safe work practice guidelines that employers must comply with as minimum standards. Many states have assumed administering authority and have the right to define a higher standard of safety, when local hazards and […]
BY ANDREA FISCHER he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation (ARF), the research and education foundation organized by IIAR, said it was on track to complete new research projects, award scholarships and raise existing funding levels this year. “ARF projects allow us as an industry to go after the issues that are faced by a broad cross-section of […]
n recent years, the quality of the circulated water in evaporative condensers and cooling towers has declined as air and water pollution has increased. As regulations limit the use of many corrosion inhibitors for the hot dip galvanizing process, such as chromates, the passivation process for protection has become even more critical. Passivation is a […]
By Joe Mandato inal preparations are being made for the 2013 Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition in Colorado Springs and that means my term as IIAR Chairman is almost complete. We have had many accomplishments during the past year; too many to recognize them all here, and there are many more to look forward to […]
S. Forbes Pearson, Star Refrigeration Ltd, Glasgow G46 8JW Introduction The return of Carbon Dioxide as a refrigerant is probably un-stoppable because it is much more environmentally friendly than most of the non-flammable, non-toxic refrigerants currently in use. However, it is worth considering the reasons why industry departed from it in the 1940s. The two […]
By Jeffrey M. Shapiro, PE., FSFPE The Future of IIAR 2 Our Little Baby is Growing Up irst issued in 1974, IIAR 2 is about to reach its 40th birthday. As a connoisseur of codes and standards, I can think of no other document that better captures the values and the mission of IIAR. Written […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director Regulations in 2013: A Look Ahead The November 2012 elections brought no change in the balance of power in the Federal Government. President Obama won a second term, the House of Representatives remains controlled by Republicans, and the Democrats retained their majority in the Senate. With no changes […]
ARF Needs Your Help! ne of the most important activities in the industrial refrigeration industry is the advancement of technology through research and education. The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation is dedicated to this goal, enabling IIAR to advocate for code and government policy changes which benefit the industry in design, construction and the operation of increasingly […]
By Andrea Fischer he ammonia refrigeration industry lost one of its most devoted advocates and enthusiastic mentors last year with the passing of Bill Bowles, former IIAR Chairman, president of Evapco and first chairman of the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation. Although Bill had retired from the industry, he remained personally invested in its success, serving on […]
by Chris Combs, International Programs Director Australia’s Clean Energy Future, the ARA and Prospects for Natural Refrigerants iming to cut pollution while creating incentives for energy efficiency, the Australian Parliament passed the Clean Energy Future legislation on November 8, 2011, introducing a new carbon pricing scheme to be structured in two phases. The first three […]
he ammonia refrigeration industry continues to experience an increase in enforcement activities that utilize OSHA’s General Duty Clause, specifically in facilities with less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia, where OSHA expects process safety-like standards to be in place. While larger facilities – those that use less than 10,000 pounds of ammonia – have long been […]
his year, IIAR’s 2013 Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition will be hold at one of the organization’s most beautiful conference locations, the Broadmoor Hotel and Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, March 17–20. With the usual emphasis on a well developed technical track, including a special focus on CO2, this year’s program will encompass many of […]
ith the ever increasing awareness of the benefits Natural Refrigerants have for the environment there has been a renewed emphasis in the use of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant for the Industrial Refrigeration Industry. Naturally occurring refrigerants like Ammonia (NH3) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) are by definition environmentally neutral. Unlike CFC and HCFC halocarbon […]
ashington resident Ed Viesturs is widely regarded as this country’s foremost highaltitude mountaineer. He is familiar to many from the 1996 IMAX documentary EVEREST and in 2002, he was awarded the historic Lowell Thomas Award by the Explorer’s Club for outstanding achievement in the field of mountaineering. Viesturs is a professional mountaineer and works as […]
AAIM Controls From starters and drives to PLC systems and microprocessor designs, AAIM Controls has the expertise for all your automation requirements with over 90 years of combined refrigeration controls experience. A. Blasquez E. Refrigeración Industrial S.A. de C.V. A. Blasquez E. Refrigeraciòn (ABE) is the largest ammonia refrigeration contractor company in Latin America, specializing […]
by Eric Smith, P.E., LEED AP, IIAR Technical Director Alarms and Detectors he topic of alarms and detectors is often discussed in this publication and several others. Perhaps the reason that it is discussed so much is that there is not clear, written, single source guidance on how to handle the various aspects surrounding ammonia […]
By Joe Mandato IAR is a group of professionals representing End-users, Engineers, Contractors, Manufacturers and Educational Institutions who are dedicated to the advancement of the safe use of natural refrigerants in the refrigeration industry. I am pleased to report that this dedication is paying off more than ever as IIAR has been able to complete […]
By Andrea Fischer fficient, tested eyewash and shower stations that are properly built, installed, and maintained are a central part of any machine room, and eyewash and shower procedures are a basic part of emergency response planning, at least where EPA and OSHA regulations are concerned. But although the ammonia refrigeration industry considers eyewash and […]
By Jim Kovarik, Gamma Graphics Services n other industries, insulation is installed to protect people from touching hot process piping and getting burned; or to keep heat in the pipe to assist in lowering the viscosity of the process fluid thereby facilitating flow. If water comes in contact with hot piping, it will evaporate quickly […]
here are many devices on the market that can detect and respond to a refrigerant leak, but the International, Uniform, NFPA, ASHRAE and IIAR codes and standards provide limited guidance with respect to detector location, installation and equipment requirements or the extent of alarm notification that must be provided when a leak is detected. In […]
by Lowell Randell, IIAR Government Relations Director ith the initiation of the National Emphasis Program for Chemical Facilities (NEP) in 2009 and the nationalization of the program in late 2011, OSHA enforcement activity in the ammonia refrigeration industry has been intensifying. At least twenty five percent of all NEP inspections are occurring in ammonia refrigeration […]
by S. Forbes Pearson Introduction he so called Low Pressure Receiver system has been the subject of several papers since it was first introduced in 1972 However, the present situation in which ways are being sought to replace the excellent refrigerant, R22, with more environmentally friendly refrigerants would seem to provide opportunities for an extension […]
he work of the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation represents one of the most important activities in the industrial refrigeration industry, the advancement of technology through research and education. Throughout its history, the foundation has enabled IIAR to advocate for code and government policy changes which benefit the industry in terms of design, construction and the operation […]
by Chris Combs, International Programs Director s home to seventeen percent of the world’s population, preserving India’s food supply is a major endeavor; yet about 30 percent of food production in India goes to waste, highlighting the need for more large cold storage and food processing facilities where ammonia is the refrigerant of choice. Industrial […]
he IIAR Committees have always served as a forum for the open discussion and advancement of the important issues we face in our industry. Not only do IIAR committees represent the collective interests of ammonia refrigeration professionals, but the work they accomplish provides an important foundation for many of the Institute’s long-term goals. That’s why […]
by Eric Smith, P.E., LEED AP, IIAR Technical Director y now most all IIAR members are aware that the IIAR is endeavoring to create a suite of “cradle to grave” standards for the construction, operation and de-commissioning of ammonia refrigerating systems. What many might not realize is how difficult standards writing can be. Attempting to […]
By Adolfo Blasquez he International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration is gearing up for the 2012 IIAR Conference & Exhibition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and that means my term as Chairman is almost over. It was a pleasure to serve in this leadership role, especially for the last year. IIAR made great strides to accomplish many important […]
hen the Process Safety Management and Risk Management program regulations were originally introduced in the mid-1990’s, the ammonia refrigeration industry scrambled to find the best way to comply with the largely undefined regulations. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration responded by producing the industry’s first set of guidelines to help refrigeration companies meet federal regulations […]
By Jeffrey M. Shapiro, PE., FSFPE ecently, the IIAR Code Committee was asked to weigh in on the use of checklists for inspection of ammonia refrigeration systems. IIAR members had reported seeing local inspectors in some jurisdictions making use of checklists to guide code enforcement inspections, and concerns were raised about whether checklists are truly […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director s reported in the last issue of The Condenser, the Occupational, Safety and Health Administration was working late in 2011 to finalize the national rollout of the PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program (NEP). The program was finally announced through a directive released on November 29, 2011 […]
ecent political figures have resurrected interest in the space program and the conversation invariably highlights all of the great technology spinoffs of NASA, from memory foam, freeze-dried foods and HACCP to Tang (maybe – not so much!). In addition to ammonia heat pipe cooling in the space shuttle, there is another link to our industry, […]
low out panels are sections of walls, louvers, hatches or doors that are designed to relieve pressure from an explosion. We are sometimes asked about the requirements for blow out panels for refrigeration engine rooms. To be clear, there is no code requirement for them for ammonia refrigeration systems. Section 911 of the International Fire […]
he passing of Will Stoecker over the Labor Day weekend is a deeply felt loss, not only for his family, but also for all of us in this industry. His lifelong contributions and commitment to IIAR’s mission are unlikely to ever be duplicated with such focus and enthusiasm. You can read a more complete article […]
hen it comes to ammonia, said Will Stoecker, “The fact that it stinks is one of the best things about it!” With a quick wit and a serious commitment to safety and innovation, Prof. Stoecker led the ammonia refrigeration industry for four decades; shaping generations of new engineers over a career that spanned the most […]
By Jeffrey M. Shapiro, PE., FSFPE f you operate a place of business, do you fear “the inspector?” Lurking in the minds of many business owners is a lingering worry that “the inspector” will walk in one day and wreak havoc on their operation by requiring expensive upgrades to the facility, equipment or operations. The […]
arker Hannifin has announced a recall of certain Sporlan/Refrigeration Specialties MA17 solenoid valves. Standard Machine & Manufacturing Co. manufactures MA17 solenoid valves for Sporlan and Refrigeration Specialties, both divisions of Parker Hannifin Corporation. Standard Machine and Parker have been made aware of a small number of fractures of the tube portion of the MA17 solenoid […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director 010 has been a busy year for IIAR Government Affairs activities dealing with issues ranging from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and Alliances, to chemical facility security policies. In the wake of the November mid-term elections, and as 2010 begins to wind down, we thought it […]
he Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation (ARF) 2011Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 in conjunction with the IIAR 2011 Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Show in Orlando, Florida “Make your plans now to arrive in Orlando a day early and enjoy playing one of the most wonderful golf courses in the country,” said […]
ore than before, people are looking for ways to economize their refrigeration operations. The energy required to operate a refrigeration system can be the single most expensive cost for a cold storage logistics operation or for a food processor. We are the perceived experts in the field. We will be asked to help evaluate current […]
by Eric Smith, P.E., LEED AP, IIAR Technical Director ecently, the IIAR participated in the presentation of a webinar in association with the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership. The focus of the webinar was to examine the use of ammonia in combination with CO2 for use in supermarket refrigeration systems. Ammonia’s low Global Warming Potential (GWP=0) and […]
by Eric Smith, P.E., LEED AP, IIAR Technical Director onsultants have called the IIAR headquarters a few times recently with the following question: “I have an owner who has a building with two ammonia refrigeration systems. The systems are independent of each other. Both systems have charges of less than 10,000 lbs. of ammonia, but […]
By Peter Jordan n October 2010, the IIAR Board of Directors meets to conduct its annual strategic planning session. The two-fold purpose of the session is to: 1. Define goals for the IIAR in the upcoming year, and 2. Set in motion plans to achieve these goals. A key goal identified during the strategic planning […]
by Liz Milner mmonia took center stage recently in televised images of NASA astronauts attaching a 1700 lb, doublechamber tank which contained a 600 lb ammonia charge to the International Space Station (ISS). During the seven-hour-and-26- minute spacewalk, astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Clayton Anderson removed a depleted ammonia tank from the International Space Station and […]
By Jeffrey M. Shapiro, PE., FSFPE very three years, new editions of the International and Uniform codes are published and made available for adoption by state and local jurisdictions. The most recent editions of these codes, dated 2009, incorporate more than a thousand changes when compared to the 2006 editions. Most of these changes are […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP) focused on Process Safety Management in chemical facilities at the end of July 2009. With the NEP pilot now over eight months into its implementation, it is time to examine the program and see what […]
By John Ansbro, GEA FES usinesses seek to provide income to their shareholders or “bottom line.” Safe facilities are more profitable than unsafe facilities. When accidents such as ammonia leaks occur, sometimes people get hurt and even killed; and typically, at least in warehouses, large amounts of product are also destroyed. When ammonia leaks occur, […]
By Jerry Von Dohlen, Newark Refrigerated Warehouse wo systems are generally available to remove moisture from the air in a low temperature refrigeration process. The defrost costs and refrigeration loads of each system are compared in this analysis. The first alternative is a frosted fan-coil evaporator. The assumptions are that the coil is operated at […]
ob Port, Lead Mechanical Engineer, Target, Co. has been elected to IIAR’s Executive Committee where he will serve as treasurer. The election was held at the 2010 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition in San Diego, California. Port has over 25 years of experience in the refrigeration industry, as a Contractor, Consulting Engineer, and End […]
n other sections of this magazine, we’ve highlighted IIAR’s role as a standard setting organization and as an association that acts as the voice of the industrial refrigeration industry. IIAR has another key function that is enshrined in our mission statement. We provide information on the safe, reliable and efficient use of ammonia and other […]
Background ressure relief valves are engineered safety devices intended to protect pressure vessels and other pressurecontaining equipment from catastrophic failure as a result of excessive pressure excursions that may occur during operation or standby conditions. Requirements for the application of pressure relief devices for pressure vessels originate from the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code […]
here are risks involved whenever anhydrous ammonia is transferred to or from an industrial refrigeration system. Potentially catastrophic ammonia releases could occur if the transfer operations are not performed safely. While catastrophic releases are relatively rare, two ammonia-related incidents occurred in 2009 during transfer operations involving cargo tank trucks. The circumstances surrounding these incidents will […]
By Eric Smith, P.E., LEED AP, IIAR Technical Director tandard ANSI/IIAR 2-2008 is being updated soon. As most readers are aware, IIAR 2 is the ANSI/IIAR standard for equipment, design and installation for closed circuit ammonia refrigeration systems. Being an ANSI standard, this document is required to be reviewed, updated and renewed every five years […]