In 1916, when Margaret Ingels walked out of the University of Kentucky, mechanical engineering degree in hand, no one could have predicted that this woman, only the second in the United States to receive that degree would go on to help shape HVACR and blaze a trail for other women in engineering. By the midcentury, […]
The testing or replacement interval for pressure relief valves that discharge back into an ammonia refrigeration system, commonly known as “internal relief valves,” may be redefined based on a new IIAR research project that aims to collect the valves from members and test them. The project, which is currently underway, is being managed by IIAR […]
To understand how far the industrial refrigeration industry has come in the last decade, and where it’s headed, the best place to look is its standards. The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration has nine standards, a suite of consensus-based, ANSI-approved guides covering everything from putting a system together to taking it out of service. Jake […]
A set of Costa Rican refrigeration standards based on IIAR’s Suite of Standards is poised to become law in the country, paving the way for other countries in the region to follow suit. In Costa Rica, the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, codes already incorporate IIAR standards for anything to do with refrigeration, creating a […]
In an age of proliferating diagnostic tools, visual inspections are still needed, and equally important, an inspection plan a facility can follow. And while IIAR – 6 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Closed‑Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems provides a starting point, system owners must develop a complete plan. “There are no Cliff Notes for IIAR-6, though […]
A new picture of how regulatory activities might function in the future is emerging, thanks to efforts by the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s “NH3 Overdue Regulation Modernization,” or NORM, task force. The task force is currently asking regulators to remove PSM/ RMP requirements that duplicate across agencies or defer to IIAR standards where the […]
Membership in IIAR, the industrial refrigeration technical association of record, has changed since its inception nearly four decades ago. What began as a small standards-creation effort led by a group of engineers has ballooned into a community of contractors, end users, manufacturers, students and even regulators. To keep pace with the needs of a rapidly […]
Smaller facilities are starting to pay more attention to mechanical integrity, as it remains one of the most cited violation types. Adding to the pressure on facilities to renew focus on mechanical integrity, IIAR 6‑2019: Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Closed‑Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems was adopted into the 2024 edition of model codes as the […]
By Kem Russell Is it helpful, sometimes even really important to know how things are going? The answer is yes! If you don’t audit, check, measure, and/or observe what’s happening you may end up with results you didn’t expect or want. A correction might take a significant effort depending on what is happening and how […]
In 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 […]
When the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized its Reconsideration of the Technology Transitions Rule in May 2026, it introduced extended compliance dates, relaxed interim GWP limits, and installation flexibility for several subsectors including cold storage. While many in commercial refrigeration saw the reconsideration as a reprieve, it may have introduced unanticipated regulatory challenges from several […]
On July 4th, 2026, the Trump Administration released its updated Unified Regulatory Agenda for 2026. The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires federal regulatory agencies to publish their regulatory plans on a semiannual basis. The target dates for release are April and October, but historically administrations have not always followed that timeline. The July 2026 release appears […]
The timeliest issues in the industry – from IIAR-2’s relief calculation formula to hot work permits for sulfur sticks – are being discussed in standards subcommittee meetings. This year, at the IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo, March 15 – 18, IIAR standards subcommittee leaders convened to give IIAR members a chance to ask their […]
The ioMosaic internal relief valve project and others like it are funded by the Natural Refrigeration Foundation, which is supported in large part by the Foundation’s Legacy 100 Club, a new way to contribute to the work of NRF. The Foundation’s Legacy 100 Fund is built by contributions of $100,000 each from companies or trustees […]
Mike Laucks, remembered by many of his colleagues and friends in the ammonia refrigeration industry for his quick wit and welcoming spirit, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026. Laucks retired as vice president of engineering at GEA Refrigeration in 2006, where he spent his career in industrial refrigeration. Mike was the former Chairman of […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration released a new IIAR Greenpaper, a member resource for natural refrigerants. The Greenpaper, which is available on IIAR’s newly launched Resource Center, is an industry reference document that outlines the basics of natural refrigerants and the direction the industry’s technology is taking. IIAR’s marketing committee has taken the initiative […]
In the mid-2000’s, when PFAS “forever chemicals” were first classified by the United Nations Environmental Programme, they were just beginning to be understood as dangerous pollutants. As the evidence mounted for their role in cancer and other health problems, regulators and activists began to outlaw PFAS sources, chief among them, many pesticides commonly used in […]
IIAR’s annual conference this year showcased the organization’s growing scholarship program, which saw twelve new IIAR scholarships awarded. The 2026 scholars attended IIAR’s annual conference as part of a fast-growing mentorship effort led by the Natural Refrigeration Foundation. NRF has continuously increased the number of scholars each year, said John Flynn, Chairman of the IIAR […]
Are you aware of changes that happen around you? When a smell changes, or a sound changes, etc. are you so focused on your work or another activity that you don’t even notice? There are five primary senses. Smell, hearing, sight, taste, and touch. However, we actually have considerably more. Researchers have identified approximately 22 […]
Safe Work Practices(s) are critical for operating and maintaining closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems. Developing safe working practices is not just good for workers’ well-being, it is also good for business. The loss of systems’ functionality because of accidents, and the loss of employees’ skills because of injury is costly. It is far more fruitful to […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration posted remembrance videos for each of its seven inductees into the Natural Refrigeration Foundation’s Legacy 100 Club. Each inductee to the Legacy 100 Club represents an impactful contribution to the advancement of natural refrigerants, said Mike Chapman, IIAR’s Vice President of Operations. “This is a chance for us to […]
In December 2025, Craig J. Pritzlaff, Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA), issued a memorandum that reinforces a “compliance first” orientation as the guiding principle for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The policy prioritizes environmental compliance “in the most efficient, most economical, and swiftest means possible, while ensuring […]
IIAR’s newest task force has completed a gap analysis to assess OSHA and EPA’s 30-year-old PSM/RMP programs. The “NH3 Overdue Regulation Modernization,” or NORM, task force will ask regulators to remove regulatory burdens that overlap across agencies or defer to IIAR standards when the standards and regulations overlap. The task force’s long-term effort will be […]
Each year, IIAR recognizes the best technical paper presentations offered at the annual Natural Refrigeration Conference. This year’s event took place March 15 – 18 in San Antonio, Texas. The IIAR Award for Presentation Excellence, offered to the top English and non-English language technical papers and previously named the “Andy Ammonia Award,” was created to […]
Over 2,000 attendees participated in the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration’s Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo in San Antonio, Texas. The event focused on networking, equipment exhibition, and a technical education track that featured industry trends and practical discussion of operational processes and details. “Overall, the conference was better attended than ever before […]
IIAR approved 18 Consensus Body replacements on its three consensus bodies for IIAR standards. The replacements are routine maintenance required by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and are completed a minimum of every five years or when individuals are no longer participating. IIAR maintains three consensus bodies, 1357, 24689 and CO2&HC. The bodies are […]
TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary I. Energy and the Environment II. Technology and Industry Resources III. Future Uses of Ammonia Natural Refrigerants I. Ammonia II. Carbon Dioxide III. Hydrocarbons IV. Air V. Water R Numbers – What Do They Mean? Education I. IIAR – The Academy of Natural Refrigerants II. University Programs and Trade Schools […]
TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Abstract Executive Summary Section 1: The Risk of HFO Refrigerants Section 2: TFA: The Most Abundant PFAS Section 3: TFA Health Effects: Reproductive Toxicity Section 4: Health Impacts of PFAS Chemicals Section 5: PFAS and TFA Pose a Planetary Threat to Water, Critical Ecosystems Section 6: TFA Sources Must be Limited […]
IIAR began a closer examination of the federal General Duty clause, Process Safety Management and Risk Management programs for ammonia refrigeration systems, built a new website section to highlight member resources, automated its peer review process for technical papers, and expanded events in Latin America in 2025. In addition, IIAR also completed updates to four […]
A new research project funded by IIAR’s Natural Refrigeration Foundation has validated a key calculation used in the ANSI/IIAR CO2-2021 Safety Standard for Closed-Circuit Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration Systems. The calculation is used to generate a formula that determines the CO2 relief valve sizing recommendations in the CO2 safety standard. While the validation of that formula […]
IIAR’s annual conference will deliver a tech-heavy program this year, featuring two auxiliary training and certification programs from the Refrigerating Engineers & Technician’s Association, RETA, and the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council, NASRC, as well as thirty-one sessions comprising six educational tracks and expanded exhibit hall hours. The conference is set to take place March […]
Heat pumps, real life stories from PSM coordinators and the use of AI in refrigeration and waste heat recovery for data centers are a few of the hot topics slated for discussion at IIAR’s 2026 conference in San Antonio. This year’s papers will address several categories spanning safety, CO2 optimization, heat exchangers, cold storage, ammonia […]
IIAR’s Natural Refrigeration Foundation unveiled a new fundraising effort intended to make the foundation financially secure as it funds scholarships and industry research into the next decade and beyond. The foundation said the new Legacy 100 Fund will be built by contributions of $100,000-each to induct 100 leaders of the refrigeration industry into the Club. […]
A new conference session format is brewing ahead of the IIAR annual conference in March according to IIAR conference planners. The session, which will take place during the event’s closing day will include a lively jeopardy-style question and answer format and will focus on IIAR’s standards. “The closing forum this year is going to be […]
In many closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems, water contamination can occur over a period of time and the effects of that contamination can easily go unnoticed. One thing water contamination can do is cause an aqueous ammonia solution to be formed, which then replaces anhydrous ammonia refrigerant. This problem can become continuous if it isn’t resolved […]
By Kem Russell I am sure that many of us have seen ammonia refrigeration systems that have operated for several decades, with equipment and system components functioning well past recommended operating life. This is a credit to manufacturers, installers, service technicians, and operators. Aging equipment and piping at some point will eventually require replacement. Or […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Relations Director In January 2026, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the creation of a new voluntary program called Safety Champions which has been added to the suite of cooperative programs (such as the OSHA Challenge and Voluntary Protection Program) administered by the agency. Safety Champions is designed […]
By Lesley Schafer, 2026 Conference Chair Welcome IIAR members and guests to the 48th IIAR conference, and welcome to San Antonio. While we’re still two years away from our truly historic 50th anniversary, I’d argue we’re entitled to start celebrating now. So much of the work we, and IIAR’s past leaders, have put into advancing […]
In 1926, ammonia was the dominant refrigerant for large-scale refrigeration applications. Leading up to that point, ammonia refrigeration played a key role in the industrial revolution, earning itself, along with other natural refrigerants, a reputation for being a “century-proof” technology. Spanning the late 1800s, when steam engines gave rise to the first basic mechanical refrigeration […]
The Thai Refrigeration Association, representing Thailand’s refrigeration and air conditioning industry, and IIAR signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a recent collaboration, giving TRA access to IIAR’s suite of standards and making it one of IIAR’s global partners. The strategic partnership enables mutual support, facilitates technical and educational information exchange, and enhances regional training and […]
MRBraz & Associates, PLLC, announces the strategic expansion of its construction and services division through the integration of InterCool USA’s national infrastructure and technical expertise. This move marks a significant milestone in MRBraz’s commitment to delivering scalable, sustainable, and safety-focused refrigeration solutions across the Americas. Strengthening End-to-End Capabilities MRBraz has built its reputation on multidisciplinary […]
IIAR’s Chile Chapter, along with The Chilean Chamber of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, said the organizations’ twenty-eighth Seminar on Natural Refrigeration for Latin America drew over 350 attendees, the largest number of attendees in the event’s history. “This was the largest IIAR event yet in Chile,” said Yesenia Rector, Vice President of Education, Outreach, and […]
Creating Your Pressure Vessel Replacement Framework When it’s time to replace a pressure vessel in an industrial refrigeration system, the stakes can be high and the questions are many. To help operators, engineers, and manufacturers navigate this complex process, IIAR recently hosted a member webinar titled Considerations for Pressure Vessel Replacement. The presentation laid out a […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration delivered its IIAR 9 Certificate Course at the RETA 2025 National Conference Oct 18 and 19 in Spokane, WA. IIAR said it plans to deliver a course for IIAR 6-2025 during the RETA 2026 National Conference. IIAR 9 provides the minimum safety requirements for existing closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems […]
Numerous factors can contribute to decreases in a refrigeration system’s energy efficiency, not the least of which is its cleanliness. Much of the time, when facility operators see a facility’s efficiency drop, they believe that indicates they must replace the systems with larger units, when in fact, they often simply need to clean the systems […]
By Kem Russell Where’s that vapor going? Sooner or later that question must be answered when some type of work is required on an ammonia refrigeration system. To accomplish the work, the system may have to be opened, and later that portion of the system pressure tested. The pressure testing process will typically involve some […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director EPA Proposes Reconsideration of Technology Transitions Rule On September 30th, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule to reconsider policies contained in the Technology Transitions Rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The AIM Act, passed in 2020, directs EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) has released two new fact sheets – the Hydrocarbon and Ammonia fact sheets to meet growing demand for accessible, technically sound guidance on natural refrigerants. The newly released fact sheets are part of a trio of refrigerant summaries, including one previously released for CO2. All three cover safety […]
After a 30-plus-year run as the Condenser magazine, the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration said its long-running member journal will be rebranded in 2026 to become the Natural Refrigeration Review. IIAR said the organization’s Board of Directors voted for the change as a way to reflect the expansion of the publication in recent years. The […]
One of the greatest strengths of IIAR is our ability to turn out educational and informational resources with the technical rigor you’d expect from a group of engineers that first convened to develop safety standards for their industry and haven’t quit since. In these days of information overload, our commitment to producing real, vetted resources […]
As climate goals and efficiency become the central focus behind cold chain decisions, both at the individual and government level, natural refrigerants are becoming a global movement, increasingly unencumbered by regional political landscapes. In Latin America, a surge in CO₂ systems is happening, while in Europe, focus is growing on a policy-driven adoption of refrigerants […]
Nearly 900 district energy professionals from 30 countries convened in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the Annual IDEA District Energy Conference and Trade Show, held June 2–5, 2025, where the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) was invited to attend and contribute to IDEA’s business meeting. The meeting with IIAR was organized to explore ways for IIAR […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration will host its largest-ever Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo from March 15 – 18, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas—featuring a packed exhibit hall, approximately 30 educational sessions, including technical papers, white papers, workshops and panels as well as educational programming for students and end users. Rym Omniewski, IIAR’s Meetings, […]
The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration standards revisions presently has IIAR 2 under review for its targeted 2026 revision. Standards IIAR 4, IIAR 8, and IIAR 9 are currently open for review as well, and IIAR 5, IIAR 6, and IIAR 7 revisions were ANSI “approved” in July 2025. Meanwhile, IIAR’s first hydrocarbons standard is […]
In response to growing demand for accessible, technically sound guidance, the International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration (IIAR) has released a new CO₂ Refrigeration Fact Sheet—a concise overview of the use of CO₂, including safety considerations, system guidelines, and design considerations. Additional fact sheets for ammonia and hydrocarbons will follow. IIAR Marketing Committee Chair, Stephanie Smith, […]
The IIAR Peru Chapter’s latest International Seminar, June 4-5, drew a packed house, with almost 300 attendees from over 14 countries and a high-caliber lineup of technical presentations, underscoring the region’s growing commitment to natural refrigerants and the standards that support them. Held in Lima, the two-day event maxed out its registration capacity and delivered […]
In a year defined by climate urgency and supply chain volatility, the International Institute of Refrigeration, IIR, said it convened a landmark event in Paris to mark World Refrigeration Day 2025. With over 170 participants from 60-plus countries, IIR said the gathering spotlighted the global cold chain as the foundation of modern civilization and called […]
By Kem Russell Like a good science fiction plot, any ammonia-related incident has two parallel timelines. Making sure you’re aware of both of them, even before anything happens, can make the difference between public relations and operational horror story, and a good outcome. Take one incident where the lack of awareness by facility staff led […]
By Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Affairs Director As the Trump Administration enters the second half of its first year, efforts continue to reform the structure and operation of the federal government. President Trump signaled deregulation would be a priority for his administration early in his term with the signing of an Executive Order entitled “Unleashing […]
Psychrometrics isn’t just a chart on the wall – it’s the language of air. And for many facility or production issues, speaking that language often means looking beyond refrigeration as the only option available to solve moisture control problems. Tom Peterson, founder and CEO of Climate by Design International (CDI), has spent more than three […]
It’s membership renewal season at IIAR, and while it’s tempting to put aside the messages we’ve been sending you until there’s time to think about it, the next five minutes is all you need. Still with me? There are only two things to know this year. First, the IIAR products available at no additional charge […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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). […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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,” […]
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 […]
For regulators and their industry partners, developing relationships can benefit both groups as they work towards improving safety, ensuring compliance, and shaping future regulatory requirements. As an association, IIAR is focused on advocacy and ensuring the industry has a voice. “If we don’t use our voice, that voice isn’t going to be heard,” said Lowell […]
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,” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
