The Natural Refrigeration Review is a quarterly publication that contains technical articles, regulatory and code updates, industry news and information about IIAR activities and publications. It is distributed by email to all IIAR Members and IIAR Contact lists.
SUMMER 2026 THE NATURAL REFRIGERATION REVIEW
The Natural Refrigeration Review issues are available as PDF downloads for both lIAR members and non-members, or as individual article posts below. Click the button to view the full issue, or scroll through all the individual issue articles below.
The Case for CO2
The use of CO2 as a refrigerant has grown in recent years, thanks to market demand spurred by a combination of environmental regulatory actions and technology advances in microprocessor controls and valve design.
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EPA Issues Enforcement Alert on Anhydrous Ammonia
In February 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an enforcement alert entitled: “Anhydrous Ammonia at Refrigeration Facilities Under Scrutiny by U.S. EPA.” The EPA’s Office of Civil Enforcement issues alerts such as this periodically to highlight areas where the agency is placing enforcement priority.
Read MoreWelcome to San Diego and the 2015 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition!
It’s time again for the industrial refrigeration industry’s largest conference and we think this will be one of the best and most informative programs we’ve ever produced. I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome all attendees to the 2015 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition.
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Never Stop Learning
Over several decades I have met and worked with many outstanding refrigeration operators and engineers. These refrigeration operators have been able to truly operate their systems in an efficient, effective, and safe manner while keeping any ammonia releases down to incidental levels.
Read MoreThe Codes and Standards Conundrum
In discussions on which codes and standards should be adhered to, I am all too often reminded of Daniel Patrick Moynihan who is the former U.S. Senator attributed with saying “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.”
Read MoreIIAR Technical Program Highlights Growth of Natural Refrigerants
The growth of natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO2 in industrial and commercial facilities, and the regulatory restrictions that accompany their use will be a central topic of discussion in technical papers to be presented at this year’s IIAR Annual Conference in San Diego.
Read MoreU.S. Chemical Safety Board Issues Bulletin on Hydraulic Shock
The U.S. Safety Chemical Board, or CSB, issued a safety bulletin on Jan. 15 that provided recommendations for industries utilizing anhydrous ammonia in bulk refrigeration operations.
Read MoreR-22 Phase Out Begins in U.S.
The recently issued U.S. government schedule for the phase out of R-22 is set to create opportunities for both the providers of natural refrigerants and for the developers of small charge technologies.
Read MoreIIAR Opens Search for New ARF Executive Director
The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration is looking for a new executive director for the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation to lead the non-profit research and education organization toward continued growth and expansion.
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IIAR Chapters Installation Project: Good News from the International Committee
Because we are always looking to make the information that we produce available to a greater number of end users for the benefit of our industry, the International Committee, following the direct request of our IIAR Chairman, Marcos Braz, has initiated the IIAR Chapters Implementation Project worldwide.
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Satisfying EAP and ERP Requirements
Every owner of an industrial ammonia refrigeration plant with more than 500 pounds of ammonia in the United States is required by government regulations to have an action and, or, response plan in place should an emergency event occur.
Read MoreNon-Condensable Gases in an Ammonia Refrigeration System
Although it could take many years for non-condensable gases to accumulate in an ammonia closed-circuit mechanical refrigeration system – enough to cause abnormal operations to be evident – that buildup will almost certainly occur if it isn’t managed.
Read MoreINDUSTRIAL REFRIGIRATION VAPOR VALVE SIZING: An upadated approach
The current methodology for valve sizing has been accepted in the industrial refrigeration industry for years. This paper will review past efforts undertaken in the literature and standards to determine suitable methods for quantifying the compressible flow pressure drop in valves and attempts to compare them while providing a base rationale for which, if any, are appropriate methods for determining pressure drop
Read MoreChairman’s Message
The New Year is almost here, and for many of us, that means we’re wrapping up projects and getting ready for 2015. At IIAR headquarters, your staff team is hard at work adding the fi nal touches to the annual conference programming and conducting general planning activities for the year ahead.
Read MorePresident’s Message by Dave Rule
One of IIAR’s most important responsibilities is advocating on behalf of our members on state and federal policy. I’m happy to report that in 2014 we stepped up our efforts even more in this realm and we’ve been working closely with government regulatory agencies to provide them with our expertise in a number of different ways.
Read MoreTHE MECHANICS OF CHANGE: Developing Industry-Specific Education to Narrow Industrial Refrigeration’s Skills Gap
Much has been made of the so-called manufacturing skills gap in the United States as manufacturers across a wide swath of industries report that the pool of prospective workers with the skill sets and certifications required to perform highly specialized job functions is narrowing, even as U.S. manufacturing continues its steady climb.
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IIAR Leads Coalition in Response to RMP Request for Information
In July 24, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency published a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the agency’s Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations. The RFI was generated as a part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to implement Executive Order 13650 - Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.
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Avoiding Complacency
In most cases, experience is something we build upon. It allows us to take advantage of the things we’ve learned, and hopefully, remember those lessons when they matter most. But sometimes, no matter how important the lesson, it can get overlooked.
Read MoreGuntner Brazil Implements ARM for Climatic Test Chamber
The Ammonia Refrigeration Management Program, built by the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration to help small facilities develop a sound safety plan focused on prevention, now has a global reach.
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Managing Infiltration
The buildup of frost and ice in a freezer at an industrial refrigeration facility is a sure-fire way to drain dollars from the bottom line. When the psychrometric properties of freezer air mass and infiltration air are not properly managed, energy costs can increase substantially.
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