Author: developer

Remembering Rudy Nechay

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 […]

Eurammon Focuses on Sustainability at Annual Conference

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 […]

IIAR International Workshops Address Safety

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 […]

Montreal Protocol Emphasizes Natural Refrigerants

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, […]

IIAR Expands International Outreach with Colombia Visit

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 […]

ARF Welcomes New Trustees, Board Chair

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 […]

Natural Refrigerants Meet Global Warming Challenge

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 […]

Using Electronic Records Systems

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 […]

Chairman’s Message by Bob Port

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 […]

The First 30 Minutes

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 […]

Monitoring Recent OSHA Enforcement Trends

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 […]

A Preview of the 2015 Codes

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 […]

Ongoing Reviews of Procedures Now Can Prevent Confusion Later

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 […]

IIAR Shatters Attendance Records, Sets New Goals at Conference

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 […]

International Committee Meets for Second Time as Offi cial IIAR Working Committee

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 […]

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for NH3 Releases Less Than 15,000 PPM of Vapor

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 […]

ARF Targets $3 Million Funding Goal Amid Leadership Transitions

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 […]

Understanding the Importance of Passivation

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 […]

Chairman’s Message

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 […]

MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY OF CARBON DIOXIDE REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS

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 […]

IIAR Code Advocacy Update

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 […]

IIAR Government Affairs

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 […]

Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation UPDATE

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 […]

Remembering Bill Bowles

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 […]

International Update

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 […]

IIAR Program Answers Industry with Small Facility Safety Guidelines

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 […]

2013 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition

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 […]

CO2 Day Schedule

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 […]

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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 […]

EXHIBITOR LISTING

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 […]

From the Technical Director

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 […]

Chairman’s Message

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 […]

Choosing the Right EMERGENCY EYEWASH AND SHOWER EQUIPMENT

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 […]

NDT Methods for the Ammonia Refrigeration Industry

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 […]

Refrigerant Leak Detection Systems – Do What?

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 […]

IIAR Takes Two-Pronged Approach to Engage with OSHA

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 […]

APPLICATIONS OF THE AMMONIA LOW PRESSURE RECEIVER TO SMALL COMMERCIAL SYSTEMS

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 […]

ARF Announces New Funding Program

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 […]

IIAR Alliance Grows in India

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 […]

Committee Update

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 […]

From the Technical Director

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 […]

Chairman’s Message

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 […]

IIAR Releases New, Updated PSM/RMP Program Guidelines

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 […]

Inspection Checklist: Tool or Weapon?

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 […]

OSHA National Emphasis Program Now In Place

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 […]

Moon Shots and Safety Relief Valve Life Prediction

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, […]

From the Technical Director

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 […]

Chairman’s Message

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 […]

Wilbert F. Stoecker

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 […]

“Grandfathering” Application of Codes to Existing Facilities

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 […]

Parker Hannifin Announces Recall

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 […]

IIAR Government Affairs

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 […]

A Magical Day of Golf – ARF 2011 Golf Tournament

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 […]

IIAR Participates in GreenChill Webinar

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 […]

From the Technical Director

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 […]

Chairman’s Message

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 […]

A Service Call In Space

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 […]

Significant Changes to the 2009 Codes Affecting Ammonia Refrigeration

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 […]

Update on OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Chemical Facilities

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 […]

Low Charge Systems May Be the Answer

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, […]

COMPARATIVE COSTS OF LATENT LOADS

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 […]

IIAR Board of Directors

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 […]

Sight Glass Taskforce Update

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 […]

ARF Safety Relief Research Project

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 […]

Ammonia Safety Alert: Transferring Ammonia

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 […]

New Ventilation Requirements for Machinery Rooms

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 […]

2026 Tech Paper: CO2 Heat Pumps: Main Differences from Refrigeration Systems and Real-World Applications

Author: Ivan Rangelov, Industrial Heat Pumps Business Development Manager, Danfoss (6000 Kolding, Denmark) Mazyar Karampour, Sustainable Applications Expert, Danfoss (111 64 Stockholm, Sweden) Abstract CO2 has gained significant momentum in the North American refrigeration and heat pump industry in recent years, particularly in transcritical applications. Even though CO2 refrigeration technology is already fully mature in […]

2026 White Paper: Superheat Control in Transcritical CO2 Systems: Addressing the Challenges During Part-Load and Full-Load Operations

Author: Giacomo Pisano, M.Sc. Engineering, DORIN USA Abstract CO2 has become a mainstream solution for numerous applications, including industrial and commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and winter sport venues. Across all these applications, effective superheat control plays a key role in system efficiency and compressor reliability. Superheat varies significantly between part-load and full-load operations, as well […]

2026 Tech Paper: R-744 Heat Pumps with Ejectors: Key Performance Indicators and Control Strategies

Author: Alessandro Silva, Oliver Javerschek, Andres Hegglin, Lukas Patryarcha, Shahriar Amini, Mustafa Erguvan Abstract This study experimentally investigates the use of ejectors in transcritical R-744 water-to-water heat pump systems, focusing on adjustable-nozzle control strategies to enhance energy efficiency and operational stability. Although R-744 systems offer several environmental and thermodynamic benefits, they often struggle to maintain […]

2026 Tech Paper: The Reverse Piston Design: Taking the Load Off High-Pressure Refrigeration and Sustainability Challenges

Author: Michael Gersmeyer Abstract The industrial refrigeration and heating industries are increasingly affected by the transition to low–global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and decarbonization initiatives. Consequently, industrial refrigeration and heating applications now often require high suction pressures due to their use of low-GWP refrigerants such as NH3 or CO2. To address this challenge, new compressor […]

2026 White Paper: Key Strategies to Maintain Food Manufacturing Operations During Facility Retrofits

Author: Josh Schaffer, MBA, PE, P.Eng., Senior Mechanical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell Abstract This paper examines the growing demand for retrofitting in the food and beverage industry, driven by the introduction of new products to the market, regulatory shifts, sustainability goals, and operational modernization. It identifies the key challenges of retrofitting an active production facility […]

2026 White Paper: Forklift Safety in Refrigerated Facilities

Author: Martin L. Timm, PE, CSP, B11 Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist Introduction Technological innovations have occurred in the movement of palletized goods into, out of, and within refrigerated facilities. Much recent attention has been on technologies such as AGVs (automated guided vehicles), automated pallet shuttles, high-density vertical storage, and hydrogen fuel cell forklifts. These technologies […]

2026 White Paper: Absorbing the Future: Innovative Waste Heat Recovery for F&B and Data Center Cooling

Author: Adrian Marticorena, Product Manager Industrial Chillers and Heat Pumps, Johnson Controls Abstract The food and beverage industry is extremely energy-intensive, and there is significant potential in the waste thermal energy generated by its processes. This energy can be utilized to drive lithium bromide water absorption chillers, capable of producing low-temperature leaving evaporator fluids at […]

2026 White Paper: CO2 as a Refrigerant: A Reemerging Opportunity for U.S. HVAC Applications

Author: Evan Aschow, Lead Engineer, Effecterra Abstract The CO2 (R744) Simultaneous Chiller Heat Pump integrates cooling, heating, and domestic hot water production into a single, modular system using CO2, a natural refrigerant with an ozone depletion potential of 0 and a global warming potential of 1. By employing parallel VFD-driven compressors (20–70 Hz), centralized oil […]

2026 White Paper: Vibration Failure Risk of Piping and Tubing

Author: Walter Kelm, PE, Kelm Engineering, LLC Abstract All compressors produce some vibration in the connected pipe and tubing, but how much is too much? Excessive vibration can lead to unexpected leaks that can cause hazardous situations and loss of cooling. In many food applications, loss of cooling results in significant product loss in addition […]

2026 White Paper: Enhancing CO2 Refrigeration Reliability: The Role of 90-bar Evaporators in a Low-GWP Future

Author: Hiram De La Torre Salinas Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a leading natural refrigerant in commercial refrigeration applications due to its ultra-low global warming potential (GWP of 1), energy efficiency, and alignment with global regulatory phase-down mandates. However, system reliability, charge preservation due to power outages or scheduled maintenance, and overall operational […]

2026 White Paper: 2026 White Paper: Evaporators: Why Material Matters

Author: Tania Herrera Serna, Product Engineer and Key Account, Guntner US LLC Abstract The selection of materials in finned evaporator construction plays a critical role in determining the performance, durability, and overall efficiency of refrigeration systems. This white paper examines the importance of selecting the appropriate material for the construction of finned heat exchangers based […]

2025 Tech Paper: Decarbonizing With District Energy Systems: When an R744 (CO2) Heat Pump Is the Obvious Choice

Author: Parham Eslami-Nejad, R744 Program Manager Vitalis Abstract R744 (CO2) industrial air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) can serve as cost-effective and scalable alternatives to conventional heating and cooling systems. Leveraging the unique thermodynamic properties of CO2, a natural refrigerant, these systems deliver high efficiency and flexibility for certain temperature applications. This article examines the performance of […]

2025 Tech Paper: Measurement Device Platform Designed for the Performance Assessment of Low-Temperature Blast Freezing Systems

Author: Eric Alar, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison Douglas Reindl, PhD, University of Wisconsin – Madison Gregory Nellis, PhD, University of Wisconsin – Madison Abstract Air blast freezing systems are among the most widely used technologies for rapidly freezing both packaged and unpackaged foodstuffs. In many food processing facilities, freezing is a bottleneck in the continuous […]

2025 Tech Paper: Sustainable Solutions for Agricultural Cold Storage: A Case Study

Author: Tania Herrera, Key Account and Product Engineer, Güntner U.S., LLC and Dan O’Brien, President, Zero Zone, Inc. Abstract This paper explores the potential of integrating CO2 refrigeration systems with energy savings alternatives to maximize sustainability and energy efficiency in agricultural cold storage facilities. With growing concerns over environmental impact and energy consumption, the adoption […]

2025 Tech Paper: Using Scorecards to Manage and Improve your RMP/PSM Program

Author: Nikolaus Despain CRL, APSM Abstract As resources get harder and harder to find, we need to explore other ways to help us be effective and make good decisions. For a single plant or a corporation with multiple plants, having good information available helps us leverage our resources for the most impactful decisions. Having an […]

2025 Tech Paper: Interior Ammonia Release: Dispersion, Ventilation, and Hazardous Zone of the Negligible Extent Volume

Author: William J. Greulich, Principal, Kensington Consulting Abstract Currently, ANSI/IIAR 2 Standard for Design of Safe Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems (IIAR 2021) requires machinery room emergency mechanical ventilation systems to provide no less than 30 air changes per hour based on the gross machinery room volume. When this emergency ventilation rate is in place, the […]

2025 Tech Paper: CO2 systems: Lubricants and Oil Management Strategies

Author: Giacomo Pisano, M.Sc. Engineering, DORIN USA Abstract The use of carbon dioxide (CO2), especially in industrial refrigeration systems, has received a lot of attention in the last decades. As for any equipment, a correct lubricant choice and a proper oil management strategy are key for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of refrigeration systems. […]

2025 Tech Paper: Understanding Water Treatment Performance

Author: James Booth, Technical Sales Director, Sustainachem Abstract This presentation will focus on the basic understanding of water treatment and the involvement of industry that is required to extend the life of the equipment. In order to properly protect the asset from a water treatment perspective, industry needs to be more involved and educated. This […]

2025 Tech Paper: Lessons Learned from a Collection of Ammonia Incident Investigations

Author: C’Anna Wiens P.E., Process Safety Engineer, Resource Compliance  Abstract You may be familiar with the quote, “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Learning from others’ mistakes can be a game-changer in the world of ammonia refrigeration. This paper contains a collection of accounts of ammonia releases and interesting […]

2025 Tech Paper: Applications of Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide for Decarbonization and Markets Other Than the Food and Beverage Refrigeration Industry

Author: Paul Danilewicz, P.E., Santosh Yarlagadda Enerflex Energy Systems, Inc. Houston, Texas Introduction Ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigerants are commonly used in food and beverage markets and other industrial refrigeration systems. They have also been used in the plants producing chemicals, industrial gases, and fertilizer. With recent emphasis on global warming and decarbonization, […]

2025 Tech Paper: Refrigeration System Design Using Float Expansion Valves

Author: Todd B. Jekel, PhD, PE, Assistant Director, Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, University of Wisconsin-Madison Abstract Large industrial refrigeration systems often suffer from operating instabilities caused by refrigerantliquid feed controls that are poorly engineered or improperly tuned. A strategy that requires more sophisticated controls potentially addresses operating instabilities but may introduce other challenges that can further […]

2025 Tech Paper: CO2 Heat Pumps: System Solutions and Applications Mapping

Author: Ivan Rangelov, Industrial Heat Pumps Business Development Manager, Danfoss (6000 Kolding, Denmark),  Mazyar Karampour, Sustainable Applications Expert, Danfoss (111 64 Stockholm, Sweden) , Thomas Lund, Industrial Refrigeration and Heat Pumps Expert, Danfoss (6000 Kolding, Denmark) Abstract CO2 is an emerging refrigerant in North America, but identifying its suitable applications can still be challenging. In […]

2025 Tech Paper: Livin’ la Vida LOPA: A Case Study in the Application of HAZOP and LOPA for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

Author: Michael Lacher, Process Safety Lead, Food Solutions North America, Cargill , James Topp, PHA Manager, Provenance Consulting, A Trinity Consultants Company Abstract Since the advent of process safety, the process hazard analysis (PHA) method of choice across the refrigeration industry has been the what-if/checklist technique. Over the last 20 years, many companies’ and industries’ […]

2025 Tech Paper: Connecting Cooling and Process Heating in Industrial Applications with Natural Refrigerants

Author:  Felix St-Germain, Refrigeration Engineer, Laporte Engineering, Ivan Rangelov, Business Development Manager, Industrial Heat Pumps, Danfoss Abstract The need to decarbonize industrial facilities is greater than ever. One technology that will play a large role in reducing carbon emissions is industrial heat pumps. With hundreds of different combinations of industrial heat pump systems, engineers and […]

2024 Tech Paper: Application of a Rotary Pressure Exchanger in CO2 Refrigeration Systems

Author: Neelesh Sarawate, PhD; Azam Thatte, PhD; and Arnav Deshmukh Energy Recovery Inc., Steven Goh Vallarta Supermarkets Abstract Herein, the application of a rotary gas pressure exchanger (PX) for increasing the efficiency of transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems is examined. The PX uses high-pressure discharge from a condenser/gas cooler as a motive fluid to compress the low-pressure […]

2024 Tech Paper: CO2 Systems Add-Ons: Calculations and Field Measurements

Author: Giacomo Pisano, CO2 Business Development Manager, and Nabih Hussein, Refrigeration Sales Engineer DORIN USA Abstract This paper describes enhanced and integrated carbon dioxide refrigeration systems that can improve yearly energy figures when compared to traditional flash-gas bypass (FGB) solutions, making CO2 an attractive option for industrial refrigeration in some regions. The typical FGB solution represents […]

2025 Tech Paper: Getting Knocked Out by the Pendulum: The 2024 EPA RMP Rule Changes and Strategies for Compliance

Author: William Lape, Project Director SCS Engineers Abstract Over the last several years, facilities covered by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions, otherwise known as the Risk Management Program, have beenforced to navigate unpredictable and frequent shifts in policy. This paper is intended to familiarize readers with the most recent changes that have […]

2024 Tech Paper: Energy Savings in Ammonia Systems Using Low-Stage De-superheating

Author : Hannes Steyn (Pr.Eng.), Director of Heating and Refrigeration GEA Africa (Pty) Ltd Abstract This paper demonstrates how evaporative condensers can be used as low-stage de-superheaters to improve the efficiency of two-stage ammonia refrigeration systems. The high discharge temperatures generated by ammonia compressors can help reject heat to ambient heat sinks, thereby reducing the […]

2024 Tech Paper: Energy Baselining Essentials

Author: Charles Tuck, Co-Founder and VP of Energy & IoT Solutions Ndustrial.io Abstract Before companies can report on progress toward sustainability goals, they need to establish a baseline. This paper outlines fundamental best practices for creating a useful energy baseline: defining the metrics upfront, normalizing the data, setting up real-time monitoring, and submetering specific processes. […]

2024 Tech Paper: Cues and Confirmation Your Piping is in Jeopardy: A Comparison of 20+ Years of NDT Dat  with Field Observations

Author: Suzy Vohsen, Director, Marketing and Client Services LIXI, Inc., and Gamma Graphics Services (GGS) Abstract Ammonia refrigeration system managers are looking for more useful information regarding risk mitigation and compliance because they need to determine whether components are fit for service or vulnerable to damage, and when to act. Insulated piping is subject to […]

2024 Tech Paper: Implications of HAZWOPER Regulations on Ammonia Refrigeration Contractors

Author: Jeff Pace CSP, Director Safety & Health Industrial Refrigeration Pros Abstract This technical paper addresses potential business risks associated with the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard for ammonia refrigeration contractors when used for repairing leaks in ammonia refrigeration systems. The definitions of an incidental leak and leaks requiring an emergency response […]