As part of IIAR’s ongoing effort to create and update its comprehensive suite of standards, one small but important standard is set to be introduced next year.

IIAR-4 will address the installation of closed-circuit ammonia mechanical refrigeration systems, and compliments the larger IIAR-2 Safety Standard for Equipment, Design, and Installation for Closed Circuit Mechanical Refrigeration Systems

The creation of IIAR-4 is a key component in fulfilling the long-standing goal of having a set of “cradle to grave” standards written specifically for ammonia refrigeration systems, said Eric Smith, IIAR Vice President and Technical Director. He added that the goal of IIAR-4 is to separate and shift portions of IIAR-2 that address installation into a separate document and enhance current installation language where it is appropriate. It should be noted that because IIAR-2 is currently referenced by the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC), IIAR-2 will continue to retain installation language until IIAR-4 is published and adopted by these code bodies. When that occurs, installation aspects will then be removed from IIAR-2.

The new standard is meant to be a reference point for IIAR-2, said Dennis Carroll, ACUAIR application engineering manager. Carroll is the IIAR-4 sub-committee chairman leading the development of IIAR-4.

“In many ways, IIAR-4 is the little sister of IIAR-2,” he said. “The goal IIAR-4 is to produce a clean document which solely addresses how to properly install a system. It doesn’t address commissioning, design or anything else. It is installation in its purest sense, our industry’s way of saying this is how we know to do it right.”

IIAR’s Smith agreed that although IIAR-4 is a smaller standard, it is just as important as IIAR-2 when it comes to safety.

“Following good installation practices is one of the most important pieces of the safety process,” said Smith. “If your physical system isn’t put together well, the best designs will not make a difference. Maintenance becomes an issue and the potential for releases become greater. This standard brings installation to the forefront and focuses attention on it as one of the most important pieces of everything that goes into building and operating a system.”

While the standard may reflect knowledge that is already accepted as commonplace in the U.S. and many other countries with well-established ammonia refrigeration industries, it will serve as a valuable tool in places where the industry is just beginning to develop, said Carroll.

“We’ve written this standard in language that is consistent and clear enough that a layman or inspector who may not be as familiar with our systems can clearly understand it,” he said. “It’s written with a focus on practices used in North America, but the same good practices that apply here apply anywhere in the world where the goal is safety.”

And that goal, to provide a common framework of information that reflects the best way to build, design operate and even decommission a system is at the heart of IIAR’s mission to write a framework of standards that are based on years of industry experience, said Smith.

In keeping with ANSI/IIAR standards development procedures, the full draft of IIAR-4 is currently offered for public review until December 9, 2013. Subsequent public reviews will be provided on any substantive changes that occur before publication.

ARF Welcomes New Trustee

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation said it recently named Mike McGinnis, president and owner of Innovative Refrigeration Systems, to the ARF board of trustees.

ARF, which serves as the research arm for industrial refrigeration, funds research projects and awards scholarships to support the growth of the industry.

The foundation’s trustees are individuals who have made contributions to ARF of $50 thousand dollars each, and serve on the ARF Board of Directors.

“The ARF trustees play a very important role in making the goals of the foundation into a reality,” said ARF Executive Director Tim Facius. “They are dedicated to the work of this industry and passionate about its future. We’re very excited to welcome Mike to ARF’s Board.”

Currently, ARF is focused on bolstering its funding efforts so that it can continue to support its two primary initiatives, research and education.

“Mike has a keen understanding of ARF’s mission and key objectives and I’m delighted that he will be taking an active role with the foundation,” said Facius.