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Internal Relief Valves: Defining a Replacement Interval

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 staff and members of the IIAR research committee and is being carried out by ioMosaic, a process‑safety engineering firm that provides testing for the petrochemical and chemical industries.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know – IIAR Standards

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.

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Costa Rica Adopts National Standards

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 deference to IIAR standards. However, the new national standards will represent the first time Costa Rica has implemented its own set of standards and codified them into law.

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Three Questions to Consider for a Good Inspection Plan

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 there is a huge opportunity for teams that lean on the standard – it is a tool in their quiver,” said Suzy Vohsen Bos, Director, Marketing and Client Services of Gamma Graphics Services and the instructor of IIAR’s latest webinar, The Nitty Gritty of Visual Inspections.

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IIAR Eyes AHJ’s to Replace Federal Enforcement

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 standards and regulations overlap.

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IIAR Reduces Student Membership Rate

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.

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Don’t Overlook Mechanical Integrity

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 minimum requirement for ITM (Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance) standard for ammonia refrigeration systems, regardless of the system charge.

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Lesson Learned: Where Are You?

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 much time passes between your observations.

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Understanding the Importance of Passivation

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.

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State Regulations, PFAS, Cause Uncertainty for Synthetic Refrigerants

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 states.

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Legislative Update: Trump Administration Publishes Updated Regulatory Agenda

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.

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Standards: IIAR Answers Member Questions

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 own questions. The Q&A format illuminated some of the biggest issues the industry is working on with regulators and settled some common misconceptions around standards.

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Your Support of NRF Pays for Important Industry Research Projects

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.

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Remembering Mike Laucks

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.

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IIAR Releases Greenpaper

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.

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Can Natural Refrigerants Save us from PFAS?

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 agriculture.

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IIAR Scholars Attend 2026 Conference

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 Education Committee. The recipients get the benefit of a scholarship which helps defer the cost of their education, but IIAR also covers the cost of travel to the annual conference.

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The Importance of Awareness

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 to 33 different senses. These additional senses are internal and specialized senses like balance, temperature, pain, proprioception, etc. As we become more aware of the many inputs we have, we can be better equipped to make good decisions.

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Safe Work Practices (SWPs) for End User Operators & Technicians of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

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 spend time to develop and practice safe work than to recover from accidents. Further, the development and engagement of safe work practices is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions and is broadly required in some countries.

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IIAR Introduces Legacy 100 Club Members

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 collectively name and acknowledge individuals for their contributions to our industry so that everyone is aware of the history of contributions that have helped to shape what our industry has become today.”

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EPA Adopts “Compliance First” Policy for Enforcement Activities

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 that our actions align with the clearest, most defensible interpretations of statutory and regulatory mandates.”

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IIAR Task Force to Propose PSM/RMP Changes

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 to shift some funding and enforcement from federal regulators to state and local authorities. The NORM task force was formed to operate in a rare federal environment in which the Trump administration has opened the door to regulatory reform through Executive Order 14192, which requires agencies to take 10 deregulatory actions for every new regulation.

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IIAR Gives 2026 Awards for Presentation Excellence

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 acknowledge the crucial role that education and information-sharing play within the natural refrigeration industry, and to provide acknowledgment of the expertise that is generously shared by association volunteers.

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IIAR 2026 Conference Shatters Attendance Records

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 in years past, said Yesenia Rector, IIAR’s Vice President – Education, Outreach and Events.

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IIAR Approves Consensus Body Replacements

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 the near-final stage of approval for IIAR standards 1,3,5, and 7, and 2,4,6,8, and 9, respectively. The CO2&HC body manages CO2 and hydrocarbons (HC).

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IIAR Greenpaper: Natural Refrigerants for a Sustainable Future

Industrial food production around the globe depends on natural refrigerants. Ammonia (NH₃), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) make up the foundation of the technologies that support the global cold chain. Often called one of the world’s “century-proof” technologies, natural refrigerants have been used for over 100 years and continue to outperform synthetic alternatives in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact. Natural refrigerants pose the only truly climate-neutral solution for the technical systems and infrastructure required to feed the world’s population.

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IIAR White Paper: Environmental and Health Risks of Synthetic PFAS Refrigerants

This white paper examines the growing global concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), focusing on trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a persistent byproduct of modern hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants. While designed to reduce global warming potential (GWP), HFOs degrade in the atmosphere to form TFA – a short-chain PFAS that accumulates in water and soil. TFA’s resistance to degradation and lack of large-scale remediation methods make it a mounting ecological and regulatory challenge.

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OSHA Announces New “Safety Champions” Voluntary Program

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.

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MRBraz Expands Construction and Services Division with InterCool USA Integration

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.

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IIAR Releases Refrigerant Evaluator Tool

The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration 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.

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The Coalition for PFAS-Free Cooling & Heating Launches Petition

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 and comprehensive restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in HVAC&R applications.

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Alfa Laval Wins Hydrogen Refueling Project

Alfa Laval said its hydrogen solution is paving the way for new hydrogen refueling stations across the European Union. AlfaLaval said its RHeaDHy project focuses on safely refueling 100kg of hydrogen in less than 10 minutes, achieving a peak flow of 300g/s at 1000bar. The technology leap demands cutting-edge heat exchanger technology to cool hydrogen down to -30°C before injection into the vehicle tanks.

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Johnson Controls Announces New Chief Executive Officer

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 global technology-driven businesses and delivering profitable growth. He held several executive leadership roles over his 13-year career at Danaher Corporation providing him with extensive experience scaling global companies from a foundation of customer orientation, innovation and efficiency."

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RSES Releases Fourth Edition of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants Study Guide

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 (difluoromethane); and HFC R-454B.

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A Breakthrough for Low-Charge Ammonia Systems and Energy Efficiency

In a world where energy efficiency and sustainability are no longer optional, industrial refrigeration companies are now leveraging advanced technologies and innovative practices to not only meet regulatory demands, but also to redefine what it means to achieve operational success.

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Hillphoenix Supplies CO2 Systems for Puerto Rico Supermarket

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.

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IIAR Releases Tool to Compare Refrigerants

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 IIAR Education Committee, the committee responsible for the creation of the new tool, said refrigerant choices outside of the world of natural refrigerants have gotten more complex as a result of the phaseouts, making IIAR’s newly released comparison tool a valuable resource for anyone trying to compare the performance and efficiency of different refrigerants.

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IIAR State Of The Industry Report

The 8th edition of the State of the Industry Report has evolved to include more information from IIAR Survey questions and observations of industry leaders. Emerging information on regulatory and training developments and IIAR’s influence on the industry continues to grow.

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GEA Announces New HSX High-Pressure Float Valve

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.

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BAC Announces New Dry Cooler

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 become more prevalent, the TrilliumSeries dry cooler represents our unwavering commitment to sustainability and relentless drive to provide customers with resilient cooling solutions,” BAC President Don Fetzer said. “This product was born from a deep understanding of the challenges our customers face, by not only addressing critical water issues, but enabling them to thrive in an era where sustainability is no longer optional – it’s essential.”

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Danfoss Names Divisional President of Commercial Compressors

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. Fabio currently serves as the Senior Vice President of the Scroll and Reciprocating Compressors business within Commercial Compressors. Since joining Danfoss in 2016 as Vice President of Global R&D for Commercial Compressors, he transitioned into his current role in 2020.

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EPA Newsletter Issues RMP Deadlines Reminder

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 local emergency planning committees (LEPCs)-do you know who your LEPC is? Has your facility been working and meeting with your LEPC? This is the perfect time to start and be a partner with emergency management in your community,” the EPA said in the reminder.

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Mayakawa Contributes Chiller to TAO Telescope Project

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 distortions, the N2K Chiller, which was developed by Mayekawa, was installed.

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EPA Launches Region 10 Initiative for Facilities Under 10,000 lbs of Ammonia

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 All-Natural Refrigeration. It is aimed at improving compliance with the General Duty Clause of Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act. Section 112(r) specifies that owners and operators of stationary sources producing, processing, handling, or storing extremely hazardous substances, including anhydrous ammonia, have the duty to reduce the risk of chemical accidents.

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Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Focus

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.

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IIAR Enforcement Awareness: General Duty Clause Requirements: Facilities with Smaller Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

Most IIAR members will likely have a hazard analysis in place. However, if your facility does not, we encourage you to get this done soon. If you are a contractor, a consultant, or sell equipment or other goods, we encourage you to pass the word to your end-user clients, especially those with smaller facilities that might not have a hazard analysis in place.

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BAC Announces AI Platform

Baltimore Aircoil Company Inc. (BAC), announced the launch of its AI-driven Loop Platform. The company said the platform is tailored for end users, including building and facility owners, managers, and maintenance professionals. BAC said the benefit to maintenance professionals is the platform's ability to predict potential issues before they escalate, streamlining maintenance schedules and minimizing unexpected downtime.

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IIAR Unveils Enhanced Membership Benefits

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 services manager for IIAR. "We are constantly looking at new ways to provide value, which is why we now include more training and unlimited access to technical information as part of membership."

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Güntner Announces New Product Offering

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).

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Paraguay Becomes Latest Country to Adopt IIAR Standards

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 industries in Latin America. The country exports their products worldwide, including to Brazil, which is the largest exporter in the world of meat products.

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Calibration Technologies Attends IIAR Guadalajara Conference

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 lower emissions by adopting natural refrigerants, IIAR is providing the much-needed safety standards and CTI is providing gas detectors for NH3, CO2, and hydrocarbons.”

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Work on the AIM Act Continues

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, said the EPA doesn't have a statutory date for finalizing the Subsection.

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Emergency Release Reporting Best Practices Ensure Compliance

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 that exceeds the chemical’s reportable quantity (RQ)—100 pounds for anhydrous ammonia—immediately upon becoming aware of the leak,” said Bent Wiencke, principle at Chill-On LLC. “The EPA has established through precedent that ‘immediately’ means ‘within 15 minutes.'"

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Leading the Way: How IIAR’s Regulatory Relationships Create Value for the Industry and Agencies

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 Randel, senior vice president of government and legal affairs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance.

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Cybersecurity Remains a Critical Concern as System Connectivity Increases

“Industrial refrigeration systems are becoming more and more automated. The internet is touching almost every part of the business now,” said Lowell Randel, senior vice president of government and legal affairs at the Global Cold Chain Alliance. "As such, if that is compromised, it can influence your refrigeration systems, production, all of your data, and all of your financials, so having an eye toward cyber defense is something everybody needs to do."

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GEA Releases Web Application Monitoring

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 to inform the user about faults and errors as well as recommended troubleshooting options.

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OSHA Proposes Expansion to Emergency Response Requirements

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 range of hazards facing emergency responders, lag behind changes in protective equipment performance and industry practices, conflict with industry consensus standards and are not aligned with many current emergency response guidelines provided by other U.S. federal agencies (e.g., Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency).

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2024 Conference Recap

More 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 natural refrigeration industry.

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RSES and RETA Merger Moves Forward

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) will be merging with the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) to help build awareness of industrial refrigeration careers and increase the number of technicians entering the industrial space. “We believe we will be better together moving forward,” said Jim Barron, executive director of RETA.

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EPA Issues Final Rule with Risk Management Program Changes

On March 11th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Final Rule that makes changes to the agency’s Risk Management Program (RMP). The move is the latest in a series of rulemakings related to RMP over the last 10 years and reinstates several requirements similar to those mandated by the Obama Administration and later rescinded by the Trump Administration.

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RMP Rule Changes Resulting from the SCCAP Rule

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued proposed rule changes to the Risk Management Program Rule as part of the Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule. The final rule provisions took effect on May 10, but there are future phase-in dates for some provisions. Douglas Reindl, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the founding director of the Industrial Refrigeration Consortium, provided an overview of the rule during IIAR’s annual meeting.

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Refrigeration Industry Works to Increase Diversity and Inclusion

The industrial refrigeration industry is working to build a diverse workforce and foster an inclusive environment, and this year’s annual conference created opportunities for those in the industry to learn more about promoting diversity and inclusion. “Diversifying our workforce not only broadens the talent pool but also provides our industry the opportunity to flourish with varying perspectives and backgrounds,” said Melissa Cassell, finance director for General Refrigeration Company.

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Colmac Coil Builds Cooler for NASA

Colmac Coil said it has built a specialized replacement fluid cooler for the cooling system of the 70-meter (230 feet) diameter dish antenna that is officially known as Deep Space Station 14 (nicknamed Mars antenna) that’s part of the Deep Space Network (DSN). The company said the project was completed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Located at the agency’s Goldstone site near Barstow, California, the Colmac Coil fluid cooler will help cool a part of the largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system in the world.

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What’s NEXT: LESSONS FROM CALIFORNIA’S HFC PHASEDOWN

Companies nationwide are phasing out high global-warming potential refrigerants as they comply with federal and state regulatory requirements and meet their corporate ESG and climate goals. The natural refrigerant industry is prepared to meet increasing demand.

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Copeland Announces DOE Grant Award

Copeland announced that it has received a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant to support a $2.5 million project to research and develop innovative heat pump technology for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The company said the grant will fund the research and development for a modular, plug-and-play, load-flexible heat pump technology with low-cost thermal energy storage for space conditioning and water heating.

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Innovative Refrigeration Announces Tube Ice Maker Project with CO2 Refrigerant

Innovative Refrigeration Systems said it completed a two-stage cascade refrigeration system for a tube ice maker in Pennsylvania. The company said the project is unique because the tube ice makers were specifically designed to work with CO2 as the refrigerant, making them environmentally friendly.

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ARE NATURAL REFRIGERANTS THE ONLY SURE BET?

“With the second regulation finalized, the EPA is addressing technology transition. It previously focused on production and consumption and will next consider and rule on refrigerant management.

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EPA Publishes Final Technology Transitions Rule to Phase Down HFCs

On October 5th, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan signed the Final Rule Technology Transitions authorized under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act designed to phase down hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) use.

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THE TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE

The refrigeration industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workers for years, and the problem continues to grow, creating significant challenges, disrupting essential operations, and limiting growth. “At a high level, the workforce shortage creates a bottleneck that threatens the industry’s ability to meet regulatory timelines,” said Danielle Wright, executive director of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council.

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President’s Message by Gary Schrift

The months after IIAR’s annual conference are always think about the next membership year ahead. While there’s always a lot going on in these last few days of summer, it’s nice to pause for a moment and reflect on what it means to be an IIAR member and what new plans we have for the future.

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Upcoming IIAR Conference Features Significant Changes

The 2024 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo, March 24-27, in Orlando, will bring several significant changes from previous years, including an updated schedule and an exclusive Natural Refrigeration Foundation Fun Day.

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Assessing and Mitigating Risk

Managing risk is an important part of any business, but especially for those that work with refrigerants, which can create a safety hazard if they aren’t handled properly. However, the best ways to manage and estimate risk aren’t always clear cut.

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OSHA Announces New Emphasis Program Targeting Warehouses and Distribution Centers

On July 13th, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced a new national emphasis program (NEP) targeting workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments.

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Hydrocarbon Standard Moves Forward with Public Review

The IIAR HC (Hydrocarbon) Standard has continued to move forward and was recently released for its first public review. The 45-day public review ran from July 7 through August 21. As of early August, the standard had received 92 comments.

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Understanding

Have you ever thought about your understanding of the equipment and tools we use as well as the entire refrigeration system(s)? Many times, or maybe all of the time we assume we or someone else understands until something happens. This may be like the definition of confidence I have heard, which is “That feeling you get just before you understand the situation.”

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IIAR Board Advances Standards, Undertakes New Initiatives, and Celebrates Members

IIAR has recently had its June board meeting, and the board took action on several critical IIAR standards and initiatives, welcomed new committee chairs, and celebrated members who have devoted valuable time and expertise to the industry.

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IIAR Remembers

Klaas Visser, known to the natural refrigeration industry as a relentless environmental advocate who is credited by many for helping lead the renaissance of CO2, as well as a tireless innovator who introduced pivotal new refrigeration system designs, has passed away at the age of 83.

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The Design of CO2 Refrigeration System Using Ammonia System Design Principles

Over the past 20 years or so the use of CO2 refrigerant as the first stage of CO2/HFC and CO2/NH3 cascade systems has increased significantly. The use of two-stage transcritical CO2 systems, which are invariably air cooled, is an increasing trend. Frequently, two-stage gas coolers are used with water sprayed on the secondstage air-cooled gas coolers to reduce the gas cooler exit temperature to as low a value as possible.

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IIAR WELCOMES 1,700 IIAR MEMBERS IN LONG BEACH

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration 2023 Annual Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo in Long Beach, California. The event provided four days of technical knowledge, networking, and industry-sponsored events for those involved in the natural refrigeration industry. Roughly 1,700 attendees took part in the show and IIAR set a new record with its exhibit space.

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President’s Message by Gary Schrift

Our Annual Conference in Long Beach was a great success, and now that the flurry of committee meetings, networking events, and technical discussions have 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.

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Uriah Donaldson, Gabriel Gutierrez, Winners of the 2023 IIAR Award for Presentation Excellence

Uriah Donaldson, a process safety consultant and account manager for Resource Compliance, received IIAR’s 2023 Award for Presentation Excellence for his outstanding description of “The Cost of Non-Compliance: An Objective Analysis of Federal EPA’s Enforcement at Ammonia Facilities” during IIAR’s 2023 Annual Conference in Long Beach, California.

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Natural Refrigeration Foundation Annual Golf Tournament a Success

The Natural Refrigeration Foundation has raised more than $73,000 at its annual golf tournament. The foundation promotes the climate-positive, safe, reliable, and efficient use of natural refrigerants through research and scholarships to develop industry talent, academic alliances, and outreach.

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Industrial Refrigeration Faces Significant Cybersecurity Risks

The use of technology in the industrial refrigeration industry continues to increase, and automation and internet control of facilities are becoming commonplace. The benefits of automation and control are massive, but there is also a downside. The systems can be vulnerable to attack, making cybersecurity measures essential to protect against cyber threats.

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Heat Pumps Hold Potential in Household and Commercial Applications

Heat pumps can significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and the adoption of heat pumps is continuing to increase in both household and industrial applications as technology advances.

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Work Continues on IIAR Standards

The Standards Committee is continuing its work on revisions of several standards, which must be reviewed and revised a minimum of every five years by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for IIAR to remain as an accredited Standards Developing Organization (SDO). Updates for each standard were given during the IIAR Standards Committee Meeting at the IIAR 2023 Annual Conference in Long Beach.

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IIAR Remembers Members for Their Service and Contributions

IIAR’s success hinges on the involvement of its members, and the association would like to pay tribute to several members who have passed away. These members generously shared their time and expertise with IIAR and the industry, and they will be missed.

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IIAR, RETA Work to Increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Industry

Industrial refrigeration has long been a male-dominated industry with women being few and far between, whether it be at the enduser, contractor, or manufacturer level, but that is changing.

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Keeping Up by Dr. Janet Lapp

The increase in the volume of work resulting from regulatory changes is superimposed on a backset of a) unprecedented instability and b) an increasing and overwhelming number of decisions we are forced to make daily. Generative A.I. is compounding the overwhelm. The number of decisions every day has increased tenfold over the last three years (74%), 78% are bombarded with more data than ever, and 86% say the volume of data is making decisions much more complicated.

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OSHA Nears Completion of Final Rule on Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Requirements

On April 7, 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted its latest injury and illness recordkeeping proposal to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). Submission to OIRA usually marks the last step in the rulemaking process before a Final Rule is published. Injury and illness recordkeeping has been the subject of regulatory attention by the last three administrations.

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Lesson Learned: Bad Decommissioning Mistake

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 the system or portion of it may be decommissioned due to a business discussion. Due to various conditions, it may become necessary to decommission a system or portions of it, which is defined in ANSI/ IIAR 8- 2020 – Decommissioning of Closed-Circuit Ammonia Refrigeration Systems as: “The permanent deactivation of a closed-circuit refrigeration system.”

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Benefit of Ammonia Heat Pump Implementation in the Industry and for District Heating

Over the last 15 years the market for high-temperature ammonia heat pumps has been growing in Europe and now it is also taking off in North America. That period in Europe has yielded many lessons as higher pressure and temperature present new challenges in refrigerant design. This paper explains where heat pump installation differs from refrigeration installation through three case studies of installations in Europe.

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President’s Message by Gary Shrift

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration is growing, both within the United States and abroad, thanks to the use of natural refrigerants, and nowhere is this more evident than at the IIAR annual conference. This year, we’ll meet in person in Long Beach, California to discuss everything from HFC phaseouts to the AIM Act, to new technologies.

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Chairman’s Message

As I wind up my year as chairman of our International Association of Industrial Refrigeration, I look back and see all the wonderful accomplishments that you – our members and committees have achieved –setting the stage for even more in the year ahead. First on my list is the newly formed IIAR AIM Act Task Force. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) Act is expected to increase the long-term use of natural refrigerants and bring significant new opportunities to the natural refrigerant industry.

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High Growth For Low Charge

The pace of adoption of low-charge and packaged systems continues to increase as government regulations, sustainability initiatives, safety precautions, and technology advance. “There has been a drive to reduce refrigerant charge in all refrigeration,” said John Collins, industrial sales manager for Zero Zone. “The synthetic refrigerants containing HFC compounds are being regulated. Current and proposed regulations set definite limits which are driving system design for those types of systems and driving low-charge systems and more packaged unitary equipment because they’re trying to get the charge down.”

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IIAR Annual Conference Heads to Long Beach

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration 2023 annual Natural Refrigeration Conference & Expo will take place in Long Beach, California, March 12th15th with a Foundation Golf Outing on March 11th and the first ever Foundation Pickleball/Cornhole Tournament on March 12th. The event provides four days of technical knowledge, networking, and industry-sponsored events for those involved in the natural refrigeration industry.

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Identifying Hazards Using Appropriate Assessment Techniques

The United States EPA National Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program implemented several national compliance initiatives (NCIs) effective for FY2020-2023. One of these NCIs is titled “Reducing Risks of Accidental Releases at Industrial and Chemical Facilities”. IIAR has received notice from the EPA and several end-users that one area of their focus is to determine whether facilities using hazardous chemicals have conducted a hazard analysis.

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Technical Papers Provide In-Depth Thought Leadership at the IIAR Conference

During the annual IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition, industry experts will come together to present technical papers at the IIAR Technical Program. This year’s papers will address several key categories, including carbon dioxide, security, and safety.

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Update on IIAR Standards: 2023

IIAR is the world’s leading advocate for the safe, reliable, and efficient use of ammonia and other natural refrigerants as well as an ANSI-accredited standards developer. IIAR is currently the only organization writing design and operation standards specifically for ammonia and other natural refrigeration systems. All IIAR Standards are developed to meet essentialrequirement criteria set by ANSI. All IIAR Standards must be re-affirmed every 5 years.

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EPA Proposes HFC Phase Down Rule for Refrigeration Sector

On December 9th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to advance the transition to more efficient heating and cooling technologies by restricting the use of hydrofluorocarbo and refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment beginning in 2025. EPA has listed entities potentially impacted by the rule to include companies that manufacture, import, export, package, sell or otherwise distribute products that use or are intended to use HFCs, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, foams, and aerosols.

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Code and Standards Road Map Overview

Alot has happened since 2019. IIAR, in its continuing mission to promote the safe and sustainable use of natural refrigerants, produced the ANSI/IIAR CO2-2021 Safety Standard for Closed-Circuit Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration Systems. As the phase-down of F-gas refrigerants continues to accelerate worldwide, CO2 technology has become an increasingly popular option utilized in the industrial refrigeration sector and more recently in the commercial refrigeration sector.